Born
1837 m. birželio 9 d.
Died
1910 m. spali 29 d.
Feast day: October 29
Since childhood, Fr. Pupil of Bosco, later became a Salesian. Fr. Mykolas Rua knew how to constantly walk the path of holiness. About him Fr. Bosko used to say: "I will share half of everything with Michael", so as to express appreciation and exclusivity. Careful Fr. Bosco's collaborator was the first to inherit the leadership of the Salesian Congregation. After becoming the Chief Rector, he devoted himself with special commitment and wisdom to the strengthening and development of the congregation, expanding its horizons.
There was great loyalty to Fr. An example for Bosque, who can be named as a true spiritual heir, characterized by apostolic zeal to help the most needy youth and fidelity to the vows of a monk, especially poverty. When Fr. Mykolas Rua's spiritual experience occupies a unique place in the history of the Salesian Congregation and provides a strong support for confronting faithfulness to the spiritual heritage left by the founder.
Blessed Mykolas Rua wrote: "A true son of Fr. Bosco will be satisfied with what is necessary, he will be even more careful that his heart does not attach to unnecessary things. He will often personally check whether everything he has for use is simple and modest. Does he have anything without the permission of his elders, or maybe something is unnecessary for him, and, finally, whether he uses everything for the good of the community with love and zeal." These are tips for Salesians, but they can also be useful for lay people who want to pursue evangelical perfection.
About his first heir, Fr. Bosko wrote in his spiritual testament: "Your rector is dead, but another will be chosen who will take care of you and your eternal salvation. Listen to him, love him and obey him, pray for him as you prayed for me. Goodbye, my dear children, goodbye. I am waiting for you in Heaven..." (Fr. J. Bosko)