DON BOSCO'S MADONNA Mumbai JANUARY 2017 vol.18 No. 9 LOVE IS AN ACT OF FAITH Paulo Coelho tells this story from Greek mythology: “Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess named Psyche. She was admired CONTENTS by everyone, but no one ever dared to propose her for marriage. Desperate, the king consulted god Apollo, who said that Psyche From The Editor's Desk: Love is an should be left alone, in a mourning dress, at the top of a mountain. Act of Faith ...... 3 Before daybreak, a serpent would come to her and marry her. The king obeyed, and throughout the night the princess waited, Dealing With In-Laws terrified and freezing, for the arrival of her husband. She ended up - Jeanette Brimner...... 4 falling asleep. As she awoke, she was in a beautiful palace, transformed into a Youth on the Move:Eh, Don’t Judge queen. Me! - Melanie D’Souza...... 8 Every night her husband would come to her and they would make Salesian Saint: Bl Bronislaw Markiewicz....10 love. But he had just one condition: Psyche could have anything she desired, but she should trust him completely and never see his face. Witnesses In And For Our Times: Psyche lived happily for a very long time as she had comfort, St Leonie Francis de Sales Aviat...12 affection, joy and she was in love with the man who came to her every night. Lectio Divina: Epiphany of the Lord Once in a while, however she was afraid of being married to a - Cl. Ian Pinto, sdb...... 16 horrible serpent. One night, while her husband was asleep, she illuminated the room with a lantern and found Eros, a man of Quietspaces: Saved By A Child incredible beauty, beside her. - Pope Francis...... 18 The light woke him up and he found out that the woman he loved Strange Grows the Heart wasn’t able to fulfil his only desire, and disappeared.” - Fr. Ian Doulton's Collection...20 Grant that we may Every time I read this story, I ask myself: Will I never be able to discover the face of love? It has taken me many years to understand Don Bocso’s Identity: Don Bosco’s imitate the Holy Family that love is an act of faith in another person, and her face shall stay Preternatural Gifts (22) covered in mystery. Each moment shall be lived and enjoyed, but - Fr. Elias Dias, SDB...... 24 in practicing the virtues whenever we try to understand it, the magic disappears. After I accepted this idea I allowed myself to be guided by a strange Reflecting on Mary: A Poet Celebrates language, the language of “signs.” All around me there are signs, as Mary’s Beauty - Ephrem the Syrian of family life - Roberto Spataro...... 28 the great Jesuit poet exclaimed: “The world is ablaze with the glory and in the bonds of God.” I know the world is talking to me, and I need to listen to it, Walking With the Church: Name of and if I do that, I will always be guided toward what there is of the Jesus, Reserved Sin, Abortion...... 31 of charity, most intense, passionate and beautiful. Of course, it isn’t easy, and sometimes I feel like Psyche at the cliff, Newsbits...... 32 and so, in the joy cold and terrified. Anything that is unfamiliar is awkward, to say In a Cheerful Mood...... 15 the least, but I’m learning that we have a God who is closer to us The Devotion of of your house, than we are to ourselves and if I can only stop and listen to his breath the Three Hail Marys...... 33 in the breeze I might feel not nervous but reassured that he gently Loving Children to their delight one day in leads me and holds me close. (Is 40:11) So if I am able to overcome that Loving Mother...... 34 night and surrender to mystery and to the faith in life, I always end up They Are Grateful to eternal rewards. waking up in a palace. All I need is to trust in love, even running the Our Lady & Don Bosco...... 34 risk of erring. It is all about trusting that the Lord wants what’s best Thanks to Dear From the Opening Prayer of the for us, our welfare in every sphere. Don’t try him, trust him! St. Dominic Savio...... 35 Solemnity of the Holy Family Fr. Ian Doulton sdb January 2017 2 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 3 Don Bosco’s Madonna their son. To make things almost friend of mine is estranged from FAMILY ISSUES unbearable for the grieving her daughter because her DEALING WITH IN-LAWS parents their oldest son and his daughter’s husband is very DEALING WITH IN-LAWS wife abandoned them while they controlling and does not like her Jeanette Brimner eased their own grief by seeking visiting with family or friends. counseling. Thankfully their Because of this situation, Sylvia e hear many jokes about among members of the family. daughter and her husband and prays for her daughter often but Wmothers-in-law and their For instance, a friend who is a their remaining son and his wife it has been several years now faults and foibles and once in a divorce lawyer confided to us were very supportive. and nothing has changed. Yet while their positive points but that his busiest time occurs she gets along well with her other friction or good relations can around the Christmas holidays. Anna’s family is reconciled in-laws and they have fun get- also exist between daughters-in Unfortunately when tragedy now but will never forget the togethers at Christmas, Easter law, brothers-in-law and strikes a family, especially ar- anguish they went through and other family get-together fathers-in-law as well. Some ound a holiday season, undue while trying to deal with their events. mothers-in-law can be stress can almost tear its mem- grief. overbearing and manipulative bers apart. Take for instance my but many can also be excellent close friend Anna. Many people I have met have grandmothers and can get along Two years ago Anna confided in-laws who are kind and very well with their in–laws. in me what happened after her helpful and some who are Some fathers-in-law can be son’s suicide. There had been a sometimes unkind and even grumpy and may ignore their great deal of tension between her disrespectful. Whether they be grandchildren while others are son, Brad, and his wife and their sons or daughters-in-law or easy going and have fun with son became very depressed. mother or fathers-in-law they their children’s offspring. Anna and her husband did each have to learn to deal with Likewise some daughters-in-law everything they could to help new members of the family and and sons-in-law can be disres- besides storming heaven with adjust to situations that can pectful and demanding while prayers. They encouraged him to demand tolerance and well- When I first met my father-in others can be congenial and take the antidepressants his honed people skills. -law, he was very different from helpful to their spouses’ parents. doctor had prescribed for him, anyone I had ever met. Herm Genetics, family history, they were supportive when he My sister’s daughter-in-law is was outspoken and the opposite cultures and complex psycholo- sought counseling and listened Persian and she highly values of my dad who was well spoken, gical dynamics all influence how to his attempts to express how he family closeness. When she and rather shy and a gentleman in extended families get along with felt. They even invited him to my sister’s son visit she treats every sense of the world. Her- each. return home for several weeks so the family to delightful Persian man had been brought up on a that he would have more time to dishes and entertains her in- farm and our family lived think about some solutions to his laws with true tales including in Toronto and attended con- difficulties and marital prob- how her parents and her sisters certs and other cultural events. lems. Since Brad had a preteen escaped from Iran during a time But as I began to know my and teenager we felt that getting when minorities were father-in-law I learned how kind away would be a good idea. Then persecuted. Her children who he was to others. For instance he shortly after, he had moved into are still in their teens are visited many elderly people and an apartment and his wife accomplished violinists who he was a very good grandpa to refused to have him back; he spend many hours practicing our children. He may have been killed himself. instead of watching TV or being rough around the edges but he glued to video games or other gave up smoking and drinking After his suicide Brad’s wife electronic gadgets. My sister’s shortly after his wife left him In times of strife, when anxiety took her anger out on her in-laws family is certainly an example of and never had a smoke or drink is high, especially around and sent them horrible e-mails how an extended family can live since then. That took a great deal holidays, friction can often exist saying very unkind things about in harmony with one another. A of courage. When he died of January 2017 4 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 5 Don Bosco’s Madonna cancer he was stoic and never two boys over to visit quite often marriage work. It made things complained and we will always and we always enjoy each worse and now when she is think fondly of him. other’s company. I mentioned tempted to give advice she asks before how we tease each other God to guide them and realizes A young couple said that with anyone taking offense and that she no longer has control. things did not always go well their help over the years has If a son-in-law or daughter-in- around the holidays. The wife’s been a Godsend. law is disrespectful or says in-laws expected them to come hurtful remarks regarding our to their home to celebrate Mothers and fathers-in-law grand-parenting skills it’s wise Thanksgiving, Christmas and have to resist the temptation to to not try to defend ourselves but Easter and were hurt when their give advice when it hasn’t been give our hurtful feelings to God daughter-in-law wanted to get along with their children’s solicited. Praising and encou- and try not to fret about the way spend time with her par- spo-uses even if they find it raging their in-laws enables we have been treated. One of my ents who lived 300 miles away. difficult to understand their them to feel they are really part daughters-in-law once said that The family finally worked out a family backgrounds and of the family and are valued. I hardly did anything for my solution. Their son and his wife different beliefs and points of Our son-in-law takes grandchildren or for them but would have their Christmas a view. My daughter-in-law was professional photos and since he my journal contradicted her week ahead at his home and really shy when she met my specializes in environmental words. I had helped them move, spend Christmas with his wife’s husband and me before she science he has framed many of babysat their children more family on Christmas day. They married my son. I was puzzled his photos of exotic, lovely than she realized, came to help did the same for Thanksgiving because she always wore socks colored mushrooms, other wild when my son was very ill and and Easter. Then everyone was when she came to visit. My son plants and sea creatures that he always sent them birthday cards happy. finally explained that she had a and my daughter have spotted which I still do. But if I argued tiny tattooed rose on her ankle during their travels. I have with her I would only be making Tina B. Tessina, a psycho- and she was afraid we would suggested that he use some of his the situation worse. therapist knows how difficult it disapprove. photos to make note cards and If each one of us tries our best is for a newly married couple to my daughter agrees. to be kind and tolerant to people adjust to their in-laws. She offers “Of course we don’t!” we who enter our family structure, suggestions to couples to ease assured her and from then on then holidays will be more them through the transition she became much more relaxed enjoyable, relationships will be successfully. She suggests that with us. In fact we tease her abo- more rewarding and friction couples should try to get to know ut tarts she made. That pastry will be minimal. And when their in-laws by learning about was so hard we kidded her about arguments and problems occur their interests and opinions on donating them to the junior we always have Jesus who will various subjects. Being polite to hockey team in our town to be listen to our heartaches and deal their in-laws and not taking used as hockey pucks. She teases with situations over which we offense easily can help them me about my untidiness and have no control. But most of all blend in with their new family. kids with my husband about his we must love ourselves before As well, learning about their in- ability to lose things including God wants us to have peace in we can really love others inclu- law’s family customs and what his glasses and keys. We laugh so families and having good rela- ding in-laws. As writer Eda subjects they would enjoy talking hard sometimes that our sides tionships with in-laws often req- Leshan states, “When we truly about can enable them to feel hurt. uires a delicate balance. A care for ourselves, it becomes more comfortable at family out- mother-in-law admitted that possible to care far more prof- ings and holiday celebrations. Of She and my son help us with although she was intelligent she oundly about other people .The course a sense of humour can household chores which require was also a know-it-all. When her more alert and sensitive we are make all situations bearable. strength since I have arthritis in son and his spouse were consi- to our own needs, the more my shoulders and spine and my dering separating she went to loving and generous we can be Mothers-in-law and fathers- husband has trouble walking their home with a long list of toward others.” And that, of in-law would be wise to try to without a cane. They bring their things to do to make their course includes our in-laws! January 2017 6 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 7 Don Bosco’s Madonna “EH, DON’T JUDGE ME!” Mel”, while others would say. Melaine D’Souza “Nah, people need to be shown their place” or “No you’re al- We’re all young - but wow, can we just appreciate how far we’ve come? right – I thought that was stupid Next stop: Kindergarten 2017. of them too.” Eventually I knew I had to stop looking for answers es, we never stop growing, found myself always second- in a human court and soon eno- Ynever tire of learning. Each guessing the actions of others. ugh I found my critically think- year that passes by, you probably What did I learn in the ing twin in Nathanael, a disciple believe you will have become a process? I’ll urge you to turn to of Jesus (John 1:45-51). hundred percent more self-actu- the start of 1 Cor. 4 - whether you When Apostle Philip called alized than the year before. have a Bible or a computer or Nathanael to see Jesus of Naza- Phew! If only that were comple- your smartphone nearby. How reth for the first time, he imme- tely true – life would be boring! lovely if we could try to adopt diately commented, “From Speaking of learning, I’d love Paul’s attitude here: He couldn’t Nazareth? What good can come to share with you something care less for the judgement of a from that place?” Of course, that 2016 taught me about human court – but he tells his once he met Jesus, he didn’t myself. And I am sure that if you audience plainly, “It is the Lord think that way for too long. No think harder, you’ll remember who judges me”. This doesn’t doubt that at that point in time, something new you learnt about mean we take on an anarchist Nathanael was right to think of yourself – be it a positive avatar but it just advocates the Nazareth as a back-of-beyond character trait, something you fact that there is ultimately a place. But what I’d love to could improve on, something stronger, higher Power that appreciate is that he didn’t let his that is characteristically you. takes our actions into account. It prejudice of Nazareth interfere reminds me all the more that we with his meeting with Jesus! Judgement: I learnt that I are human and it is not our place I cringe to think that I may sensitive topics – and I am get- could be less judgmental. to judge when we are living with have missed out similar ting better at ignoring or leaving Shocking, knowing that I always mercy – again, another lesson excellent opportunities by my the conversation early. The same try my best to put my father’s from last year – the Year of sheer attitude of skepticism. A could apply for important words into practice - “Give Mercy. job opportunity in a city we decisions you make at school or others the benefit of doubt”. Yet As 2016 flit by and I found haven’t heard great things college for group projects or in from time to time, I’d find myself increasingly more consc- about, a mutual friend we’ve the workplace. Let’s think of it myself quick to judge, and ious of my quick-and-easy judg- seen despicable Facebook as us giving ourselves, not thereafter, quick to anger. From mental behaviour, I expressed pictures of - these instances all others, a second chance. A something a friend said, to the the same to friends who had show us that skepticism and second chance at giving way a co-worker dressed, to the different things to say. Some improper judgement can be a ourselves as well as the time to output of a fellow classmate, I would say, “Yep, that you are, dangerous thing simply with grow, think and learn from how we let them populate ideas mistakes. in our head without trying them And then we can walk away out. After all our enemies aren’t with the gift of right, slower and just people, but attitudes as well. more meaningful judgement – But, wait a second. Right where we don’t let our own and judgement is a gift of the Holy others’ opinions deter us from Spirit- for us to use. discovering what God has to Like some of us, I am un- offer, and to eventually see, what fortunately guilty of getting into love can do. Facebook disagreements on Have a good year! January 2017 8 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 9 Don Bosco’s Madonna SALESIAN remaining all the time in Italy using the help of his until March 23 1892. With the collaborators who he himself SAINTS permission of his superiors he prepared. He had already begun returned to Poland where he training hundreds of boys in assumed the position of a Parish Miejsce Piastowe. Eager to do Priest at Miejsce Piastowe in the much for them, in August 1903 BRONISLAW diocese of his origin, Przemysl. Father Markiewicz opened a MARKIEWICZ new house in Pawlikowice near Besides his regular parish Krakow where more than 400 1842 - 1912 ministry, Bronislaw Markiewicz boys could find a home and the devoted himself, in the spirit of possibility for professional Don Bosco to the formation of training as well as spiritual poor and orphaned youngsters. direction. PRIEST, BLESSED He opened an institute for them at Miejsce Piastowe where he His absolute dedication to offered them material and youngsters, his heroic self-denial ronislaw Markiewicz was spiritual support. He prepared took its toll of Father Markiewicz Bborn on July 13, 1842 in them for life by opening undermining his health which Pruchnik in Polond, which is professional trade schools. In was already affected after his today in the Latin archdiocese of 1897 he decided to found two sickness in Italy. All this Przemysl. He was the sixth of religious congregations inspired hastened the end of his earthly eleven children of John by the spirituality of Don Bosco, pilgrimage which took place on Markiewicz, mayor of the city people. He studied pedagogy, adapting his rules to the specific January 29, 1912. and Marianna Gryziecka. In the philosophy and history for two nature of his charism. He was confines of his family he received more years at the Universities of welcomed back among the clergy Blessed Bronislaw Markiewicz a solid religious formation. Lviv and Krakow. In 1875 he was of the diocese of Przemysl and was distinguished by his great However, by the time he was in appointed Parish Priest at Gaé continued his activity as Parish love for God and his neighbour, high school in Przemysl, his faith and then in 1877 he moved to Priest and director of the especially in the poor, the was shaken in part due to the Blazowa. In 1882 he was institute to which he gave the neglected, the orphaned and the anti-religious atmosphere that appointed to teach Pastoral programme of Work and abandoned to whom he gave prevailed in the school. He Theology at the Major Seminary Temperance (1898). He sought himself entirely. He was always managed to overcome this trial of Przemysl. Feeling called to the the approval of his congregation eager to accommodate as many soon enough and regained his religious life in November of under the protection of St youngsters as he could in his serenity and inner peace. 1885 he left for Italy and joined Michael the Archangel, with houses eager to offer them the the Salesians. He had the joy of male and female branches. The human warmth that they After earning his high school meeting Don Bosco and it was approval came only a few years lacked. This deep desire was diploma the young Bronislaw into his hands that he made his after his death: in 1921 to the expressed in his own words: “I entered the Major Seminary of religious vows on March 25, Congregation of St Michael the would like to help millions of Przemysl in 1863 feeling called 1887. As a Salesian he was Archangel (Michaelites) and in abandoned youngsters and all by God to the priesthood. Having assigned by the superiors to 1928, the Congregation of the kinds of people, by feeding them completed his regular course of various positions where he Sisters of St Michael the and clothing their bodies and studies he was ordained a priest served with dedication and zeal. Archangel (Michaelites). their spirits.” He remained on September 15, 1867. After six Due to his spirit of austerity and faithful to this commitment of years of pastoral work in the the changes in the climate, in Father Bronislaw always went love which was expressed in his Parish of Harta and the 1889 Bronislaw took seriously ill ahead with the approval of his bold option for the poor, until he Cathedral of Przemysl, he with tuberculosis and was even bishop, Joseph Sebastian Pelczar, died heroically while accepting wanted to further equip himself close to death. He recovered as the director of youngsters, all the consequences that flowed to be able to work with young though from his illness while orphans and the abandoned, from such choices. January 2017 10 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 11 Don Bosco’s Madonna than in being at one of the mag- what she said – finally, here was nificent parties” organized to ra- the person who could be the ise money for the poor. In 1860, foundation stone for the institute PROFILES she completed her studies at the he wished to establish! On April Visitation boarding school. Before 18, 1866, following an eight-day leaving, she revealed her desire to retreat under the supervision of enter religious life to Mother Mother Chappuis, the two foun- Chappuis, who advised her to ders of the new congregation wait. moved into the house on Rue des Terrasses where Father Brisson’s A reversal of fortune center was located. The youngest Léonie’s return to Sézanne workers were quickly won over delighted her parents – cultured, by these two young women, ST LEONIE FRANCIS DE SALES AVIAT accomplished in piano, and distinguished yet as open as big (JANUARY 10) painting, she nevertheless did sisters. not disdain the ordinary chores Mother Mary de Sales Chappuis t Léonie Francis de Sales Aviat in which her practical sense was often received the two pioneers in Sdevoted herself to bringing revealed. Mr. Aviat proposed an the Visitation’s parlour and for- them back to Christ in their lives advantageous marriage to his med them in religious life. “For and work of the people of France. daughter. But a financial reversal now you are not called to chant the She was canonized on November of fortune ruined Mr Aviat and Office,” she told them; “your prim- 25, 2001. the suitor vanished. Leonie was ary occupation is work. Give yoursel- Léonie Aviat was born in Séz- free, and she decided to enter the ves up to it as graciously as possi- anne, France, on Sept 16, 1844, and Visitation. “Wait a bit longer – ble...your work is for you a continu- was baptized the following day. what God has destined you for ous prayer.” Her father ran a store whose sign is not quite ready,” Mother read, “Seeds, hemp and linen, hab- Chappuis told her. Soon after, For me? Why? erdashery, grocery: wholesale and Father Brisson (her spiritual On October 30, 1868, the first retail.” A good customer base pro- director and a friend of the two Sisters of the Congregation vided the family with a comfor- family) decided that the mom- of “Oblate Sisters of St. Francis table living. Leonie was eleven ent had come to reveal what he de Sales” received the religious when her parents took her to the expected of her. habit. Leonie become Sister boarding school at the Monastery Francis de Sales, and Lucie be- of the Visitation in Troyes, entrus- Mysterious Call came Sister Jeanne-Marie. These ting her to the superior, Mother Father Brisson had created a beginnings were disrupted by Marie de Sales Chappuis, whom youth club and reception centre the war that broke out on July everyone called “the Good Mo- for young factory girls on the Rue 19, 1870 between France and ther.” Of this Mother a priest des Terrasses. To supervise them, Prussia. Factories stopped wrote, “She runs the convent in in the world. She knew the pot- he had to find full-time female running and workers lost their Troyes with admirable wisdom ential impact that a young woman assistants, which wasn’t easy - jobs. Sister Francis de Sales made and the most abundant blessings who was truly Christian and fully he would need souls dedicated to great efforts to keep them busy. from Heaven.” living her vocation as wife and God. When Leonie visited the On October 11, in the company An intelligent and lively girl, mother could have on society and house with him, she received an of Sister Jeanne-Marie, she made Leonie decided to reform her on the Church. Aware of the soc- interior enlightenment that sho- her vows before Monsignor de proud temperament according to ial condition of factory workers in wed her that her place was there, Segur, who said to them, “My Saint Francis de Sales’ advice. the region, Leonie wrote, “I feel in the midst of these youth, some dear children your relations with Mother Chappuis, a true “Mistress more joy in climbing a little win- still children. She revealed this God must be characterized by a of souls,” taught the girls to de- ding staircase to comfort those mysterious call to her spiritual great tenderness, your love for velop the virtues they would need who are overwhelmed by sorrow, director who was amazed at Him must be more gentle, more January 2017 12 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 13 Don Bosco’s Madonna noble, more tender than in any new foundations that were being other religious order...” asked of her all over Europe. When her Daughters spoke to IN A CHEERFUL MOOD A mysterious unction her of difficulties raised by the Just no time for sight-seeing “The best you could! Why, if I A ceremony of religious children, she told them, “Win A farmer who went to a large had known I was going to send a clothing and profession was them over!” meaning love them, city to see the sights, engaged a donkey, I would have gone prepared for January 29, 1873, support them, pray for them. room at a hotel and before retiring myself.” the feast of Saint Francis de Nevertheless, a wind of persecu- asked the clerk about the hours for Sales. However, one of the pos- tion was blowing in France, and meals. Politely refused tulants suddenly was struck religious Congregations were “We have breakfast from 7 to 11, “I desire no remuneration for with an abscess in her heel bone, being suppressed. From 1901 to dinner from 12 to 3, and supper this poem,” said the office visitor. which made her suffer terribly 1904, all the Oblates’ houses from 6 to 8,” explained the clerk. “I merely submit it as a and kept her from receiving the were closed. Mother Francis de “Look here,” inquired the compliment.” “Then, my dear sir, habit. A novena to the Saint was Sales decided to transfer the farmer in surprise, “what time am begun. The evening of February Mother House to Perugia, Italy. allow me to return the 9, Mother Francis de Sales app- Taking advantage of her stay in I goin’ to see the town?” compliment,” replied the editor with true journalistic courtesy.” lied a second class relic of Saint Italy, she approached Pope Saint Not so convenient Francis de Sales to the sick foot. Pius X to obtain final approba- The pain finally subsided and the tion of her Institute’s Constitu- The country lad who had “made Making it quick young Sister went to sleep. In a tions. These steps would come to good” in New York asked his old Addressing the new class dream, she saw a venerable pre- a successful conclusion in April mother to come to the metropolis. concerning the merits of late who applied an unction of 1911. In the meantime, on He gave the old lady the best shorthand, the instructor said: oil on her foot. She was amazed February 2, 1908, Father Brisson room in the hotel - one with a “It is a matter of record that it when she awoke – she was in died peacefully. Informed in private bath adjoining. took the poet Thomas Gray seven fact cured... time, Mother Francis de Sales The next morning the boy asked: years to write his famous poem, was able to be at his bedside. “Did you have a good night’s Elegy in a Country Churchyard. Had My little way When she returned to Perugia, rest?” “The room was alright, and he been proficient in stenography, One day, coming across a she told a Sister one day, “Oh, the bed was pretty. But I couldn’t he could have done it in seven young sister in difficulties, Sister how I would love to become a sleep very much, for I was afraid minutes. We have had students Francis de Sales told her, “I am saint! I desire this greatly! I am someone would want to take a who have written it in that length going to have you take advan- going to start today!” On bath, and the only way to it was of time.” tage of my little experience. God December 26, 1913 a fever sent through my room.” has allowed us, Sister Jeanne- her to bed. Her condition Quite unearthly Marie and me, to have the most worsened, and on January 9, she Just when? “She sang that song in a opposite temperaments that you received Extreme Unction, then th The sad-looking man had been haunting manner.” can imagine. And yet here we Holy Communion. The 10 , a waiting for a long time for his “Do you think so?” have been on good terms for little before 6 o’clock in the order. Finally his waiter “Yes, there was just the ghost of many years, haven’t we? Well, if morning, she died peacefully, approached, and said: “Your fish a resemblance to the original I have been able to manage it, it’s surrounded by her Daughters. will be coming in a minute or two piece.” because I’ve made it a habit to In canonizing Mother Francis now, sir.” The sad man looked never approach my neighbour de Sales Saint John Paul II said: interested. “Tell me,” he said, without glancing at Our Lord. “The resolution which disting- Never out of company Try my little way - I can assure uished Mother Aviat so well, “what bait are you using?” “Have you ever wondered why you that it is good.” “Forget oneself completely,” is you are so popular in your also for us an appeal to go Even better at the job neighbourhood?” “Win them over!” against the current of egotism “Why didn’t you deliver that “No, except that I told my In the following years, Mother and easy pleasure and open message as instructed?” a man neighbours that I have always Francis de Sales travelled frequ- ourselves to the social and asked his servant. played the saxophone when I felt ently to consider setting up the spiritual needs of our time.” “I did the best I could, sir.” lonely.” January 2017 14 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 15 Don Bosco’s Madonna religious use of the word and the King and Ruler of the universe. meaning of the Christian obser- The feast of Christ’s divinity vance of Epiphany: the origins, completes the feast of His associations, and essential theo- humanity. It fulfills all our Ad- logical meaning of the feast and vent longing for the King “who ensuing season of the Christian is come with great power and year are not easily perceived or majesty.” We see that whereas intuitively grasped in a “simple Christmas is the family feast of and striking” manner. Epiphany Christianity, Epiphany is the is a season of variable length great “world feast of the Catholic (depending on the date of Easter) Church.” that begins on January 6 and The feast unites three events in extends to the beginning of Lent. the life of Christ when His It was celebrated as a commem- divinity, as it were, shines thr- oration of the baptism of Christ ough His humanity: the adora- THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD beginning in the third century, tion of the Magi; the baptism of Cl. Ian Pinto, sdb but by the fourth century in the Christ in the Jordan; and the first West it also became associated miracle at the wedding feast of History and Meaning divinity is revealed to the with the manifestation of Christ Cana. Moreover, at Epiphany the Like many of the most ancient Gentiles—the other nations of to the Gentiles in the persons of Church looks forward to the Christian feasts, Epiphany was the earth. the Magi. majestic coming of Christ when first celebrated in the East, where His manifestation as God will be it has been held from the beg- What is Epiphany? Significance of the Feast complete. Epiphany marks the inning, almost universally, on Epiphany comes from the The Feast of Epiphany comes end of Christmastide, which January 6. Today, among both Greek word epiphaneia, from not long after the great feast of begins with the revelation of Eastern Catholics and Eastern which “Epiphany” is translit- Christmas and perhaps for good Christ to Israel in His Birth and Orthodox, the feast is known as erated, meaning “manifestat- reason. At Christmas we stand ends with the revelation of Theophany—the revelation of ion”. Epiphany has a number of in awe at the kenosis (self-emp- Christ to the Gentiles at Epi- God to man. Epiphany originally meanings as given in the dic- tying) of God, who willingly be- phany. The feast invites us to celebrated four different events, in tionary: (1): A church festival in came man. The grandeur of the remember the dual nature of the following order of imp- commemoration of the coming of Incarnation is often overlooked Christ, namely, his humanity ortance: the Baptism of the Lord; the Magi as the first manifes- and seldom relished in a world and his divinity and focuses on Christ’s first miracle, the chang- tation of Christ to the Gentiles or that has so commercialized the his divinity so as to avoid letting ing of water into wine at the in the Eastern Church in comm- feast so as to obliterate its true us lose sight of this fact in the wedding in Cana; the Nativity of emoration of the baptism of significance and value. The feast celebration of the birth of the Christ; and the visitation of Christ; (2): an appearance or of the Epiphany on the other baby. the Wise Men or Magi. Each of manifestation especially of a di- hand is often written off as less these is a revelation of God to man: vine being (3): A sudden manifes- important. This is the case because At Christ’s Baptism, the Holy tation or perception of the ess- the true significance of the feast Spirit descends and the voice ential nature or meaning of some- has not been understood. of God the Father is heard, thing; (4): an intuitive grasp of Epiphany and Christmas are in declaring that Jesus is His Son; at reality through something (as an fact, two sides of the same the wedding in Cana, the miracle event) usually simple and strik- celebration. After contemplating reveals Christ’s divinity; at the ing; (5): an illuminating disco- the staggering fact that God has Nativity, the angels bear witness very, realization, or disclosure; (6): A become a human child, we turn to Christ, and the shepherds, revealing scene or moment. to look at this mystery from the representing the people of Israel, As the dictionary definition of opposite angle and realize that bow down before Him; and at the “epiphany” suggests, there is a this seemingly helpless Child is, visitation of the Magi, Christ’s tension between the non- in fact, the omnipotent God, the January 2017 16 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 17 Don Bosco’s Madonna SAVED BY A CHILD In the Holy Father’s Christmas reflection on Wednesday 30 December 2015, he invited the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square for the last General Audience of 2015, to “look to the lives of children” in order to learn to welcome and love Jesus. God too “was a child,” he said. The Pope also address a special thought to the victims of natural disasters that recently struck the Americas and Great Britain. The following is a translation of the Pope’s address which he delivered in Italian

Brothers and Sisters, Good morning! In these days of Christmas, the Child Jesus is placed before us. I we can learn much about him if we look into the lives of children. It am certain that in our homes many families still have a nativity is a beautiful habit that parents and grandparents have, that of scene arranged, continuing this beautiful tradition brought about watching what the children do. by St Francis of Assisi which keeps alive in our hearts the mystery of We discover, first of all, that children want our attention. They have God who became man. to be at the centre – why? Because they are proud? No! because they Devotion to the Child Jesus is widespread. Many saints cultivated need to feel protected. It is important that we too place Jesus at the this devotion in their daily prayers, and wished to model their lives centre of our life and know, even if it may seem paradoxical, that it is after that of the Child Jesus. I think in particular of St Thérèse of our responsibility to protect him. He wants to be in our embrace, he Lisieux, who as a Carmelite nun took the name Thérèse of the Child wants to be tended to and to be able to fix his gaze on ours. Additionally, Jesus and the Holy Face. She is also a Doctor of the Church who we must make the Child Jesus smile in order to show him our love and knew how to live and witness to the “spiritual childhood” which is our joy that he is in our midst. His smile is a sign of the love that gives assimilated through meditation, as the Virgin Mary taught, on the us the assurance of being loved. Children, lastly, love to play; playing humility of god who became small for us. This is a great mystery. with children, however, means abandoning our logic in order to enter God is humble! We, who are proud and full of vanity, believe we are theirs. If we want to have fun it is necessary to understand what they something big: we are nothing! He, the Great One, is humble and like, and not to be selfish and make them do the things we like. It is a becomes a child. This is a true mystery. God is humble. This is lesson for us. Before Jesus we are called to abandon our pretence of beautiful! autonomy – and this is the crux of the matter: our pretence of autonomy There was a time in which, in the divine-human Person of Christ, – in order to instead accept the true form of liberty, which consists in God was a child, and this must hold a particular significance for knowing and serving whom we have before us. He, the Child is the our faith. It is true that his death on the cross and his Resurrection Son of God who comes to save us. He has come among us to show us are the highest expressions of his redeeming love, however let us the face of the Father abounding in love and mercy. Therefore let us not forget that the whole of his earthly life is hold the Child Jesus tightly in our arms, let us place ourselves at his revelation and teaching. In the Christmas season service. He is the font of love and serenity. It will be we remember his childhood. In order to grow in beautiful today, when we get home to go to the faith we will need to contemplate the Child Jesus nativity scene and kiss the Baby Jesus and say: “Jesus, more often. Certainly, we know nothing of this I want to be humble like you, humble like God”, and period of his life. The rare indication that we to ask for this grace. possess refer to the imposition of his name eight May the icon of the nativity scene which we days after his birth and his presentation at the contemplate in these days help you, dear young Temple (cf. Lk 2:21-28); in addition to this, the visit people, to imitate the Holy Family, model of true of the Magi and the ensuing escape to Egypt (cf. love. May it sustain you, dear sick people to offer Mt 2:1-23). Then, there is a great leap to 12 years your suffering in union with that of Jesus for the of age, when with Mary and Joseph he goes in salvation of the world. May it encourage you, dear pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover, and instead newly weds, to edify your household on the rock of of returning with his parents, he remains in the the Word of God, rendering it, on the example of Temple to speak with the doctors of the law. that of Nazareth, a welcoming place, filled with As we see, we know little of the Child Jesus, but love, understanding and forgiveness.  January 2017 18 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 19 Don Bosco’s Madonna thing that would be ‘ours.’ But I was ready for church, I missed STRANGE GROWS THE HEART from the time Peter was in the him. I found him out at the duck From Fr. Ian Doulton's collection of stories cradle he was mine only to feed, pond. He was draining it. His Suffering, pain, they fall upon packing; hoping that if we dress and bathe. He was Kurt’s face was gaunt and he didn’t look our days like night that shuts out packed all night we could make to spoil and turn into a stubborn, up but asked in a low voice: the sun of all happiness. But if we it. I was wondering what this was defiant little boy expert at getting “You’re going to church Fran?” are patient, if we wait, we begin all about. “Kurt, where are we his own way with his father and I knew he was hurting. He told me to see a meaning in the shadows. going?” I asked. His reply came Kurt boasted: like father, like son. to go ahead and that Mr Hanley Often in our darkness, we receive back like a shot: “To our house, would drive me. I asked when he – like a candle – the power to where do you suppose?” I When Peter was five years and was going and once more came understand that this suffering of couldn’t believe that! What did he three months old, Kurt came in the cold and bitter reply: “When the body is blessed; sometimes it mean “our house?” Then he told from the fields one day. “Where’s God gives me back my son.” I is necessary to prevent an even me that he had bought a house Peter?” he asked. I told him that was shocked and he went on…”If greater tragedy. in the country and even though he was in the orchard with Mr this is what he calls a square it was rundown and that the real Hanley’s boys. But he wasn’t deal…” It was difficult to reason This happened to Fran estate agent discouraged us from there. Kurt shook his head and with Kurt but I tried to tell him that Harrison as she tells it in her taking it – he could have it fixed smiled. He would have to go and there were always reasons for story. Her husband Kurt is in hos- up in no time. It didn’t seem to look for this son he adored. I was things like this but Kurt refused to pital. He’s been there three matter very much to Kurt. We’d upset that I didn’t know where he even give it a thought. He fixed me months. When people come to been planning all this together and was, but I followed Kurt. Kurt with his cold stare and simply visit her they say things like: now suddenly he’d gone and thought nothing of it, he even said: “Look, I did my part…this “How terrible!” Then they look bought a house. It felt like being commented: “It’s good for him to is what I get…I’m through. at her strangely and she knows shoved into a house, like it or not. go off by himself, it toughens From now on I’m not asking and they’re wondering why she’s not Kurt simply said, and rather him. Then I suggested: “The first I’m not giving.” upset, why she can even smile, firmly too: “I know what I’m place to look is where I told him and she couldn’t explain to them. doing, you leave this to me. I’m not to go: down in the duck pond He never set foot in church She knew what was the worst paying for the house…” And he and all that mud.” We headed again. He never prayed. When he thing in the world for Kurt, and passed me a suitcase to start that way as we noticed his had our farm running smoothly, that was not it. There was a real packing. footprints. He had come that he bought another rundown tragedy once. This was how she way. Then all of a sudden I place, and a third. He made most recalled it: “I thought I knew the I cried when I saw the house, a looked ahead at the duck pond of the repairs himself and he was man I married. I didn’t expect pile of clapboards sprawled in a and I shrieked as I saw his little away from the house for weeks Kurt to be perfect; I didn’t think tangle of weeds. But in a month, body, face down in the pond. at a time. He worked in his own that I was. To me his occasional Kurt had the place shining inside Kurt found him in the pond. He world alone while I circled the stubbornness showed a manly and out. He gave me everything wasn’t breathing and independence and his blunt way I wanted for myself and the Kurt worked on him for of speaking came from his house. He was even religious – at an hour before we complete honesty. least he went to church faithfully could call a doctor. The “So, we were married – the every Sunday. Still I felt vaguely doctor said that Peter first month was wonderful and unhappy without knowing must have been dead then weeks of fun as we house- exactly why. Perhaps because when Kurt brought hunted together. I thoroughly Kurt always spoke of the place as him out but Kurt enjoyed trying to decide between ‘his’ farm, ‘his’ house; he wouldn’t believe it, he the English cottage and the ultra- blueprinted the future in his worked for almost modern bungalow. Then in the mind and nothing I said ever another hour. He kept midst of all the excitement, Kurt changed a line of his plans. praying: “God…. God came home one evening and The third year we were marr- ….” But at the funeral started pulling suitcases out of ied, we had a baby. I thought that he gave no sign of grief. the closet. He urged me to start here at last there would some- The next Sunday, when January 2017 20 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 21 Don Bosco’s Madonna outside trying to break through. want even my love, and still I standing on the porch watching for anything. He had to be fed, One evening a light plane landed kept hoping until I saw the the red plane dip up and down. washed, turned in bed…he in our meadow. I ran to look and digger at the end of the garden It was quite a sight to see the could move less than a new born Kurt stepped out of the plane. where I had planted a garden plane make its manoeuvres baby. But he would never ask for “Hey, I rented it for crop-dusting where the duck pond had been. while Mr Wallace said: “Ah, he’s help. On the ninth day he was in and why not, that’s why I’ve Kurt thought it was the best soil got her under control alright.” a pensive mood. He looked up been taking flying lessons again!” for corn and that was what he Then all of a sudden there was and whispered: “You’ve come He was doing everything by was going to do as he hoisted an explosion. I screamed: “The everyday…why?” I said simply: himself, though he could afford himself into the digger. To me it plane… the motor’s missing “You’re my husband.” Then he help. But he helped no one and was the place where our son had …it’s on fire…” The next thing shook his head and told me that asked no one to help him. He was died. It held special memories for we saw was Kurt running the accident came so suddenly. even possessive of those who me, for us, I thought. I realised that towards the house but he He was flying so smoothly when worked for him. They were to listen it was not so for Kurt. There was to stumbled in the field he had just suddenly everything gave way. only to him. He was upset with be no special memory of that ploughed the previous day. He Then he looked at me and said: Hanley: “I hire a man and he tragedy. He simply added coldly: was one ball of fire. Mr Wallace “…the same way it happened puts a chicken house where you “That’s what it should not have. shouted: “Mrs Harrison, get back with the boy.” I had to tell him: tell him to?” No amount of What’s past is past. There’s no into the house and call the doctor. “We never know, Kurt. We never reasoning mattered. There was vacuum in my life. I outgrew that Get back!” I tried to follow him know when…” I could see tears bitterness writ large across his face, years ago.” I blurted out: “Kurt, and he kept shouting: “No, at the corner of his eyes falling in the tone of his voice and in every what about me…Kurt, what no…he doesn’t need you, he on his pillow: “…will you…will decision he took. about me?” He started up the needs a doctor!” you…will you give me a drink of digger and shouted with a water?” I couldn’t believe my One evening after dinner I bitterness I had never seen in his They let me see Kurt the third ears. He asked me for a drink of noticed Kurt in the study going face before: “Go ask God next day. He was covered with water and then: “Now will you over the books. Recently he was Sunday.” bandages except for his eyes and kiss me?” I was so overwhelmed working late into the night. I his mouth. He looked up at me when he began weeping thought I could give him a hand I ran back into the house as and then turned his head. Every unashamedly: “Fran…Fran…” because before we were married Kurt fought another battle in his day I came and sat in the room I kept books as a kind of part- war against God. He would think as long as they’d let me. He gave He cried. I held him in my arms time job. The reply I got at my he had won at last, this man who no sign… nothing till the fifth like a child. I kissed him like a offer was: “No thanks, I don’t had shut out faith and friend, day. Then he asked me: “Did you lover lost and found. Like a need any help.” As I was going even the memory of his child; talk to the doctor?” I told him husband who has returned. I out he looked up and reminded and now his wife. I couldn’t stay that I did and I said that the wish I could explain something me to call George Greenwood to any longer in this house where I doctor said that he would be of this to people who think that tell him that he didn’t have time was a servant with no right to alright. Bitter as he still was, out being shattered physically is the to attend any meeting. I thought give or receive a gesture of love. it came: “All crippled and worst thing that can happen to a it was a good idea to meet with the To live in a house with one who scarred, if I ever use my legs and man. Kurt’s body may be in other farmers and offer them the is a stranger to your heart is arms again. I didn’t think you’d bandages, but his spirit is healed. possibility of a cooperative, they loneliness worse than being try any lies.” He knew me too well; Only a blow like this could make would appreciate his expertise alone. I decided to leave in his he could see that I hadn’t told him him realise the truth that our life immensely but he simply replied: way: without discussion or tears. everything. Then I went on: lies entirely in the hands of God. “It doesn’t mean a thing to me. I Sunday would be the best day. “Alright, the doctor said he Someday he will get well, but take care of myself, they could do Kurt would think I was going didn’t know how bad or how already he is gentle. He has found the same.” They were simply into town to church. long.” Kurt was discouraged and a peace which he never knew in country folk who worked hard but painfully he tried to turn as he the pride of his sound body. Now didn’t have the breaks that Kurt It was Friday afternoon and muttered: “Go home!” Kurt and I both thank God that had: “Luck is what you make it” Kurt had been crop-dusting all this thing happened. That by the was all he said. morning already. Mr Wallace, So he lay for three days more. road of pain he has come back to He didn’t seem to need or the new handy man and I were The nurses said he never asked happiness. January 2017 22 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 23 Don Bosco’s Madonna dormitory facing the courtyard. I wore an expression of paternal DON BOSCO’S was in bed, but not asleep and I trusting affection. He showed him PRETERNATURAL was thinking about our promise things that he least expected. Fr ABILITIES as though I had a premonition of Branda went into the dormitory what was about to take place, I with Don Bosco. They saw boys 22 was strangely afraid.” A strange sleeping. He pointed out three by Fr. Elias Dias sound became stronger and vio- boys hideously disfigured. He said lently shook the dormitory. All in to him: “Do you know these three on Bosco evoked around him the dormitory were startled but boys? You will never believe who Da supernatural atmosphere nobody dared say a word. In this corrupted them unless I come to which caused those around him atmosphere of awe, a light shone tell you. They are the victims of a to live in a climate of eager expec- and I heard Comollo”s voice, coadjutor who led them astray.” tation. Stories of a mysterious dog “Bosco! Bosco I am saved!” Fr Branda heard the names and which protected him, the ability John was so shaken and fright- was dumbfounded. Don Bosco to communicate with preternat- ened that he fell so ill, that he al- told him to send them away. ural phenomena, reading consci- most reached death’s door, leav- Fr. Branda did not have any ences and predicting events, being ing him weak for several years. At exterior evidence. Don Bosco present in two places at the same the end, still in poor health, John ordered him to send them away time or see things happening in left for home for a vacation. This immediately. At the end of the the distance (clairvoyance), were incident had a great influence on trip, they saw the three boys and God’s gifts to His faithful servant. the life and ministry of Don Bosco. the coadjutor hanging their heads Preternatural refers to pheno- Don Bosco wrote and published in shame. There were others also mena that are beyond what is nat- After a brief illness, Comollo died. the biography of Comollo in 1844 who were involved in such cases. ural or normal and is inexplicable Hardly had Comollo been bur- while he was at the Convitto. It is Father Branda did not know how by natural means. ied than he appeared again in a certain that by imitating Comollo, to execute the orders. He was up- Our purpose is not to prove their dormitory full of seminarians. a young man could become vir- set at the prospect of having to ex- validity or make the reader a vic- Here is how Don Bosco described tuous and a seminarian could be- pel confreres. He heard an inner tim of make-believe but to appre- this astonishing event: “Louis and come exemplary, and a worthy voice that kept on repeating “Act! ciate and cherish all that helped I were close friends. One day minister in the Church. Act!” He summoned the prefect Don Bosco carry out his apostolate while recalling what we had read One night in January 1886, Don of the house Father Anthony effectively for the welfare of the in the lives of some saints, we Bosco appeared, while in Italy, to Aime and the assistant and urged young. remarked, half-jokingly and half- Fr. John Baptist Branda, the them to keep an eye on those Cleric John Bosco in his Memoirs seriously, that it would be a great Director of the Salesian house of persons. summarized his first year in the comfort indeed if the one of us Sarrià, Barcelona in Spain. Fr While he was in this state of Seminary as follows: “My stay in first called to eternity were to Branda was sleeping peacefully mind he received a letter from the seminary was pleasant and return to give news of himself to when he heard someone call him, Father Michael Rua in Turin fruitful, and I enjoyed the friend- the other. I was not fully aware of “Wake up!” He clearly heard Don which said, “I was walking with ship of both my companions and the importance of such a promise Bosco’s voice. “Father Branda get Don Bosco this evening and he superiors”. It was at this time that and must admit that we acted up and come with me.” Father told me he had paid you a visit. John became a good friend of the very rashly. We renewed it again Branda thought that he was drea- But perhaps you were asleep at Cleric Louis Comollo. He was a and again especially during ming and went back to sleep. He that time.” wonderful friend of John Bosco. Comollo’s last illness. Comollo’s slept and did not give heed to the A few days later after the They shared their lives and last words and his last look at me voice until the octave of the Feast dream-vision, Fr. Branda went to aspirations. The friendship led had assured me that he would of St Francis de Sales. celebrate Mass in the home of John to lead a more austere life. keep our agreement. It was the Then, during the night of Dorothy de Chopitea Villota. At the beginning of the schol- night between April 3 and 4, the February 6th, while he was sleep- Before the Mass she said to him, astic year 1838-39, Comollo sen- night after his burial; I was ing, he heard another summon: “Do you know what? I dreamt of sed that his life was coming to a sleeping with twenty other stud- “Father Branda, Fr. Branda!” It Don Bosco last night!” Fr. Branda close, and he confided this to John. ents of theology in the south was Don Bosco’s voice again. He was keener on celebrating the January 2017 24 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 25 Don Bosco’s Madonna Mass. As he began his Mass, he insistent questions as to his are told of this dog, Don Bosco retreat with painful howls. was seized with fear and tremb- identity, he replied “A few years plainly tells us the truth (MO, p Grigio appeals to our curiosity ling. Within a voice resounded from now my name will be prin- 240). in a unique way and makes us “Do at once what I have told you. ted in books, and these books will Don Bosco was aware that his ask about his origin. Don Bosco Otherwise, this is the last Mass come into your hands. Then you life was constantly in danger. remarked, “It sounds ridiculous you will celebrate.” will know who I am.” Listening to his friends’ recom- to call him an angel, yet he is not They took the drastic step and The lady’s husband who was a mendations he did his best to av- an ordinary dog. He believed dismissed the boys and later the merchant noticed that the priest oid being on the streets after that he was really providential Salesian. Father Branda told them, was weak and plodding along dark. for him on many occasions when “Don Bosco came in person to tell with difficulty. He told the lady’s One dark evening, rather late, he found himself in danger. me!” Later when Don Bosco visi- husband, the merchant, that he he was making his way home Extraordinary phenomena ted Barcelona, Fr. Branda told him walked a long way. The merchant with some trepidation when a after Don Bosco’s death: The about his decision and he offered him a lift in his old cart. huge dog appeared beside him. family of Count Cravosio was approved of it. Though the priest sat in the cart At first sight, the dog gave him one of the many Patrician Don Bosco was endowed with nobody paid attention to him. a start, but then he seemed families of Turin where Don the charism of bilocation. He was When he arrived home Mon- friendly and even nuzzled him Bosco was always wholehear- on retreat at St Ignatius. One sieur Clement helped the priest to as if he was his master. They tedly welcomed. The Count’s Sunday during afternoon church alight and requested him to stay quickly became friends and he daughter Rosa who had seen him service, two Oratory boys went for dinner. His wife complained accompanied him as far as the many times became a nun and secretly to bathe in the Dora about the poor health of her infant Oratory. Many other times that took the name of Philomena. As Riparia River near the arsenal. son. The priest told her “Keep evening’s experience reap- the Mother Superior of the After splashing about in shallow praying, Madame and your pray- peared. Indeed he might say convent of Garessio she was water, they stretched out on the ers will be answered.” After the Grigio did him valuable service. suffering greatly from spiritual sand. Suddenly they felt a sharp meal the priest told them to keep During dangerous periods of torments and physical infirmi- slap that left a mark on their a jar as a present in his memory.” his life Divine Providence sent ties. On January 31, 1888 at day backs. Exclaiming that it must After the meal the priest said to him Grigio for his protection and break after a sleepless night, the have been Don Bosco, they scram- the lady, “I must leave for some his defence. The grey dog often nun fell into a daze and beheld bled into their clothes and raced important work.” He left and they appeared in the Oratory and the Don Bosco standing at the foot back to the Oratory. Pale and could not trace him. They were boys treated him well for they of her bed, wearing his usual frightened, they sneaked through surprised to know that he went knew that it was Don Bosco’s cape. Seeing Don Bosco the nun the church door and hid in a and cured the child of a nurse who dog. Mama Margaret was exclaimed, “Oh Don Bosco! Did dormitory. was living at Coinaud, a village frightened of it. The dog would my mother tell you about me? I Once Don Bosco asked a boy, about two miles from Saint- not do any harm to anyone in the am upset for I can no longer do “Don’t you recall being slapped by Rambert. Seven years later, Oratory but was always ready to anything worth-while.” Don an invisible hand one day?” Quite someone who was present when assist Don Bosco. Bosco replied “I know your surprised the lad admitted it. he cured the child of the nurse The last time Don Bosco saw mother was supposed to come to “And what were you doing that recognized him seeing the picture Grigio was in 1866 when he see me but she was unable to do time?” The boy turned red. Don on a book. This is the priest who went to Becchi with a group of that. You see, while I was in this Bosco took him aside and whisp- healed your child.” boys for the feast of the Holy world, I was able to do little ered something into his ear and Don Bosco loved people but Rosary. One night he went to things for you and your family, that solved the problem. there were some who were aga- visit his friend Louis Moglia at but now that I am in Heaven I Don Bosco was most certainly in inst him because of his sup-port Moncucco. Two farm house dogs can do a lot more.” She asked his Turin on October 14, 1878. Yet that and defence of the Church. In furiously went at Don Bosco. He blessing and Don Bosco assured very day an unknown French- addition, he fought against the exclaimed, “How I wish Grigio her all God’s help in her life. speaking priest who refused to Waldensian errors. The grey dog were here. He would get me out The Lord of wonders endowed give his name was the guest of Grigio was the topic of many of this mess!” Instantly Grigio Don Bosco with all kinds of gifts Adele Clement at Saint-Rambert conversations and many wanted appeared from nowhere and and talents and he used them d’Albon, in the department of to know about this dog. Laying took them on and so badly solely for one purpose: To save Drome. Giving in to the lady’s aside the fantastic stories, which mauled them that they had to souls and to serve God alone. January 2017 26 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 27 Don Bosco’s Madonna compositions amount to around ong Christians, there is no more three thousand verses, rich in joyful celebration than Christmas. mystic harmony. He has been We are all drawn to the manger called “the lyre of the Holy Spirit.” even the most hardened, and vio- If all Ephrem’s poems are so beau- lent. Naturally, this also happens tiful those in which he speaks of to our Syrian poet Ephrem, who the Madonna are extremely fasci- while contemplating the events nating because they spring from unfolding at Bethlehem is trans- a tender filial heart and that was ported through his religious and why he was rightly accorded the poetic fervour to put into the title of “Mary’s Bard.” Ephrem is mouth of the Madonna these ver- not a speculative theologian look- ses, a kind of lullaby, that the ing for new ideas. He, instead, Mother of God sings to the Son of A POET CELEBRATES MARY’S BEAUTY dwells on the traditional content God, her Child: ‘Mary gives vent by Roberto Spataro of faith, especially Bible stories to the sentiments of her heart as which he adorns with lyrical ima- she sings this cradle song: “Who ante, Petrarch, Boccacio, gery and in this lies his expertise. ever allowed this solitary little girl DManzoni, Testori and a long to conceive and give birth to him, list of poets have praised the All in me and everywhere at the same time, one and many, Madonna in their compositions. You might, or might not know, little and grand, all within me and Who won’t recall the inspired but there were already other everywhere? The day Gabriel words of Dante in the prayer that Christian writers before Ephrem, came to poor me, in an instant he St Bernard says in Canto XXXIII like Justin or Irenaeus, for instance made me a lady and a handmaid. of the Paradiso which begins with who likened Mary to Eve in order Who am I a handmaid of your the words: “Virgin Mother, dau- to show, by contrast, the role that divinity but also mother of your ghter of your Son”? It seems that the Blessed virgin Mary played in humanity, O Lord, and my Son?” no great poet in the history of Ita- Salvation history. Ephrem takes lian literature has been able to up the same theme but dresses it Co-participant in glory resist praising the Madonna. It is up with truly inspired poetic Sometimes, Ephrem puts in not surprising. Poetry is a transla- imagery: “Look at the World: it details that are not contained in tion into words of the facets of has two eyes. Eve, the left eye, the Gospels. We could say that he beauty that the poet, who is inspi- that’s blind; Mary, the seeing eye, permits himself some “poetic red, manages to put together. In on the right. The left is the eye of license.” One of these that is truly this case, it is the Madonna who the guilty world which remains in delightful and reasonably true, is is a creature in whom the fullness the dark. But because of Mary, the the belief that the Risen Lord of beauty resides. right eye illuminates the world appeared first to his Mother. Eph- Saint Ephrem the Syrian is the greatest with heavenly light that dwells rem writes: “Go, tell my brothers: The First Poet of Mary poet of the patristic era. In his poetic compositions, he made use of a par- within her and all who are united “I am ascending to My Father and One of the Church Fathers, who ticular form that was especially con- to her.” When he wants to assert Your Father.” Mary, as she was lived in the fourth century, is, genial: metric prose (memre). He was the virginity of Mary, an article of present at the first miracle, also chronologically speaking, the first a follower of the theological school of faith that the Church has always experienced the first fruits of the Marian poet; one who (one might Antioch. He wrote much to defend the faith from the attacks of the Gnostics. adhered to, Ephrem does not prof- Risen One from the underworld.” say) opened the way to many oth- fer arguments to refute his oppo- Several saints and other mystics ers, of all ages and languages. This those of Mesopotamia have nents, he sings this great mystery have also confirmed this opinion Father of the Church was called always held him as a great doctor employing poetically biblical which is deeply rooted in popular Ephrem. It’s an unusual name. In of the Church and still do to this imagery, such as the burning busy piety which holds that as Mary fact, he’s Syrian, a native of Nibisi, day. Even amidst the great diffi- that is not consumed, “Just like at participated in the pain of the an ancient city now thought to be culties that they face, they vene- Sinai, I was alight but not consu- Crucifixion, so she must have in Iraq. Christians in Syria and rate him with great devotion. His med by the flames.” Perhaps, am- been the first to rejoice at the joy January 2017 28 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 29 Don Bosco’s Madonna in place of the hard bread that Eve had given us.” A distinguished scholar of Ephrem and of ancient Christian literature in the Syriac language (very similar to the lan- guage Jesus spoke, Aramaic) has said that for this Father of the Church, the Holy Virgin is a per- son to whom he feels intimately The Name of Jesus, Reserved Sin & Abortion connected and towards whom he From St Martin’s Messenger, Ireland feels bound by an immense debt of gratitude for the contribution Q. Every day I hear the name ‘Jesus’ and parcel of everyday conver- that she made toward the sal- being used in a profane manner. sation for many people. What- vation of humankind. Ephrem is You hear it on TV especially on the ever be the reason given most drawn to the Madonna. The mys- plays/soaps, and in conversations people still feel offended when tery that emanates from her per- in pubs and on the streets. It pains they hear it used disrespectfully. son fills him with admiration and me a lot to hear it as the Lord is our We pray that people everywhere wonder: “O Lord, no one knows how Saviour and to use his name in this will grow in their respect for the to address your mother. If she is way seems to me to be a serious name of the Lord and use it called Virgin, there is the presence irreverence. Please let me know always with reverence. of the Son; if she is called bride, she what you think about this? admits that she has never known A. Thank you for your question Q. What is reserved sin? man. Your Mother is a prodigy! and for bringing to our attention A. A term used for sins whose Your mother’s womb has upset the the frequent misuse and the absolution is not within the order of everything; the Creator of disrespect for the name ‘Jesus.’ power of every confessor, but As Mary was present at the first all things entered it rich and came Sadly you hear it misused quite reserved to himself by the miracle so she had the privilege to superior of the confessor. The be the first to see the risen Christ out a beggar. There is a baby in the often in present day society. when he rose from the dead womb and seal of virginity remains Some people seem to be unable to Pope alone can make reserva- intact. What a great portent!” complete a sentence without the tion for the whole Church and of the Resurrection. Sometimes Ephrem, while speaking with use of the Holy Name or some the Bishops can do the same for poets are great theologians and utmost respect, turns to her with swear word or other. The second their diocese only. Ephrem is one such example. a trust from which comes this commandment prescribes res- confident prayer as we end our pect for the Lord’s name,’ you Q. Why is abortion forbidden by Your Mother, a prodigy! presentation of the Mariological shall not take the name of the Lord the Church and has it always been Strumming the cords of his thought of Ephrem the Syrian, in vain.’ Respect for his name is so? heart, that never seem to tire of which seems to anticipate centu- an expression of the respect owed A. Since the first century the celebrating the beauty and gran- ries of other heartfelt prayers to to Jesus Christ himself. And the Church has affirmed the moral deur of Mary, he senses a prof- the Mother of God composed by Catechism of the Catholic evil of every procured abortion. ound similarity between the Mad- other saints: “O Mary, our media- Church states: The holiness of the This teaching has not changed onna and the Church. Both are trix, in you the human race finds its Divine name demands that we and remains unchangeable. This united in multiple ways. As al- joy. From you, we seek protection. do not use it for trivial matters.’ is an essential tenet of Catholic ways, Ephrem expresses these Only in you we seek refuge. And You will, as you say, hear it used teaching based among other concepts artfully, delicately yet ro- behold, even I come fervently to you, in plays, on TV, radio, or theatre. things on the lovely words of bustly at the same time, steeped because I do not dare approach your Producers of these plays explain Psalm 22:10-11 “Before I form- in Biblical overtones. “The Chu- Son: I therefore implore your inter- the frequent use of the Holy ed you in the womb I knew you.’ rch has given us the Living Bread cession to seek salvation, O you who Name in their productions by It is a tea-ching which forms the in place of the unleavened bread are compassionate, you who are the saying that the plays etc. are a bedrock of Catholic Moral Law they ate in Egypt. Mary gives us Mother of the God of mercy, have portrayal of the real world where and which the Church hold the bread that truly nourishes us, pity on me.” the use of the Holy Name is part sacred and inviolable. January 2017 30 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 31 Don Bosco’s Madonna NEWSBITS THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS

BUDAPEST The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion. Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practise this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help. President Viktor Orban meeting Pope Francis in Italy It was December 2015 and I was faced with a difficult The Hungarian government situation to handle alone. I began to pray the 3 Hail Marys and through has established an office to assist the intercession of Mary I received help. Thank you, dear Mother for persecuted Christians. your constant help. Mrs Imelda Fernandes, Mumbai “Hungary considers itself My husbsand and I were to travel to Norway on March 8, 2016, to visit Christian, and is interested in the our daughter. Just 3 days prior to our travel my husband had mouth situation of Christians all around ulcers and was in severe pain. We went to our family doctor and he the world,” Eduard von Habs- gave him some local application. The pain did not subside and there burg, the ambassador of Hun- was a swelling on his face. The 8th March being Sunday there were gary to the Holy See, said of the was designated to succeed Bis- no doctors available and we were supposed to travel that night. I just decision to establish the sub- hop Zhu. But as the elderly bis- kept praying to Jesus and Mother Mary and proceeded with my travel. secretariat, which has a $3.35- hop's health deteriorated, in late To our surprise while we were in a queue for boarding his blisters million budget. August police took Bishop Shao burst and the swelling began to subside. We reached Norway and the “Somehow the idea of into custody and removed him swelling and the pain both vanished. My grateful thanks to Jesus and defending Christians has acqui- from the province - appar-ently Mother Mary for answering my prayers and protecting my family always. red a bad taste in Europe, as if it to ensure that he would not Thank you Mother for all the blessings you showered on my famiily means excluding other people,” preside at Bishop Zhu's funeral, and me through the faithful recitation of the Three Hail Marys as part he added. (Crux) and perhaps in order to install of our daily prayers. Ninfa Britto, Mumbai another government-appointed Thanks dear Mother Mary for curing a family member’s health problem. CHINA bishop in the diocese in defiance Theresa of Rome. Bishop Vincent Zhu Weifang of Thank you Mother Mary and St. Anthony: I left my wallet at an ATM Wenzhou, China, who spent Despite this there have been a kiosk in a rural area. After 30 mins I realized it was not with me. I went more than 20 years in prison back to the ATM and saw it wasn’t there but a CCTV camera showed camps, died at the age of 90. series of attempts towards re- conciliation. Two priests (under- us the face of the person who entered the ATM a second after we did. After years serving the "under- A police complaint was made but I knew they would do nothing. It was ground" Church, Bishop Zhu ground) of the diocese of Wen- finally received official recogni- zhou, interviewed by AsiaNews, not the wallet but the ID proofs that were the concern. We know how tion from the government in express their respect for the difficult it is to get these done. I prayed to St. Anthony and said I said 2010. But his conflicts with the deceased bishop and describe 9 Memorares and prayed to Mother Mary to help me get at least the ID government continued, as he Msgr. Zhu Weifang as a man of cards and my license back. It was time to leave and guess what! To denounced a campaign to des- faith, committed to evangeli- our surprise we were contacted by the same person on the CCTV troy crosses on church buildings. zation, attentive to mending camera and I got the whole wallet back. It was a miracle, Mother Mary Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin, the relations between official and and St Anthony heard my prayers if not I wouldn’t have never got the coadjutor bishop of Wenzhou, underground. (AsiaNews) wallet. Thank you Jesus for being with us. Astrid Ferreira, Mumbai January 2017 32 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 33 Don Bosco’s Madonna LOVING CHILDREN TO THEIR LOVING MOTHER THANKS TO DEAR Thank you Our Lady of Carmel for hearing my request. Theresa ST. DOMINIC SAVIO Thank you Holy Spirit, Jesus and Mother Mary for numerous favours I am grateful to St Dominic Savio for a received. H.M.V. Mumbai safe delivery and for the gift of a sweet Belated thanks to the Divine Mercy and Our Lady for saving me second baby girl after 13 years. I daily from a serious stroke. I didn’t know what was happening to me. I recited the prayers to St Dominic Savio went on praying for 15 to 20 minutes - ‘Jesus help me.’ Suddenly and wore the scapular throughout the this sensation stopped and I began crying bitterly and I smiled and pregnancy. Thank you dear Mother Mary said ‘Thank you Jesus. I was all alone, I called up my daughter and St Dominic Savio. and my friend. They took me to the doctor and I was admitted to Sharlet Barnes, Mumbai the hospital and remained there for 10 days. I had lost my balance Thank you Jesus, dear Mother Mary and because of which I couldn’t walk but Jesus and Mother Mary helped St Dominic Savio for keeping us safe and me. It was a miracle and I can now walk and do all my work. healthy. A Devotee Angela Pinto, Thane Thank you, dear Mary Help of Christians I had rheumatoid arthritis and suddenly developed excruciating and St Dominic Savio for the many pain and at the same time my son developed an eye infection. I favours received and for helping my began a novena to Our Lady of Valankanni during which I also granddaughter in her Std IX exams. prayed for my daughter-in-law’s safe delivery. On the 6thtday of Joan and Eric Peters, Pune the 2nd novena the pain in my leg disappeared my son’s eyes were My grateful thanks and praise to Mother Mary, Don Bosco and Dominic healed and my daughter-in-law had a safe delivery. Mama Mary, Savio for keeping my daughter safe during her pregnancy and for protect us always and thank you for your miraculous cures. the birth of her healthy twin babies. Jean Mathias, Mumbai Mrs Ellerena Peters, Chennai THE POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR 2017 THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO ENTRUSTED TO THE APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER OUR LADY AND DON BOSCO Starting in 2017 the Pope will present only one prepared prayer Our grateful thanks to Mother Mary, Don Bosco, Dominic Savio and intention per month, rather than the two presented before this all the saints for curing me from hernia. A Devotee year. He plans, however, to add a second prayer intention each A million thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary Help of Christians, month related to current events or urgent needs, like disaster relief. St. John Bosco, St Dominic Savio and all the saints for (1) My daughter The urgent prayer request will help mobilize prayer and action related and son-in-law for having secured a PhD degree and for a gainful to the urgent situation. The Apostleship of Prayer will publish these employment; (2) Protecting my husband after a fall - all the tests are urgent prayer intentions on their website as soon as we receive normal; (3) Countless blessings and favours received. them from the Vatican.(www.apostleshipofprayer.org) Mrs Karis Rodrigues, Bangalore What is the process in the preparation of the prepared prayer Many thanks and praise to Jesus, Mary Help of Christians and Don intentions? The faithful from around the world suggest papal prayer Bosco for answering our prayers and the marrow bone report of my intentions to the international office of the Apostleship of Prayer in niece-in-law was shown as normal against the prediction of the doctors. Rome. Through prayerful discernment the Apostleship selects a Effie, Goa large number of them and submits them to the Vatican for further My sincere and a million thanks to Mary Help of Christians and Don selection, with the Pope making the final selection. The Vatican Bosco for granting my prayers and giving a life partner to my boss’ then entrusts to the Apostleship of Prayer the official set of monthly daughter after 14 years. P. Gomes We thank our loving Mother and her dear son Jesus, St John Bosco prayer intentions, which the Apostleship then translates into the and St. Dominic Savio for their manifold blessings. Our Lord Jesus major world languages and publishes in print and digital formats. Christ saved my nephew Angelo from two major accidents. My niece JANUARY was also saved when she had a fatal fall from the bike and hurt her Christian Unity head. Thank you, dear Mother, if it was not for your help, both my That all Christians may be faithful to the Lord’s teaching by striving nephew and niece would not have been saved. A million thanks to with prayer and fraternal charity to restore ecclesial communion and you, our loving Mother. Ms. S. Arputhaswamy by collaborating to meet the challenges facing humanity. January 2017 34 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2017 35 Don Bosco’s Madonna Regd RNI no. 9360/57; Postal Regn. MH/MR/North East/089/2015-2017 License to post without prepayment posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office on 1st & 2nd of every month Date of Publication: 1st of every month Subs: (one copy Rs. 20/-); Inland Rs. 200p.a; Airmail: Rs 500 p.a. MARY WAS THERE It was on 7th October 2014, the feast of Our Lady of Rosary. As I was returning home from the market a stationary car suddenly took off and hit my bike. I fell under the bike and when I was lifted up by the passers-by I could stand on my feet and ride the bike. Except for the damage to the back panel of the bike I got out of the accident without any injury. I always recite the Rosary at night and on the way to daily Mass. My belated but grateful thanks to Our Lady of Rosary for protecting me from this accident. A devotee, Goa Don Bosco's Madonna, has developed to its present form from a folder published in 1937, by late Fr Aurelius Maschio, on behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Bombay. The magazine is sent to all who ask for it, even though there is a fixed subscription (Rs 200/- India & Rs 400/- Airmail)). We trust in the generosity of our readers/benefactors. Whatever you send us will help cover the expenses of printing and mailing; the surplus if any, is devoted to the support of orphans and poor boys in our schools and apostolic centres. To help a poor lad to reach the priesthood, is a privilege You can help by establishing a Perpetual Burse with: Rs 5000/-, 10,000/-, 15,000/- for a boy studying for the priesthood; But any amount, however small, will be gratefully received. Send your offerings by Payee cheque or Draft on Mumbai banks; MO/PO/INTL MO/BPO/Bequests, Wills, Perpetual Burses, all favouring Don Bosco's Madonna or Bombay Salesian Society or Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, (Trustee). Please address all correspondence to: Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, sdb., SHRINE OF DON BOSCO'S MADONNA, Matunga - MUMBAI - 400 019 - INDIA Phone/Fax: 91-22- 2414 6320, email: [email protected] January 2017 36 Don Bosco’s Madonna