1859 The high school curriculum is completed (5 grades); beginning of the St. Joseph's sodality; the Salesian Society comes to the fore but as a private religious association in practice.
1860 The first lay helpers (Coadjutors) are admitted into the privately constituted Society. 1861 (December 31) Authorisation is given to open the printing shop.
1862 The blacksmith’s shop is introduced; first profession of religious vows (May 14).
1863 The first school outside Turin is inaugurated under the direction of Fr. Michael Rua. On this occasion, Don Bosco writes a letter to Fr. Rua. It would become the original core of the future Confidential reminders to Rectors (the school would move to Borgo San Martino in 1870). The beginning of the construction of the Church of Mary Help Of Christians in Turin.
1864 The Lanzo Torinese College (boarding school) becomes operative. The Decretum Laudis on behalf of the Salesian Society is issued.
1865 Don Bosco’s new project: Bibliotheca degli scittori latini (The library of Christian authors). It actually began in l866 with the title: Selecta ex latinis scriptoribus in usum scholarum (Selections from Latin authors for the use of schools). .
1868 Consecration of the Church of Mary Help of Christians.
1869 (Feb.l9) The Holy See definitively approves the Salesian Society; the school at Cherasco is opened; the first volume of the Biblioteca della gioventu italiana (Library for Italian youth) is published (It would come to an end in l885, the last publication would be No. 204).
1870 The College at Alassio is founded.
1871 The College at Varazze and the Technical Schoolin Marassi are opened (The latter would transfer to Sampierdarena near Genoa the following year).
1872 The Valsalice College for young noblemen is accepted. The foundation takes place of the religious female branch of the Salesian Society with the title of Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
1874 Final, definitive approval of the Salesian Constitutions by the Holy See.
1875-l887 The Salesian effort spreads throughout Europe (France, Spain, England) and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, etc.) with undertakings related to emigrants, schools and other educational Institutions and missionary activities.
1876 Pope Pius IX approves the Pious Union of Salesian Cooperators.
1877 The first General Chapter of the Salesian society of St. Francis de Sales is held. Three others will follow it in Don Bosco’s lifetime: 1880, 1883, and 1886. In l877, the pages written by Don Bosco on The Preventive system are published as well as the Il Regolamento per le case (Rules for the Houses). In August, Il bibliofilo cattolico (The Catholic book lover..The Salesian Bulletin) begins. 1880 Don Bosco accepts responsibility for building the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome. The Basilica would be consecrated May 14, l887.
1881 (February) The Utrera College (Spain) is opened.
1883 Don Bosco’s triumphant trip to Paris.
1884 Next to last trip to Rome (the 19th). The so called Privileges are finally granted in June l884. 1886 April 8 - May 6: extraordinary welcoming reception given to Don Bosco in Spain, Don Bosco's stay in Spain at Sarria and Barcelona.
1887 (May) Don Bosco's last trip to Rome on the occasion of the consecration of the Basilica of the