Don Bosco's hurt reputation

It is sad news that Don Bosco wasn't able to please everybody. In Rome, some who were very hostile to him had made common cause with cliques in southern Italy against his Letture Cattoliche. Their goal was to have is booklet, St. Peter’s Centenary condemned by the Sacred Congregation of the Index, and at one stroke, to severely hurt his reputation and cast suspicion in his publications. While some trusted friends alerted Don Bosco to this plot, other people blasted him in uncomplimentary terms. But because of Don Bosco’s compassion and understanding, he promptly destroyed the letters lest the writers be later embarrassed or taken to task by someone at the Oratory. BM 64

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was a forgiving man. Being a priest, it may have been difficult for him to accept these humiliating words, but it may have also been easy to forgive them for their misdeeds. As a Salesian, forgiveness and humility are the two values that would lead you to prayer and Contemplation with God.

Article 93: Personal Prayer “...For us, mental prayer is essential. It strengthens our intimate union with God, saves us from routine, keeps our heart free and fosters our dedication to others. For Don Bosco, it is a guarantee of joyous perseverance in our vocation.”