Carlo Gastini
Carlo Gastini (born as Carlo Giovanni Antonio Gastini) was an Italian bookbinder, teacher, actor, and poet. Art and literature were a form of engagement. And the associationism channeled its activism. He is known to be the fundador of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco.
Carlo Gastini PP.DB | |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 23, 1833 |
| Died | January 28, 1902 |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Salesian Oratory of Valdocco |
| Occupation | Bookbinder, teacher, actor, poet and activist |
| Awards | Hon. Mention in 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition |
| Founder of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco | |
| In office 24 June 1870 – 28 February 1902 | |
| Preceded by | Constituency created |
| Succeeded by | Luigi Fumero |
Biography
He was the head of the binding of the Salesian Printing House, one of the oldest in Italy, until his retirement. More than two hundred works came out of his hands. As a result of its prestige, the Salesian Printing House was invited to the[ [1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition]], as well as other international ones in Brussels (1888), Cologne (1889) and Edinburgh (1890).[1]
As a poet, he was the author of countless poems, dialogues, and speeches. His starting point was always everyday life. His poetry was simple and everyday, with some metaphors, full of hope, appealing to the feeling more than the intellect.He also wrote 39 plays and 15 musicals.[2]
In his gratitude to Saint John Bosco for the education he received, in 1870 he founded the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, today present in more than one hundred countries with almost 120,000 members.[3]In English speaking countries the Hall of Fame of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco is formed, among others, by Alfred Hitchcock, Gus O'Donnell, Brian J. Dooley, Jamie Carragher, Kieran Prendergast, Paul Du Noyer, Jim Reid-Anderson, Martin Freeman, Peter Hooton, Tim Brabants, Steve Backshall, Alastair Stewart, Catherine Tate, Martin McDonagh, Frank Davis (American football), Keisean Nixon, Bud Smith, Damien Hardwick, Steve Carfino, Gerry Wood, Bell X1 (band), David Schwarz (footballer) or David Charles (Australian politician).
His daughter Felisa Gastini founded the Association of Alumnae of Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco. And his granddaughter Rosa Gastini, on her retirement from SEI, was distinguished with the highest Italian civil decoration: Order of Merit for Labour. The artist Marco Gastini and the actress Marta Gastini are his descendants.
References
Further reading
- Alasia, M.: Pro Gastini Menestrello (Briscioli, 1901).
- Petroncini, P.: Il menestrello. Omagio di un poeta minore ad un maggior poeta (SEI Editrice, 1894).
- Rodríguez López-Ros, S.: Carlo Gastini. El poeta de Valdocco (Editorial CCS, 2021).