Bad Effects of Predictions

Don Bosco predicted the death of Father John Boggero, a young, handsome and well-liked priest in the oratory. Because he announced the death anonymously at first, he went on with his usual stern reminder about the seriousness of death and that everyone should prepare for its coming. This made the boys scared about the prediction, because it was not impossible to think that they were the ones pertained to by Don Bosco. This led some of the boys to call home and tell their parents about the ill-fated predictions of the priest. The authorities heard about this and they immediately sent a representative to check into the matter they wanted Don Bosco to stop. Their bone of contention was that he was frightening the boys too much, and that the future should be as clear as possible for them. But Don Bosco remained firm about his act. His reason was merely to help save the boys’ souls and not to scare them away. The government official was very indignant and skeptical at first, but when the prediction did come true, he believed and realized that Don Bosco was a man of God. BM 46

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was serious when it came to saving souls. He could have lost the fight with the Government Official about “scaring the boys away,” but he was firm with purpose that he was being used by God to deliver a message. Whatever charism you have as a Salesian, do not stop sharing them if it is for the good of souls.

Article 146: The General Chapter “...Through the General Chapter the entire Society, opening itself to the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, seeks to discern God’s will at a specific moment in history for the purpose of rendering the Church better service.”