History
CONTEXT OF THE SALESIAN COMMUNITY
The Salesian House at Testaccio, integral to the development of Rome, originated in the Ripa district and expanded into the Testaccio district, officially established on November 9, 1921. Its roots can be traced back to 1900 when the initial Salesians, commuting daily from Rome-Sacro Cuore, conducted the Pontifical Primary Schools in rented premises on Via Marmorata.
The concept of providing stability to the presence of religious brethren to enable them to cater to the mission in a stable manner originated from Pope Leo XIII. Anticipating significant building developments, he proposed the project initially to the Benedictines of St. Anselm and later to the Salesian Superior, Fr. Michael Rua. However, it was Pope St. Pius X who persuaded the Rector Major to accept the responsibility. Consequently, the church of St. Mary the Liberator, named after an ancient church in the Roman Forum, was consecrated on November 29, 1908, with the inauguration of Clemson Hall following on December 8 of the same year. Subsequently, in 1911, the first classrooms were constructed to facilitate the educative ministry.
Over time, the mission acquired its distinctive features, encompassing parish activities, an oratory, a school, and various pious associations. In 1937, the first gymnasium class commenced, and it wasn't until after the war, during the period of 1947-1950 under the directorship of Fr. Giuseppe Gorgoglione, that the building was expanded to accommodate the upper classes.
The mission thus was in the middle of its development. But...
In 1959 the downsizing took place. The Roman Province developed its presences (at Latina, Frascati-Villa Sora, Genzano, Lanuvio...) and newer ones were built on the outskirts of Rome (Don Bosco-Cinecittà; Gerini-Ponte Mammolo; Borgo Don Bosco-Prenestino...) and the Congregation itself moved its University from Turin to Rome-Sacro Cuore. The experienced Salesian teachers from Testaccio had to be taken and transferred to their new quarters.
And so, the school was down-sized until - in 1980 – when it was left with only primary classes, while the disused classrooms were increasingly adapted for Salesian seminarians and students of philosophy and theology. Over the years they were replaced by Salesian priests who came to Rome to qualify themselves from all over the world to attend the Pontifical Universities.
The mission also had to downsize with the move from the Roman Province (IRO) to the ICC (Central Italy Circumscription) and then in 2013 to the UPS Vice Province (Rome – with San Giuseppe Cafasso as its patron).
