Patience without limits

Don Bosco did not mind the discomforts of traveling and of missing trains. This happened rather frequently because he always met people on the way who wanted to talk to him, and he always obliged. We ourselves witnessed the following incident. One morning he asked a confrere to accompany him to the Porta Nuova station, planning to say Mass at his place of arrival. He was no sooner out of his room than he met a cleric who wanted to speak to him. Don Bosco stopped and listened. On the stairs another cleric halted him. The same thing happened when he reached the main floor. When that conversation was through, several priests and clerics standing in the portico crowded around him. He listened also to each of them. Finally he made for the exit, but a young boy called and ran after him. Don Bosco waited and answered his questions. It certainly took Job's patience to remain calm under such circumstances! When Don Bosco got to the station, the train had already left. Calmly he walked to St. Charles' Church, said Mass, and then left by the next train. BM Vol. 8, ch. 29, p.167-168

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was a man known for his overflowing charity for all. It should be noted that especially if circumstances were a hindrance to his personal agendum, he would never cease to give importance even to the littlest of all. Ironically, God gave him even more time, and more chances of saving souls.

Article 15: Salesian Loving Kindness “Sent to young people by the God who is ‘all charity,’ the Salesian is open and cordial, ready to make the first approach and to welcome others with unfailing kindliness, respect and patience. His love is that of a father, brother ad friend, able to draw out friendship in return; this is the loving kindness so much recommended by Don Bosco...”