St. Joseph's Altar in Turin-Valdocco: As Don Bosco Wanted It

By Fr. Tim Zak

The altar dedicated to St. Joseph, very large and beautiful, has the important peculiarity of being the only altar of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Turin-Valdocco that remains as Don Bosco wanted it, even after the extension works of the Basilica carried out from 1934 to 1938.

The central painting was made by the painter Lorenzone (the same as the large painting on the main altar), who worked on precise indications from Don Bosco. St. Joseph is represented holding the Child Jesus in his arms. Next to him, with a sweet and maternal attitude of approval, we have Mary, with her hands joined.

One important detail to note is how the Child Jesus gives St. Joseph some roses, and he makes them fall on the Church of Maria Ausiliatrice and on the Oratory of Turin-Valdocco, which appears as it was in 1869.

On the day of the inauguration, unfolding the picture, Don Bosco said, “White and red roses are the graces that God grants to us: even red roses, those accompanied by pain, suffering, and sacrifices, come from God and are the best.”