THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
schools or Festive Oratories to the number of 4000 occupied the side aisles of the immense edifice, while the nave was crowded with people of all ranks and conditions. The Solemn High Mass was celebrated by Father Grote, Redemptorist, the music being given by combined choirs of 500 voices. His Grace the Archbishop, surrounded by the Metropolitan Chapter, intoned the Te Deum which was then taken up alternately by choir and people. Souvenirs—medals and pictures—were distributed to all who had taken part.
"The afternoon of the same day saw a great and memorable gathering at the College of Pius IX. A gymnastic display was given first, the boys from the rival College of Leo XIII distinguishing themselves in it. Four bands from Salesian Schools then gave a musical concert, which was followed by the discourse of the occasion by His Lordship the bishop of La Plata." El Colegio Pio Mono referred to, was the scene of the early labours of the second Salesian Bishop, the lamented Msgr. Lasagna, who gave to it a high standard of mental and moral culture, so that it has played a distinguished part in the intellectual life of the State.
Celebrations of a similar character were held in all the Salesian Institutes in honor of the Venerable. Far surpassing in splendor all that had preceded, however, was the solemn Triduum held in the Oratory of Turin at the first commemoration of the Anniversary of the Venerable Don
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