Christian Virtue

Don Bosco was about to leave for Turin when many people, including their host, Count Vimercati, had to stop him and plead with him to stay for one ror two days more. Because Don Bosco was so indebted to him, he obliged. During these additional days, Ludwig Cardinal Altieri, who Don Bosco wasn't able to visit during his stay, himself paid a visit to Don Bosco. The Cardinal, with a straight face, greeted a mere Good morning to Don Bosco, seemingly putting to heart the neglect of the Saint in visiting him. The latter, somewhat embarrassed by the encounter, called the Cardinal the next day, and was able to make it up to him. He even bought five hundred lottery tickets and added five hundred Lire more for the boys. BM 59

Keep in mind that Don Bosco, because of his busy schedule, forgot things at times. But with these small faults, some people tend to misunderstand him. He was always ready to ask for forgiveness, just like any Christian would do. Don’t feel so special once you are a Salesian. You are first and foremost a virtuous Christian.

Article 32: Personal Development “...Always and in every case, we help [the young] to be open to truth and to develop in themselves a responsible freedom. To this end, we commit ourselves to inculcating in them a convinced appreciation of true values which will lead them to a life of dialogue and service.”