The Growing Society

On the evening of July 14, 1867, Don Bosco received a telegram which explained the fatal condition of father Henry Bonetti. He was a zealous and a hard-working priest who was dearly loved by his pupils. He had died of Cholera, and, after receiving the last sacraments, saying his last mass, and receiving the papal blessing, he greeted the Lord shortly after midnight. Meanwhile, Don Bosco wrote a letter to his pupils at Lanzo, first, thanking them about their donation to the new church, and second, giving them advice for their holidays. BM 73

Keep in mind that Don Bosco’s growing congregation was very much hurt with the passing away of confreres. But together with this, he makes waves in making attractive to the young the vocation to the religious life. How do you propose the Salesian Vocation to the boys nowadays? Are you challenging them enough to save their souls?

Article 122: Unity in the government of the Society “Superiors at every level of government share in one and the same authority and exercise it in communion with the Rector Major for the benefit of the whole Society. In this way, while fostering the good of each individual community, they are solicitous for the unity, growth and perfecting of the whole congregation.”