Outdo everyone in Kindness

Don Bosco always exhorted his clerics and the superiors to the boys to be charitable, kind and forbearing to everyone, especially to the more brutes and those who would easily disobey. Here he says that the Salesians ought to win the boys’ hearts by seasoning their words with kindness. He further adds that they “wouldn't be able to catch flies with vinegar.” A humorous yet value-filled incident happened when one day, Don Bosco took Fr. Rua, the prefect of the Oratory, aside, and told him, “My dear Fr. Rua, I suggest that you open an olive oil dealership.” The young priest retorted that that was not an enterprise for a religious. Don Bosco countered that as prefect, one of his duties was on maintenance. He hears “doors creaking” and “a drop of oil can do wonders.” These words of Don Bosco were not quite understood by Don Rua at plain sight. Don Bosco explained that in dealing with the boys, it is best to use a “little oil.” BM 41

Keep in mind that Don Bosco’s words were always “seasoned with kindness.” This is exactly why he was loved by the boys and by his Salesians as well. This is a very practical tip for those who are assigned to work with hard headed boys. Sometimes, even superiors are hard headed! Take note that as a Salesian, you should always outdo your boys in patience and good manners.

Article 51: Relationships of fraternal friendship “St. Paul exhorts us: ‘Put on, as Gods chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other...’”