Preparation for Death

On February 1, at the "Good Night,"Don Bosco had announced: "One of you will die, perhaps even before this month's Exercise for a Happy Death. If he lives long enough to make it, this will be the longest he will live."

The announcement had been prompted by a dream. One night Don Bosco dreamed that he was walking into the playground with his usual ‘guide’ during recreation time. Unexpectedly, a majestic, magnificent eagle appeared out of nowhere and began circling over the boys, gradually flying lower and lower. As Don Bosco gazed on in wonder, the guide said, "Do you see that eagle? It is after one of your boys."

"Which one?" Don Bosco asked.

"The one on whose head it will rest. Look!"

Don Bosco's eyes never left the eagle which, after wheeling about a little longer, finally spiraled down and perched on the head of thirteen-year-old Anthony Ferraris of Castellazzo Bormida. Don Bosco recognized the boy perfectly and then awoke. To assure himself that he was awake he clapped his hands. Then, mulling over the dream, he silently prayed, "0 Lord, if this is really going to happen, when will it be?"

He fell asleep again and once more he dreamed. His mysterious guide reappeared and said, "Ferraris will not live long enough to make the Exercise for a Happy Death more than once." He then vanished. BM Vol. 8, ch. 5, p.35

Keep in mind that Don Bosco always prepared his boys for their final moments here on earth. He deemed his mission accomplished when he could assure himself and his boys that Heaven would be their final destinations. He was not afraid to die because he himself was ever-prepared for it. Likewise, always keep in mind that dying is merely a doorway to the eternal bliss of heaven. Be never complacent when under the death of Mortal Sin.

Article 54: Death of the Confrere ...The community supports with greater love and prayer the confrere who is gravely ill. When the hour comes for him to bring his consecrated life to its fulfillments, his brothers help him to enter fully into Christ's paschal mystery...