Trust in Prayer

Don Bosco managed to write books between trips and other tasks. Many of his callers, not finding him at the Oratory, had come to know that now and then he would hide a few hours at the Convitto Eccleslastico in order to work in peace. Naturally they began to flock there and thus forced him to seek other hideouts in the homes of benefactors and friends. His favorite hideout was the apartment of Joseph Brosio who had helped him so much in the first difficult years of the Oratory .2 This gentleman, who survived Don Bosco and fully enjoyed his trust, was wont to say, "Don Bosco was a great man, a great saint, andl say it with pridea great friend of mine!" When Father John Bonetti asked Brosio about Don Bosco's use of his apartment, Brosio sent him this written account: When Don Bosco was writing the life of Blessed Mary of the Angels or other saints, he often spent a few hours in my home in order to work undisturbed. Then, before leaving, he would linger to chat with me. One day my wife took him to see one of our daughters who was ill and asked him to bless her. "Get up," he told the girl, taking her by the hand. At that moment, I wasn't really aware of what Don Bosco had in mind. "She can't!" I broke in. "She's sick." "Well, then." Don Bosco replied, "if that's the case, we shall send her to heaven!" He blessed her and said a prayer. After he had left, my wife chided me: "Didn't you see that Don Bosco wanted to cure her?" As a matter of fact, Don Bosco did know that the child had been sick for a long time. Why would he take her by the hand and command her to get up, if not because he wanted to cure her? I waited for Don Bosco to visit us again, but he was out of town. Shortly afterward, my dear child went to heaven. We did not repeat the mistake with my other daughter, still living. When she was practically at death's door, Don Bosco brought her back to health, as I have already told you. BM Vol. 8, ch. 22, p.140-141

Keep in mind that Don Bosco wasn't willing to work with people who lacked in faith. He was an example of docility to the Spirit. He was always open to His promptings, and he leaned heavily on the faith of the people he ministered to. His life and his prayer was always united in a constant, faithful trust in the Father.

Article 86: Salesian Prayer “Docile to the Holy Spirit, Don Bosco lived an experience of humble, trusting and apostolic prayer in which praying and living were spontaneously united...”

Trust in others' generosity

After the solemn feast of the Immaculate Conception, Don Bosco had to go to Florence to raise funds for the Church of Mary, Help of Christians, and to promote the Letture Cattoliche. In Florence, as elsewhere, Don Bosco so captured the hearts of all that, when he announced his departure, the general response was, "So soon?" "I must return to Turin, Don Bosco explained to those who strove to persuade him to prolong his stay, "because I am needed there." As he was leaving the cathedral, he met Marchioness Gerini. "Why do you want to go back to Turin so soon"' she straightway asked him. "Couldn't you stay on a few more days?" "My boys are waiting for me." "Let them wait! They will see you when you arrive there." "My lady, they need food. If I don't provide it, they'll go hungry." "How many are they?" “NearIy a thousand." "I don't think a few days' delay would cause them great hardship." "Personally, I would gladly postpone my departure. If my Florentine friends are willing to provide food for my boys, I'll stay here till the end of the week." "How much would you need for your boys for those few days?" "Ten thousand lire." "If we raise this sum, will you stay?" "Surely." "All right, then. I will give you ten thousand lire." "I accept the deal"' "I don't carry that much money with me, but if you don't mind, I will send you the whole sum this evening at the archbishop's residence." "Agreed! May the Lord bless you!" The noble lady was for Don Bosco the instrument of' Providence. That same evening he was handed that sum. BM Vol. 8, ch. 21, p.136-137

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was sometimes ‘furbo’ in making divine providence work. He indeed meant his goodwill for both his boys and the Marchioness, but he was blessed by God with charm to attract even the most resolute giver. Pray too for this innocent charm, that divine providence may not catch you doing hidden motives, but flow through you for others.

Article 73: Poverty and the Salesian Mission “We are aware of the generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ: though he was rich he made himself poor so that through his poverty we might become rich. We are called to a life closely modeled on the Gospel. We choose to follow ‘the Savior who was born in poverty, lived deprived of everything and died stripped on the cross...’”

Accompaniment

The following events happened in Borgo San Martino, a school headed by one of the first Salesians, Father John Bonetti. One night, he dreamed that a majestic personage came into his room and gently invited him to follow him. He obeyed and was led into a dormitory where, at that hour, all the boys were asleep. Stopping at the foot of a bed, the mysterious guide said to Father Bonetti, “Within a month this boy will stand before God's tribunal. Prepare him.” When Father Bonetti awoke in the morning, he was so impressed by that dream that he could not take his mind from it. However, he did not dare talk about it because it might have been only a dream. But what if it were a warning from God? He could not rule out that possibility because God is indeed very close to each of us. God loves us with an indescribable love. Father Bonetti hesitated to talk about his dream, fearing that it might somehow redound to his own glory. He preferred to say nothing. He could not, however, dispel a nagging thought: If the salvation of a soul depends on my disclosing this dream, will I not suffer bitter remorse for my silence if this warning should be confirmed by the boy's death? On the other hand, even if it had been but a dream, what harm could there be in reminding the boys of eternity? He finally decided to speak, but not to all. Calling a few of his more trusted co-workers, he told them his dream and the day on which the boy would die, without however disclosing the lad's name. Such an unusual matter could not remain secret. As the grapevine soon made it public, everybody awaited the fulfillment of the prediction with deep anxiety, all the more so because nobody was sick. Precisely as Father Bonettl had foretold, one boy did die after a short illness within the predicted time. Father Bonetti declared that he himself prepared him for that fateful moment. BM Vol. 8, ch. 20, p.129-130

Keep in mind that Don Bosco accompanied his boys until their last hours on earth. He was not a father for nothing. He used his visionary gift for bringing the boys closer to God, and he never abandoned them.

Article 38: The Preventive System in our mission “...Initiating God’s patience, we encounter the young at their present stage of freedom. We then accompany them, so that they may develop solid convictions and gradually assume the responsibility for the delicate process of their growth as human beings and as men of faith.”

Fatherhood

Don Bosco used to test his boys of their worthiness to take the vows. At times, he would scrutinize their inner dispositions and the firmness of their vocation by depriving them of his benevolence. Such incident was narrated in 1865, by a so called late vocation who was preparing for his vows. “For some unknown reason I felt despondent and tired of living. Knowing that he often can read one's heart, I even examined my conscience to make sure I had done nothing reproachable. “Today he really put me to a severe test. He came with a gentleman to the printshop where I work. As he passed each typestand, the lads respectfully greeted him. For each he had an encouraging word, some praise, or a suggestion. I was hoping that he would finally take notice of me. As he passed near me, I too kissed his hand, intently looking at him, sure that he would console me. He completely ignored me as if I were not there at all. He must be really displeased with me, I thought. That's for sure! But what have I done? I could see that I was the only one he was ignoring. “Wounded more than I can tell, I sadly watched his progress as he continued his tour of the shop. At the far end he came across another lad. I am not trying to find fault with him, but this youngster seems to be rather thoughtless, emptyheaded and even unruly. To my surprise, Don Bosco stopped by him, introduced him to the visitor, and smilingly praised him. He then told the youngster to go back to his place. I resumed my proofreading but my eyes couldn't see a word; my mind was a perfect blank. I tried to concentrate, but in vain. “The printshop was on the main floor with some windows facing the playground. While I was so deeply distressed, I heard a light tap on the window pane above my head. I looked up in surpirse. Who was it? None other than Don Bosco! After leaving the shop, he decided to remember me and, with this token of fatherly affection, put an end to my trial. ‘Oh, it's you, Don Bosco!’ I gasped, joyfully bewildered. Waving at me very affectionately, he withdrew like a beautiful dream. I didn't know what to do or say. ‘Thanks, Don Bosco!’ I exclaimed, jumping up from my chair and throwing the window open. ‘Thanks for your kindness!’ He couldn't have heard me, but he turned and waved once more as if to say: ‘Goodbye, cheer up!’ “I was myself again. Don Bosco had sensed my need and met it with fatherly affection. I'll never forget the smile which set my heart at rest.” A certain number of applicants failed when put to a test, but others persevered. After testing those who wished to consecrate themselves to God for life or for three years, Don Bosco allowed them to take vows. BM Vol. 8, ch. 19, p.125-126

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was very much loved, especially by his boys. He kept a certain closeness to each of them, while at the same time, knowing his boundaries. At times, he would test them on account of their conscience, but this is always done with utmost care, putting in mind the salvation of the boys always first.

Article 21: Don Bosco our Model “The Lord has given us Don Bosco as father and teacher. ...He realized his aim with firmness, constancy and the sensitivity of a generous heart, in the midst of difficulties and fatigue. “He took no step, he said no word, he took up no task that was not directed to the saving of the young... Truly the concern of his heart was for souls.”

Share your faith!

The steady flow of contributions given to Don Bosco for the support and expansion of his undertakings was matched by his personal efforts to solicit them. Don Bosco had to take not a few trips to other regions of the country to solicit such contributions. His first stop was Milan, where years before he had met two tradesmenMr. Joseph Pedragilo and Mr. Guenzatiat Father Seraphim Allievi's festive oratory' which they regularly attended. We have already mentioned Mr. Guenzati's generosity toward Don Bosco's works. We shall now quote what his daughter, Mrs. Carolina Guenzati Rivolta, wrote to us in 1909: On a journey to Milan in 1865, Don Bosco honored us by accepting our hospitality. During his stay a Milanese lady, Mrs. Marietta Pedraglio, heard that Don Bosco was our guest and came over to greet him. Before she could say a word, Don Bosco asked, "You are sick, aren't you?" "Yes, unfortunately so, and for several months now. I have tried all kinds of remedies and made novenas, but all in vain." "If you want to be cured," Don Bosco went on, "make a novena to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Recite five times the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, adding these words: 'Don Bosco has told me that You will cure me, and I want to be cured.' Then eat and drink as usual." The next morning my family was astonished to find the woman entirely cured of her ailments. BM Vol. 8, ch. 18, p.114-115

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was never agitated by who he shared his faith with. Be it with a bishop or an ordinary peasant, he would instill a simple faith in them, making them very docile to the Spirit through Mary. Likewise, never be ashamed of your faith in front of the world. When you show disbelief, people will show more.

Article 62: A Particular sign of God’s presence “...In a world tempted by atheism and the idolatry of pleasure, possessions and power, our way of life bears witness, especially to the young, that God exists, that his love can fill a life completely, and that the need to love, the urge to possess, and the freedom to control one’s whole existence, find their fullest meaning in Christ the Savior...”

Fatherly love and Correction

At midnight, between October 7 and 8 [1865], Father Victor Alasonatti, first prefect of the Oratory and of the Salesian Society, died at Lanzo where he had gone toward the end of August. One of the things he should be remembered by was his great value for community prayer. Whenever the Angelus bell rang, he invited those around him to kneel and join him in that prayer. One day he noticed a senior pupil make the Sign of the Cross hurriedly. Calling him aside, he asked, "Son, may I tell you something?" "Certainly, Father!" "If Don Bosco saw you making the Sign of the Cross so sloppily, I am sure he would reprimand you." "I'm sorry, Father. Really, I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing, but I thought I was doing it properly." "When you perform a religious act, always mind what you are doing." "Thank you, Father. I'll be more careful from now on." "I hope you don't feel hurt. I correct you because I care for you. I wish others would do the same to me. In fact, I ask you to do so whenever you see the need for it. You couldn't please me more. Tell me," he went on, "have I hurt your feelings?" "Not at all, Father. Really, I am grateful." "Let's always be friends then. Go off and play now." Truthfully, he himself set the example. Despite the rheumatism which rendered every movement of his arm most painful, he always strove to make the Sign of the Cross devoutly. BM Vol. 8, ch. 17, p.106-107

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was the emblem of fatherly love. His first Salesians were very good in imitating this kind of love for the boys, which is especially seen when correcting them. It is worth contemplating that humility is not needed only when you are the one corrected, but more so, when you are the one correcting. Superiors themselves should practice humility as they correct, keeping in mind not self-righteousness nor bossiness, but a genuine concern for the soul of the boys.

Article 52: The confrere in the community “...[The confrere] accepts fraternal correction, fights whatever he discovers in himself which militates against the community, and gives his own generous contribution to the community life and work. He thanks God that he is among brothers who encourage him and help him.”

Cheerfulness

Don Bosco's frequent trips during this year [1865] caused surprise, since he had never done that before. Of course, there was a reason for it - the new church. Even more surprising was his constant serenity and cheerfulness, notwithstanding his ailments, tolls, rebuffs and other heavy crosses. He loved to joke. For some time now he had been in the habit of jestingly conferring titles of nobility such as "Count of Becchi" or "Marquis of Valcappone" on his senior lay coworkers, not only within the Oratory but also outside, especially when traveling with any of them during the summer months. They, in turn, simply but respectably dressed, enjoyed the joke and went along with it, playing their part well. Occasionally their fellow travelers would wonder at finding themselves in such distinguished company. Now and then in small towns they might have to seek food and lodging in the local inn. Nonchalantly, Don Bosco would turn and say to his coworkers: "Have you had a pleasant journey, my dear Count? Aren't you tired, Marquis? What would you like for supper? As for you, my dear Baron, don't expect to find here the sumptuous dinners you are used to! My dear friends, you will have to be satisfied with what can be found in these outoftheway places!" Naturally Don Bosco was joking, but he did it with such aplomb that the innkeeper, his family and the regular patrons would hustle dumbfoundedly to make their guests as comfortable as possible, even to the point of giving up their own rooms. Unobtrusively the innkeeper would approach Don Bosco and whisper: "Did you say that this gentleman is a count and that the other one is a marquis'?" "They are very important people!" "Goodness, how can we lodge them properly'?" "Don't worry, my good man! They are very understanding and easy to please." Of course, Don Bosco's companions could hardly keep a straight face, but the makebelieve sometimes paid off handsomely. BM Vol. 8, ch. 16, p.101-102

Keep in mind that Don Bosco made sanctity consist in being cheerful. It is very consoling that even Don Bosco knew how to use a good laugh and infuse it to others. Likewise, it is very telling that Don Bosco does not want his Salesians to lose hope, especially when things get rough. He extols us to constantly look at the brighter side of life, and smile, laugh at things to remind us of the joy of heaven.

Article 17: Optimism and joy “...Inspired by the optimistic humanism of St. Francis de Sales, he believes in man’s natural and supernatural resources without losing sight of his weakness. ...Because he is a herald of the God News he is always cheerful. He radiates the joy and is able o educate a Christian and festive way of life: ‘let us serve the Lord in holy joy.’”

Upright Citizens and Good Christians

On August 19 [1865], health inspectors suddenly showed up at the Oratory. All city institutions were being checked for hygienic conditions in view of the cholera epidemic then threatening various Italian towns. This unexpected inspection was being made at a time when the whole Oratory was going through its yearly cleanup and furniture of all sorts was being moved around, repaired or replaced. The health inspectors ignored this situation and submitted a nasty report of untidy and overcrowded dormitories, classrooms and study halls, of rundown restrooms, and of garbage bins too close to kitchen and dining areas. These and other deficiencies were either baseless or deliberately exaggerated. As a result, the Health Department ordered Don Bosco to take immediate steps to remedy this situation and "not to accept new boys until health inspectors had rechecked the premises and determined the capacity of dormitories, classrooms, etc." The second inspection took place a week later. It set the number of boarders at five hundred, and the study hall occupancy at two hundred. It is to be noted that accompanying the health inspectors were anticlerical newsmen who readily made capital of this situation to blacken Don Bosco's name. La Gazzetta del Popolo led the attack, but it was promptly rebuffed by Unita' Cattolica on August 30. On his part, Don Bosco did his best to cooperate with the health authorities. He hurried the clean-up and repairs, excused himself from carrying out certain injunctions that were beyond his means, and, not the least put out, without curtailing even by one the number of his boys, made room for the expected cholera orphans. Eventually the residents increased to nine hundred. After these inspections the Oratory had no further trouble from the Health Department, and state and local authorities did not hesitate to entrust orphans to him. BM Vol. 8, ch. 15, p.97-98

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was a man of his times. He deeply respected the will of God through the political signs of his nation. The primary inspiration of the oratory was to build up good Christians and honest citizens, and he showed utmost support to the government by indeed complying with every means necessary to build up a greater nation. Make the same effort as well, because as religious, we also have to keep abreast with the times.

Article 31: Total development “...We educate and evangelize according to a plan for he total well-being of man directed to Christ, the perfect Man. Faithful to the intentions of our founder, our purpose is to form ‘upright citizens and good Christians.’”

Stubborn Obedience!

From Gozzano Don Bosco went to another diocese where a convent of women tertiaries was in open rebellion against the local bishop and seemingly could not be persuaded to obey. They wanted to follow the strict rule of their order and thus become independent of their ordinary. Don Bosco went there and was ushered into the reception room with signs of honor and esteem. All the nuns were on their knees; they likewise knelt on coming to the grill to speak to him. When the superioress asked him to address the community he tried to decline, but she insisted. "All right then," he said. "Tell me, do you think much of Don Bosco?" "Of course we do! We look upon you as a saint. "Will you accept what I am going to tell you?" "Most willingly." "Good! You know that Holy Scripture says: 'Obey your superiors [Heb. 13, 17] Therefore ...... “These are matters for confession," the superioress broke in, "and are the exclusive concern of our spiritual director." "You say that you esteem me as a saint and then you refuse to Iisten to me?" Don Bosco countered. “Excuse me, Father, but you'd better keep out of this." "Very well, but I hope. . . ." He could not continue. The curtains had been drawn over the grill. On returning the next day, he was again received most respectfully. He made another attempt to bring those tertiaries to better sentiments, but he was vehemently rejected. Don Bosco's charitable intervention proved totally ineffective. The controversy ended with the bishop's suppression of the convent. Two of those tertiaries later called on Don Bosco but still stubbornly clung to their notions. "When such groundless stubborness takes hold of one's mind," Don Bosco warned his Salesians, "how can sanctity ever flourish? Where humble obedience reigns, grace will triumph." BM Vol. 8, ch. 14, p.92-93

Keep in mind that Don Bosco extolled obedience as a means to Sanctity. But as human as we are, sometimes, obeying even the highest authorities are very difficult, knowing that their authority comes from God himself. Don Bosco gave up on this situation because he knows that stubbornness to change is the worst enemy of this vow. If only we can say to ourselves: Lord, let your will, not mine be done, then we can be assured of our sanctity.

Article 65: Salesian style of obedience and authority “...The service of authority and the willingness to obey are the principles of cohesion in the Congregation, and guarantee its permanence; for the Salesian they are the path to holiness and the source of energy in his work, of joy and of peace.

A true Bosconian

Before the boys left for their summer vacation, Don Bosco gave them a timely warning on not succumbing to human respect. He told them: Bravely say with St. Paul: "I am not ashamed of the Gospel." [Rom. 1, 16] Be men, not weaklings. Keep your head high; practice your faith undauntedly in private and in public, in church and on the street. Human respect is but a paper monster which cannot bite. The petulant words of the wicked are but soap bubbles that instantly vanish. Ignore them and their gibes. Their courage is based on other people's fear. Be brave, stand up to them, and you will see them pull back their horns. Be a good example to all, and the whole town or village will respect and praise you, all the more so because you are well educated. A farm boy who in his humble cottage lovingly kisses the crucifix captures my heart, but a teacher, officer, magistrate, or student who at the sound of the bell recites the Angelus or the De Profundis with his family for the souls of his dear departed ones earns my respect and arouses my enthusiasm. Be a credit, then, to yourselves and to the Oratory. Have fun, but do not neglect study and prayer. Have you any talents? Use them always to good purposes. Blunt the selfconceit of unscrupulous students who are home from other boarding schools. Remember that knowledge without morals is but the soul's ruination. In conclusion, so conduct yourselves that people, seeing you unafraid and faithful to divine and church laws, upon inquiring who you are, may be surprised to hear, "He is one of Don Bosco's boys." BM Vol. 8, ch. 13, p.89-90

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was a practical man. Moreover, he held great regard for physical and social manners, which he constantly reminded in the boys. Ultimately, even at home, he made sure that the boys would bring whatever good they learned and influence other people with their manners and exemplary behavior. By keeping good external behavior, there is a great assurance that one’s internal disposition is likewise beautiful.

Article 11: Christ of the Gospel the source of our Spirit “...Reading the Gospel, we become more aware of certain aspects of the figure of the Lord: gratitude to the Father for the gift of a divine vocation offered to all men; predilection for the little ones and the poor; zeal in preaching, healing and saving because of the urgency of the coming of the Kingdom; the preoccupation of the Good Shepherd who wins hearts by gentleness and self-giving; the desire to gather his disciples into the unity of brotherly communion.

A Man of Faith

In the school year 186465, Latin IV and V and other subjects had been entrusted to the cleric Francis Cerruti, but the sickly young teacher became so exhausted that Father Rua, the director, begged Don Bosco to relieve him of his heavy burden. "Let him continue to teach!" was Don Bosco's reply. The good cleric obeyed, but toward the end of April he fell seriously ill. What follows is his own testimony: I suddenly felt totally exhausted. Often my spittle was tinged with blood, and a persistent cough and phlegm tormented me. I constantly ran a temperature and found it hard to breath. Doctor Pasini diagnosed my condition as a serious case of neglected bronchitis. At about this time Don Bosco paid us a visit. "Don't worry," he said before leaving, "your hour hasn't come yet. You still have a lot to do to earn your place in heaven." My condition, however, worsened and the doctor gave me up. I remember hearing him say, "There is nothing else medicine can do. He is too far gone. He must have total rest. Only nature can help him now." Father Rua, the director, solicitously looked after me and had the boys pray for me morning and evening, as is done for those who are critically ill, but to no avail. One day Don Rua went to Turin and informed Don Bosco of my condition. When he returned he said to me, “Listen to this. Don Bosco wants you to know that your hour hasn't come yet and that you'd better think about getting well.” Well, that same day I had such a coughing spell that, unable to stand it any longer, I threw myself on the bed, expecting to die at any moment. Yet, the next morning I resumed teaching and by evening felt better. The following day I felt almost entirely cured and continued my work to the end of the year. I also recall that my doctor was mystified by my recovery and that months later he was still puzzled and could not quite believe it. "Of course," he would remark, "nature has many secrets we are not yet aware of." He could not bring himself to admit more. He was an upright man, but hardly a churchgoer... I am convinced that, considering my physical exhaustion and my serious and long illness, my recovery was a miracle. BM Vol. 8, ch. 12, p.80-81

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was above all, a man of faith. He saw in people what they needed, their possibilities and their limitations. Because of this, he instilled faith in them by many encouraging words, and in the process, healed them not only physically but spiritually. We might not have the same faith as Don Bosco, nevertheless, these experiences make it very easy to believe that the only requirement of faith is weakness. Without that spiritual deficiency, God cannot work in us.

Article 29: In working-class areas “We recognize the gospel values which [the poor people] stand for, and the need they have of support in their efforts at human advancement and growth in the faith. Hence, we support them by ‘all the means that Christian charity suggests...”

Ask for help

After the solemn laying of the new cornerstone of the new church, Don Bosco sent out a circular' to solicit lottery prizes. The results were gratifying. Within a short time he received eight hundred and forty items officially appraised at over twentythree thousand lire. He then secured a lottery I permit and immediately spread thousands of flyers throughout northern and central Italy to enlist the support of prominent people. In addition, he himself wrote personal letters to acquaintances and friends. The lottery did well, but the drawing of prizes had to be postponed for various reasons until 1867  a boon for the sale of tickets, but hardly a help to Don Bosco's current financial difficulties. He therefore had to turn again confidently to his old friends, particularly Chevalier Xavier Provano of Collegno, who at this time was at his country home at Cumiana: Turin, July 5, 1865 My dear Chevalier: I am having a hard time with the construction of the Church of Mary, Help of Christians. May I interest you in footing the bill for some such item as roof shingles, laths, rafters or beams? Each of these items will cost (please don't be frightened) some four thousand lire, payable in installments within this year. What does your heart say to this? I am sure that Our Lady would reward you for contributing to the construction of Her house on earth by preparing a dwelling in heaven for you and your dear ones. I am happy to tell you that the walls have now risen to the arched ceilings of the side chapels. I hope that the roof will be completed by mid-August. I make this request knowing your generous heart. Do what you can and I shall be satisfied. In any case, I shall always invoke God's blessing on you and your growing children, to whom I wish the best of everything. I recommend myself and my poor boys to your prayers. Obligingly yours, Fr. John Bosco BM Vol. 8, ch. 11, p.77-78

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was creative in all things, especially in the skill of asking for help, under the reliance in Divine Providence. He did not think that he could do it alone. He did not think that blessings will drop like manna in the desert. He asked people for help, and above all, he was not afraid, nor was he timid, just in case he was refused. In fact, it was very difficult for his benefactors to refuse such a humble request, which, very often, Don Bosco made.

Article 76: Christian sharing of goods “After the example of the first Christians, we share together our material goods, the fruits of our work, the gifts we receive and whatever comes to us from pensions, subsidies and insurance policies. We do the same with our talents, our energies and our experience...”

Offerings to Mary

I dreamed that you boys were heading in procession toward a lofty, richly decorated altar of Our Lady. You were all singing the same hymns to Her but not in the same way: many sang beautifully, others rather poorly and some totally out of tune. I saw too that some kept silent, strayed from the ranks, yawned or kept disturbing others. Everyone carried gifts, mostly flowers, to Our Lady. The bouquets differed in size and kind. There were bouquets of roses, carnations, violets and so on. Some boys carried very odd presents, such as pigs' heads, cats, slimy toads, rabbits, lambs and so on. A handsome youth stood by the altar. A close look would show that he had wings. He may have been the Oratory's guardian angel. As you boys presented your gifts, he took each and placed it on the altar. The first to reach the altar offered gorgeous bouquets which the angel silently placed on it. From other bouquets, instead, he had to remove decayed or scentless flowers, such as dahlias, camelias and the like, because Mary is not satisfied with mere looks. Some bouquets even had thorns and nails which, of course, were promptly plucked out and thrown away. When a boy carrying a pig's head came up, the angel said to him, "How dare you offer this to Our Lady? Don't you know that this animal symbolizes the ugly vice of impurity? Mary Most Pure cannot tolerate such a sin. Step aside. You are not worthy to stand in Her presence." To those who offered a cat the angel said: "Don't you know better? A cat represents theft, and you dare present it to Mary? Those who take what does not belong to them, those who steal food from the house, tear their clothes out of spite or waste their parents' money by not studying as they ought, are nothing but thieves!" These too the angel ordered to withdraw. He was equally indignant with boys offering toads. "Toads symbolize the shameful sin of scandal, and dare you offer them to Our Lady? Step aside. Join the unworthy ones." These boys too shamefully withdrew. Some lads came up with a knife stuck in their hearts, a symbol of sacrilege. "Don't you realize that there is death in your soul?" the angel asked them. "If it weren't for God's mercy, you would be lost forever. For heaven's sake, have that knife removed from your heart!" Eventually the rest of the boys reached the altar and presented their giftslambs, rabbits, fish, nuts, grapes and so on. The angel took them and placed them before Our Lady. Then he lined up all the boys whose gifts had been accepted in front of the altar. I noticed to my deep regret that those who had been made to step aside were much more numerous than I had thought. BM Vol. 8, ch. 10, p.73-74

Keep in mind that Don Bosco did not only keep a strong devotion to Mary, but he also offered everything to Her as his Heavenly Protectress. He not only asked for blessings, but first and foremost, he made himself worthy of these blessings. He also extolled his boys to offer good works and virtues to Mary, and with this, he tells us, too, that our souls should ultimately be a beautiful offering to Mary.

Article 8: The Presence of Mary in our Society “...We entrust ourselves to her, the humble servant in whom the Lord has done great things, that we may become witnesses to the young of her Son’s boundless love.”

Sharers in the building of the Kingdom

The church's construction kept proceeding quite swiftly, but the lottery returns could not match the outlays. It was under these circumstances that Don Bosco's trust and devotion to Our Lady shone most beautifully. Generously he undertook daily to find the necessary means, notwithstanding unavoidable difficulties and worries. Finding himself very often without funds for either the payroll or materials, he called on or wrote to the sick or others who he knew were in difficulties, exhorting them to turn confidently to the Blessed Virgin and promise a donation for the new church. In this manner he showed them how to obtain their desires, found the means for his undertaking, and fostered devotion and gratitude to his heavenly benefactress.

Thus, within 1865, the edifice reached to the roof. The vaulted ceilings, except for the dome, were also completed.

While this work was going on, an incident astonished the workers. A street vendor who had come to the Valdocco area at the beginning of summer to peddle fruit, hearing that the Church of Mary, Help of Christians was being built with the private contributions of the faithful, was moved to give his mite too. Poor though he was, he went to the foreman and offered him all the fruit he had on his cart for distribution to the workmen. Then, desiring to give a more personal contribution, with some help he loaded a heavy stone on his back and started up the scaffolding. The good old man tottered under his heavy burden, but his religious enthusiasm lightened it for him. Upon reaching the top, he put down the stone, cheerfully exclaiming, "Now I shall die happy, for I hope to share in some way in all the good that will be done in this church." BM Vol. 8, ch. 8, p.64

Keep in mind that Don Bosco is not a wonder worker of his own. He would exhort everyone, young, old, rich and even the poor to make his personal contributions for the building up of God's kingdom on earth. Don't think that you could save the world yourself, too. Ask the help of people, and event though you don't see it, have trust that you are not alone in your work.

Article 26: The young to whom we are sent "...With Don Bosco we reaffirm our preference for the young who are 'poor, abandoned and in danger,' those who have greater need of love and evangelization, and we work especially in areas of greatest poverty."