Newness of Perspective

From Mornese, Don Bosco traveled to Modena on Dec. 19, 1867. Here he had an audience with Archbishop Emil Cugini as regards matters concerning the new Salesian Society. The Archbishop also voiced out his concerns about how to get vocations from his diocese, and this was graciously commented on by Don Bosco. He made a novel suggestion of making his priests offer masses for vocations, and therefore not only get spiritual graces, but temporal graces as well. The Archbishop hesitated at first, but after he wrote to Rome, he received it with approval. Meanwhile, a fitting conclusion to this volume is a miracle wrought by Mary, to the would-be-ordained Fr. Peter Racca. As he could not study for his ordination exams, he prayed fervently to the Help of Christians. One day before the test, he was able to understand everything he read, and passed with flying colors. BM 85

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was a man of innovation. He looked at things with great optimism. Because of this, he was a man of creativity, and was praised highly for it. Have you though about anything new today for reviving your apostolate? For reinvigorating your class? For rejuvenating your prayer life?

Article 19: Initiative and Flexibility “The Salesian is called to be a realist and to be attentive to the signs of the times, convinced that the Lord manifests his will also through the demands of time and place... Timely response to these needs requires him to keep abreast of new trends and meet them with the well-balanced creativity of the Founder; periodically he evaluates his work.”

Spreading the works

On December 7, 1867, Don Bosco went from Turin to Mornese, to bless the nearly completed 3-storey building which housed a school and a chapel. There was a gret assembly of people, headed by Fr. Pestarino, the parish priest of the locality. They offered gifts of their harvest to Don Bosco as they thanked God for their safety from death from the Cholera attack, and from bad weather. BM 84

Keep in mind that Don Bosco did not stop the work of God just because he was tired. He worked zealously to spread this in as many lands as possible, and here, to support the work of the budding FMA congregation. He was able to do this not of his own power, but in his trust in God and in the young people around him.

Article 40: Don Bosco’s Oratory, a Permanent Criterion “Don Bosco lived a pastoral experience in his first Oratory which serves as a model; it was for the youngsters a home that welcomed, a parish that evangelized, as school that prepared them for life and a playground where friends could meet and enjoy themselves...”

A Trifling Conflict

As I have mentioned in previous chapters, Don Bosco was popular, but no necessarily well-liked by everyone. In this incident, we see a continuing dispute against him and the pastors of Caramagna and None, who were totally against him, turning priests out of Oratorians, and letting them serve in the Society. One particular priest, Fr. Abrate, whose parishioner was Paul Albera, was adamant at letting him continue in the Oratory. He insisted that Don Bosco was even pulling vocations away from the parishes, and urging them to join the Salesians. However, many other priests also sided with Don Bosco, justifying that Don Bosco was indeed the one who educated, sheltered and loved Albera, and thus also had right as to letting him be ordained in the Society. With this, Fr. Abrate gave in and understood Don Bosco’s goodwill. BM 83

Keep in mind that Don Bosco, not as well-liked as he may be, rested in the providence of God. He went through all troubles, but he kept his head to heaven. He was assured by his good intention that everything was for the greater glory of God.

Article 35: Introduction to Ecclesial life “We introduce the young to the experience of ecclesial life... To this end, we promote and animate groups and movements for formation and apostolic and social action. In these, the young people grow in awareness of their own responsibilities and learn to give their irreplaceable contribution to the transformation of the world and to the life of the Church, and so become themselves the ‘first apostles of the young, in direct contact with them.’”

Fishing for vocations

During the last few months of 1867, Don Bosco set out for the school at Lanzo, and there, tried to fish for vocations. He was fond of using words of urging which implied his invitation to the Salesian life to the boys whom he saw fir for the vocation. He would say “I would like to chop your head off.” To this, the more mature ones understood that it was their call to one day give their all, their obedience, to Don Bosco. He then would supplement it with correspondences to those boys, and this would usually produce his desired results. BM 82

Keep in mind that Don Bosco attracted vocations to himself. He used tactful words of encouragement, at times, even vague in meaning, but with total determination to help the youngster follow his vocation. As a Salesian, do you attract vocations to yourself, or do you repel? Learn to look at the youngsters from an optimistic point of view for their future.

Article 58: The Provincial Community “...Attentive to the youth situation, it coordinates and evaluates our apostolic work through its various services; it encourages collaboration , stimulates pastoral work for vocations, provides for the continuity of our works, and is open to new activities...”

Trust in Mary

Don Bosco predicted the fate of Rome. It was a bleak future, but he heroically said that if he only had the chance to go there, he would tell everyone to remain calm because everything would be all right. He added an urging of trust in the Blessed Mother for protection. Indeed, Don Bosco’s forecast was correct, and it only pertained o the invasion of 1867. BM 81

Keep in mind that Don Bosco’s memoirs have this same refrain repeating throughout: faith in Mary. There have not been any prayers to Mary that have not been unanswered. Have you that same faith? Is Mary a part of your life?

Article 87: The Community attentive to the Word “...With the Sacred Scriptures daily at hand, we welcome the Word as Mary did and ponder it in our heart, so that it will bear fruit and we may proclaim it with zeal.”

Humility II

Humility, aside from zeal for souls, was a trademark of Don Bosco. He attributed all to Divine providence, always saying that if God wouldn't have called his poor servant, I would not be in your midst. Everything is the work of God. He was a man of prayer, of calmness especially in times of trouble. He was likewise very open to suggestions, just as he was suggested by Father Rua as he made a little mistake as he said mass. He always regarded himself as the popular, but “useless servant” of the Lord. BM 80

Keep in mind that Don Bosco thrived in humility. It is easy to pretend one’s humility because when we say that we are humble, we make ourselves prepared for it. The true test of humility is when someone, lower than you, corrects you and points out your faults. If you accept this, be proud: you are humble!

Article 72: Gospel Significance of our poverty “We are aware of the generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ: though he was rich, he made himself poor so that through is poverty, we might become rich... Like the apostles, at our Lord’s invitation we free ourselves from concern and worry about earthly goods and, trusting in the providence of the Father, we dedicate ourselves to the service of the Gospel.”

Sign of Hope

With his popularity even among the people of the government, Don Bosco secretly received anonymous letters concerning the plots of attacks to Rome. He had them copied by a trustworthy confrere and had it secretly sent to Rome to warn the people there. To safeguard the anonymous writer, he tore the original to pieces. He continued to receive letters and did the same with them. All throughout, he was not frightened, yet he instilled in the people a great deal of faith and hope. BM 79

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was a source of hope in trying times. With his optimism and joy, he was a moving force against undue attacks by the enemy. He did this for both the enemies inside and outside the soul.

Article 63: Witness of the World to Come “...The evangelical counsels, fashioning his heart entirely for the Kingdom, help him to discern and welcome God’s action in history; in the simplicity and hard work of daily life they transform him into an educator who proclaims to the young “new heavens and a new earth,” awakening in them hope and the dedication and joy to which it gives rise.”

A Public Reprimand

In one of his Good Nights, Don Bosco had to make extraordinary mention of six misbehaved boys who have beer wreaking havoc into the souls of the other youngsters. He mentioned their names, mindless of the humiliation they might receive, but in the end, was received in good taste. The boys were left crying in the courtyard, and immediately, reconciled with God through Don Bosco. Meanwhile, an old parish priest, Father Anthony Cinzano, was cured of his deafness while saying mass. Because of this, he went back to Don Bosco, making a donation. BM 78

Keep in mind that Don Bosco knew how to reprimand. He was quick both to love and forgive, which made his loved back by the boys. He exercised his fatherly duty without hesitation, knowing that these actions are all according to God’s design. How are you being an elder brother, or a father to the youngsters assigned to you?

Article 45: Common and Complimentary responsibilities “...The Salesian Priest or deacon brings to the common work of promoting human development and of educating in the faith the specific quality of his ministry, which makes him sign of Christ, the Good Shepherd, especially by preaching the Gospel and administering the sacraments...”

Become Saints!

Don Bosco continued to speak to the boys during hid Good Nights about Mary, Help of Christians. By this time, the Cholera had struck once again, and Don Bosco urged his boys to wear the medal of Mary, Help of Christians. With this was the exhortation t recite daily a Pater, Ave and a Gloria. He also gave tips on how to become saints, at least in this life, and the first on the list was to be obedient. Meanwhile, the Holy See gave a Decree of Praise to the Society, but then the local Archbishop notified Don Bosco that it would be better to ordain his clerics and be absorbed into the archdiocese because of scarcity of priests. Of course, Don Bosco had to disagree, because he too, needed much help in assisting the boys. BM 77

Keep in mind that Don Bosco’s aim was to make people holy. He continues to urge us that the prime reason for entering the Society is to save our souls and the souls of others. Can I say that I am fulfilling this vision for myself and for the people I work with?

Article 61: Fraternal and Apostolic love “...The evangelical counsels, by fostering purification of the heart and spiritual freedom, render our pastoral charity more concerned and productive: the obedient, poor and chaste Salesian is quick to love and serve those to whom the Lord sends him, especially poor youth.”

Mary's Faithfulness

One of the Good Nights of Don Bosco, as chronicled by Father Rua, spoke of a boy, who ever since childhood had daily been reciting The Seven Joys of Mary, came to the point of death. He had been troubled because moments before he breathed his last, he had a vision of Mary beside him. He was asked why he looked so upset, and he said that he was afraid of God’s judgment. He was afraid of hell. But Mary, always to the rescue, assured him that her devotees would never be damned. She also told the boy to spread the word that those who are devoted to her and those who recite her Seven Joys will be consoled at the presence of death. BM 76

Keep in mind that Don Bosco held a special place for Mary in his heart, as well as in the heart of all his followers. Have you any devotion to Mary, that will console you at the hour of death?

Article 98: The Formation Experience “...With the help of Mary, his mother and Teacher, [the Salesian] gradually becomes a pastor and educator of the young in the lay or priestly state which he has embraced.”