The Conversion of A King

It is widespread that political uproar was constant in Rome, and all who are under the law were in turmoil. The king of Naples, Francis II held a meeting with Don Bosco to talk about private matters. For three-quarters of an hour, the king and the Saint talked about the throne of Naples. The latter was asking if he would regain his throne within a few months. Don Bosco, being as frank as he is, told him that he would not regain his throne because of the way he dealt with the Church in previous occasions. The monarch was outraged at the ill-alleged prophecy, but in the end, he agreed, having been told about the wrong things he has been doing. BM 54

Keep in mind that Don Bosco drew hearts to repentance by his mere gestures and unassuming words. In this incident, we could say that he was able to do this even to a king! You may not be encountering kings or world leaders, but once you touch the heart of the least of God’s children, you have don it for Him.

Article 90: The community in continual conversion “...Aware of our weakness, we respond by vigilance and sincere repentance, brotherly correction, mutual forgiveness and the calm acceptance of our daily cross...”