A Trifling Conflict

As I have mentioned in previous chapters, Don Bosco was popular, but no necessarily well-liked by everyone. In this incident, we see a continuing dispute against him and the pastors of Caramagna and None, who were totally against him, turning priests out of Oratorians, and letting them serve in the Society. One particular priest, Fr. Abrate, whose parishioner was Paul Albera, was adamant at letting him continue in the Oratory. He insisted that Don Bosco was even pulling vocations away from the parishes, and urging them to join the Salesians. However, many other priests also sided with Don Bosco, justifying that Don Bosco was indeed the one who educated, sheltered and loved Albera, and thus also had right as to letting him be ordained in the Society. With this, Fr. Abrate gave in and understood Don Bosco’s goodwill. BM 83

Keep in mind that Don Bosco, not as well-liked as he may be, rested in the providence of God. He went through all troubles, but he kept his head to heaven. He was assured by his good intention that everything was for the greater glory of God.

Article 35: Introduction to Ecclesial life “We introduce the young to the experience of ecclesial life... To this end, we promote and animate groups and movements for formation and apostolic and social action. In these, the young people grow in awareness of their own responsibilities and learn to give their irreplaceable contribution to the transformation of the world and to the life of the Church, and so become themselves the ‘first apostles of the young, in direct contact with them.’”