The Dream that Continues …

Don Bosco is a creative and innovative saint. The church honored by calling him as the father and friend of youth. His greatness lies in the unique and creative method called Preventive System. By this effective pedagogical system he taught young people the values and the virtues of heart beside imparting education and offering employment. Hence the church recognized him as the creative saint of the young people.

Don Bosco is a catalyst among the boys on the streets who were disposed to all sorts of social and economic evils. Despite the fact that the boys were at threat both physically deteriorating their health and spiritually making them go astray he resolved and committed that his life would be meant only for them. He wished first to save their worldly life and then lead them to Christ by his arresting slogan “Give me souls and take away the rest.” There were a handful of boys who were attracted to his slogan of soul and became saints from his own oratories.

 His mission was an outcome of both the divine and worldly influences. Former is a holy influence and the latter is a necessary evil with socio-political reasons. Thus with the intervention of the divine will and human effort he pioneered a new Charism and initiated numerous works. He actualized his mission into two beautiful shrines, number of literary sources, writings, methods of pedagogy, trade centers, musical troops and confessions were given utmost priority for the welfare of the poor boys. Today his mission is being carried out very creatively and uniquely by the Salesians over 132 countries.

Life is not all bed of roses for Don Bosco. As a he grew like a rose plant, he had to undergo umpteen numbers of problems, difficulties and sacrifices in the family, during his formation periods, even up to his priestly life. What kept him going? Yes one who has why can live anyhow. He had a mission and goal in mind. That kept him pursuing his will invading all problems, criticism, oppositions, sufferings and ill health. He was vehement to work for the youth. He never sought popularity nor privileges. Yet he was committed to be a simple and humble physician of the youth. Being a good communicator and effective teacher he invaded all his dreams for the spiritual growth of the young at risk. He was a powerful dreamer. Today the salesians with a smile on faces can say the dream come true. A boy who dreamt for a noble cause has actualized his dream despite hurdles from every side.

This year as we the salesian gloriously celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco we are happy to say that our founder is creative and innovative who had foreseen the challenges of the young centuries ago. Today he surprises the world as he continues to live through his rich charism da mihi animas cetera tolle, and unique pedagogical system. Today we can hear the heartbeats of the young and the lives of the poor that speak volumes of salesian works and mission. Yes through Don Bosco the mission impossible is made possible.  

Don Bosco thus furnished his oratories and seminaries not merely as institutes to impart education and skills but also to unlearn to learn the values and the virtues of heart and mind. From this edifice he churned them to be effective and productive leaders and saints. Thus in being cheerful and responsible he taught them and showed them how to become saints practicing as a physician of the souls of the young.