Charity in others

Don Bosco had also assured his boys that if they kept in the state of grace and wore Our Lady's medal, their heavenly Mother would protect them from the scourge. nevertheless not wishing to tempt God, he prudently took necessary precautions. Father John Garino declared: In 1866 the cholera wrought havoc in Busca, my native town. Some business had brought me there shortly before the epidemic broke out, and so I hurried to settle my affairs and return as quickly as possible to the Mirabello junior seminary, where I was stationed. Afraid that I might carry the epidemic there, Don Bosco directed me to remain at Busca and help my pastor. Knowing that my financial situation was rather shaky he generously subsidized me during the two or three months I had to live there. I make this known and testify to it that all may see how charitable Don Bosco was. He provided for all and forgot no one. I also wish to state that when I was a young cleric at the Oratory, Don Bosco found a rich lady to care for my financial needs. She really was very solicitous for me and sent Don Bosco money for me at stated times. Now and then Don Bosco would ask if I needed anything, urging me to be frank with him. On such occasions, my mind would flash back to what he had told me on the occasion of my father's death in February, 1858: "Remember, Garino, that you will always have a father in me." And such he truly was to the end. BM, chap 38, pp209-210

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was not only a man of Charity, but he infused charity in others as well. He was not a “do-it-all” and thus, he realized that he needed other people to share in his work. He made others do their share of goodness to others and in turn, won souls for God.

Article 41: Inspirational criteria for our activity and works “...The education and evangelization of many young people, especially among the very poor means that we have to go to them where they are to be found, and provide adequate forms of service in the context of their own lifestyle.”