(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Historical Institute (ISS), through its “Studi” series, has recently published a unique and groundbreaking book: “Salesians in the Holy Land. From Fr. Belloni’s Work to the British Mandate (1863–1920)” — the first in-depth study ever conducted on the early Salesian presence in the Holy Land.
“A truly innovative work, both in its perspective and approach, deserving of wide recognition within our Congregation,” said Fr. Stanislaw Zimniak, Secretary for Coordination of the ISS.
The book focuses on the settlement and first thirty years of activity of the Salesians in the Holy Land (1891–1920), drawing primarily on previously unpublished archival documents. The arrival of Don Bosco’s Sons and Daughters came in response to an invitation from Patriarchal Canon Fr. Antonio Belloni (1831–1903), who had founded the first Catholic orphanage in Bethlehem thirty years earlier, followed by houses in Beit Jimal, Cremisan, and Nazareth.
Over time, Fr. Belloni’s charitable and educational work expanded to such an extent that he could no longer manage it adequately, lacking both financial and human resources. Wanting to ensure the continuity of institutions so valuable to the Diocese of Jerusalem, he decided to entrust them to a strong Congregation that shared his mission: the Salesians.
The arrival of the Salesians, however, was not without challenges. The newcomers—30 in total, almost all Italian—had to integrate with the existing “Bellonian” community, now in the minority. They also faced significant debts, and legal disputes over property ownership—whether the buildings belonged to the Patriarchate or to Fr. Belloni personally.
The prudence and flexibility of Blessed Michael Rua, who visited the Holy Land twice, played a crucial role in resolving the most urgent problems, even if some compromises were necessary.
As time passed, the growing importance of Salesian works in Palestine began attracting the attention of European powers, each seeking religious and political influence in the region. In 1904, the Salesians opted for Italian protection. Italy, in return for financial support, required that Italian be the primary language taught in Salesian institutions. This sparked strong opposition from some local Salesian confreres, who saw it as the imposition of Italian colonial policy on Palestinian religious works.
Against the backdrop of World War I, these tensions—cultural, disciplinary, and political—escalated, disrupting community life and undermining educational and charitable efforts.
In 1920, Rector Major Fr. Paolo Albera, along with Fr. Pietro Ricaldone, sought to resolve the painful situation by encouraging the Italian “missionaries” to commit more seriously to “inculturation.” They reassigned or repatriated the more disruptive priests, while some were integrated into the Latin Patriarchate’s diocesan clergy. Despite this shake-up and the recent end of the war, the Salesian houses in the Holy Land resumed their mission and experienced significant growth during the British Mandate period.
The book was written by historian Paolo Pieraccini. He has published well researched studies on the history of Florence and Jerusalem, as well as on the Catholic presence in the Holy Land and Cyprus. His work also covers political, legal, religious, and archaeological aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Pieraccini has researched the role of the Holy See and major world powers in relation to Palestine. The book is currently available in Italian.