Our Patron

Blessed Philip Rinaldi, the third successor of Saint Don Bosco, was born in 1856, and he met Don Bosco at an early age. The Saint saw within the young man the makings of a good teacher and a future Salesian, and he took personal care to ensure that Philip continued his studies. At age 22, Philip entered the Salesian order, and he was ordained a priest in 1882.

A humble and quiet leader, Philip was entrusted with great responsibility. He worked with prudence, charity, and intelligence, overseeing the growth of the Salesian order in Spain, and later serving as Prefect General of the Congregation.

In 1921 he was elected the third successor of Saint Don Bosco, and he was granted the spirit and energy to help the Salesian order adapt to new times and circumstances. He was a fervent supporter of missionary work, care for vocations, and spiritual renewal in the congregation. He labored with confidence in God, and he entrusted all his works to Mary Help of Christians.

Philip died in 1931, and he was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 29, 1990. He is the patron of the Vice-Province of the Salesians in Haiti.

God, infinitely good father,
you called Blessed Philip Rinaldi,
the third successor of St. John Bosco,
to inherit his spirit and works:
Help us to imitate his paternal goodness, his apostolic initiative,
and his tireless work, sanctified by union with God.
Grant us the graces we entrust to his intercession.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen