Trust in God

Don Bosco was called several times by the Minister of the Interior, Giovanni Lanza, for ’very important matters as regards church officials. At that time Don Bosco more than anyone else was in a position to assess the leanings of the Roman Curia, to know which envoy would be more acceptable to the Pope and cardinals and who could help bring about successful negotiations in Rome. Later on, he did mention this most delicate task of his to us, but at this time he maintained strict secrecy.

Among other things, he told us of Lanza's friendliness to him. One day, in the presence of other cabinet ministers, Lanza said to him, "Don Bosco, tell us, how can you meet so many expenses? Where do you get the money to feed all those boys? What's your secret?"

"Sir," Don Bosco answered, "I operate as a steam engine."

"What do you mean? I don't quite follow you."

"I keep going puff, puff!"

"Yes, but these 'puffs' must eventually be paid. What's your secret for that?"

"I will tell you, Your Excellency. An engine needs fuel ......

"What kind of fuel do you really mean?"

"The fuel of trust in God!" Don Bosco replied. "Without it, empires fall, kingdoms come to ruin, and the work of man is brought to naught."

These words, uttered as Don Bosco sometimes was wont to do, gave Lanza food for thought. BM Vol. 8, ch. 6, p.44-45

Keep in mind that Don Bosco's outstanding trust in God was beyond words. It is true that his great projects astounded everyone, but in the quiet of his room, he prayed and worked just as God wanted him to do. It reminds me of a saying: Work like everything depends on you. Pray like everything depends on God.

Article 1: God's action in the foundation and life of our society ...With a feeling of humble gratitude, we believe that the Society of St. Francis de Sales came in to being not as merely human venture, but by the initiative of God. Through the motherly intervention of Mary, the Holy Spirit raised up St. John Bosco to contribute to the salvation of youth, "that part of human society which is so exposed and yet so rich in promise."