DON BOSCO'S MADONNA Mumbai JANUARY 2018 vol.19 No. 9 TRUST GOD IN ALL THINGS e don’t linger long at the manger, do we? Our hearts are still aglow and our spirits animated with visions of shepherds tending CONTENTS Wtheir flock, Wise Men who have journeyed from afar, and the Holy Family - Mary, Joseph, and their Precious Child. And then, before From The Editor's Desk: Trust God you know it, they’ve packed up and fled south to Egypt. I find it an in All Things...... 3 irony of history that when Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem they were not met with any semblance of hospitality. And yet when they Coping With Family Problems ventured into foreign territory, it’s apparent that somebody took - Ian Pinto sdb...... 4 them in and provided a hospitable place for them to dwell while they awaited Herod’s demise. Talk about trusting God in all things! Youth on the Move: Help, My Son’s How often we plan, make reservations, especially when we’re going on the Cloud! - Ermete Tessore 8 into a city where we know no one. Or, we go with a group so we Salesian Saint: Ven. Joseph Quadrio...... 10 won’t get lost and we’re sure that we’ll have an assured welcome. Again, talk about trusting in God! Vocation Story: Cl. Clarence Martis sdb...11 The story of the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt comes to us as we Witnesses In And For Our Times: enter a new calendar year. We who experience and celebrate the Ven. Benedetta Bianchi Porro....t...12 annual trek to Bethlehem and the joy of Christmas morning will soon have everything packed up, prepared for our own journey to a new Lectio Divina: Epiphany of the Lord - Cl. Ian Pinto, sdb...... 16 place in time. Though there are no Herods in hot pursuit, our thoughts are apt to touch on what must have been on the minds of Quietspaces: He Who Intercedes on Mary and Joseph as they headed into the unknown: the joy and Our Behalf - Pope Francis...... 18 surprise of things new and different? Would there be joy? Would they be constantly looking over their tired shoulders or would they Little Girl, Goodbye have kept their ears pealed for the footfalls of Herod’s soldiers? If - Fr. Ian Doulton's Collection...20 Grant we pray, they were directed to leave this place and go,’ it stood to reason that Facets Of His Life: The Postal System the One who ‘ordered’ them would order others in one-way-or- in the 1800s - Natale Cerrato....24 that we may experience another to be there for this strange migrant couple from the ‘back- of-beyond.’ That’s trust! Reflecting on Mary: Live the Eucharist the intercession of her With Mary - Silvio Longobardi 28 We do not easily admit to weakness or being needy, but Christian through whom we were maturity embraces dependency on God. This is the nature of things. Walking With the Church: The True God has created all and provides for us out of all that is created. It’s Cross, Missionaries Today...... 31 found worthy worth noting that from time to time Jesus arranged for the early Newsbits...... 31 disciples to experience a healthy dose of being pushed beyond their to receive the author limits (e.g. feeding the multitude when they had no food). It was in In a Cheerful Mood...... 32 these times they learned to trust God, to reach beyond knowing into The Devotion of of life, the realm of faith. So it is with us. Epiphany invites us into receptivity the Three Hail Marys...... 33 in the midst of those life and family experiences which pull us beyond Loving Children to their Our Lord Jesus Christ! Loving Mother...... 34 the limits of our own ability to cope and manage. The spiritual They Are Grateful to discipline here is for us to yield to the Spirit of Jesus who indwells Our Lady & Don Bosco...... 34 (From the Opening Prayer of the us, and call out to God: “Abba! Daddy!” Herein is freedom, freedom Thanks to Dear Mass of the Motherhood of Mary) from our own self-imposed belief that we are supposed to be able, to St. Dominic Savio...... 35 be competent. Freedom to be a child! Fr. Ian Doulton sdb January 2018 2 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 3 Don Bosco’s Madonna been taught and not always difficult, no longer matters. Most FAMILY ISSUES agree just because that is what do not fully see this truth: that COPING WITH FAMILY PROBLEMS “everybody else” thinks. life is difficult, instead they moan COPING WITH FAMILY PROBLEMS more or less incessantly, noisily Ian Pinto, sdb “The first couple of times I went or subtly, about the enormity of he family is the basic unit of home to visit my parents I found their problems, their burdens, Tsociety. This sociological def- it really hard to cope. I found it and their difficulties as if life inition is common knowledge hard to deal with not being able were generally easy, as if life and is often quoted to define the to express my opinions as freely should be easy. They voice their family. Family is the microcosm as I did when I was away from belief, noisily or subtly, that their that reflects the larger macro- home. My mum didn’t necessarily difficulties represent a unique cosm: society. Family and society agree with my upfront attitude to kind of affliction that should not have a mutually influencing life. While I was always out there be and that has somehow been relationship. The health and trying to get people to take me and especially visited upon them, or atmosphere of the family reflects my beliefs and opinions seriously, else, upon their families, their the health and atmosphere of her attitude was “why fight it... tribe, their class, their nation, society and vice versa. If families why not just go with the flow.” It their race or even their species, are divided, fragile, aggressive the rough edges of both rub was really frustrating. I used to get and not upon others.” and value-less, society is bound against each other. really upset that my parents to be fragmented, hostile, des- didn’t agree with what I was The family, which is a comm- tructive and ethically unsound. “My parents and I never really doing.” unity of individuals, is not ex- On the other hand, if families are saw eye to eye about anything. empt from life’s difficulties. united, happy, peaceful, forgiv- When I was younger it was just the When this young teen penned Problems, difficulties, challenges, ing and upright then society too simple stuff - the length of my these words what she did was not conflicts and frustrations are will be communitarian, peace- skirt, how I chose to wear my hair only put down her own life bound to occur at one time or ful, tolerant and ethical. While or the movies I wanted to watch. experience of conflict and frustra- another, in one way or another, families influence society, society But as I got older I found that there tion in family life but also, in a so there is no need to be alarmed too influences the family. It is was a lot more that we didn’t way, she speaks about the exper- by it. What needs to alarm us, difficult for a fruit-bearing tree agree on - my choice of friends, iences that everyone, I daresay, however, is how the family copes to grow in the desert, you know? what I wanted to study at faces. The details may differ but with these setbacks. university, political issues or how the underlying truth remains Everybody’s Got Problems I chose to spend my weekends. steadfast, ‘Everyone faces prob- Dealing with Family Problems Despite any attempts to ro- lems, difficulties, challenges, con- Each family deals with its manticize the idea of family, it is “I left home at 17 to study at a flicts, frustrations and failures!’ problems in its own way. While basically and fundamentally a university in another city. Mov- There is no denying that fact. there is no ‘quick-heal’ method, group of individuals who are tied ing away from home has totally there are productive and coun- together by bonds of blood and broadened my outlook on the Scott Peck in his bestselling ter-productive ways. How can kinship. These individuals share world and has changed my opi- book, The Road Less Travelled, you know if a method is produc- many things in common but also nion on lots of issues. Over the begins with these astonishingly tive or counter-productive? Sim- differ in many others ways. One past two years I’ve met the most plain yet insightful words: “Life ple. Look at the outcome. If a of the basic differences within a amazing people with the most is difficult. This is a great truth, family member refuses to talk to family is personality. Each indi- extraordinarily diverse experien- one of the greatest truths. It is a another because of a misunder- vidual in the family is different ces. My circle of friends includes great truth because once we truly standing or a past hurt, then that from the other, not only in phy- people with different religions, see this truth, we transcend it. behaviour is counter-produc- sical characteristics but also in beliefs, values, cultures and Once we truly know that life is tive. Willing to listen and dia- characteristics that are emotio- different ways of approaching difficult — once we truly under- logue with one another is a sign nal, mental and spiritual as well. life. But the great thing is we stand and accept it — then life is of great maturity and a very Since no two people are the same, respect each other’s opinions. no longer difficult. Because once productive way of resolving iss- friction is bound to occur when I’ve learnt to question what I’ve it is accepted, the fact that life is ues. So often we find ourselves in January 2018 4 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 5 Don Bosco’s Madonna a clash of wills. How can we pro- ture that scenario? How do you you experience freedom from actively deal with our problems? expect to feel at the end of it? your troubles. They can help you Now, multiply that by fifty years. see things in a new light. Exp- A letter to a newspaper advice That’s what the receiver is ressing your feelings and work- column brought up an issue that ‘supposed’ to endure, just so that ing with them could help you frequently makes its appearance the conflict can be resolved! develop strategies for coping. albeit in different guises in such When you talk to someone else, columns: how to respond to diffi- Solution 1 seems easier and far he/she can help you see the other cult people, particularly obnoxi- less painful, but again, how pro- side of the story. You perhaps ous family members. A woman ductive does it prove to be? Di- may be able to step into the other wrote, “My mother and I have vorcing yourself from your fam- persons’ shoes. had a poor relationship for years. ily is going to leave a scar whe- She is self-absorbed, demanding ther you like it or not. Every-one often begins with an individual. There is nothing like forgive- and consistently hurtful. She develops emotional bonds with Families that come together in an ness to give you peace of mind. seems to find great amusement in other family members no matter environment of openness to dis- Often enough, people hear the upsetting me and takes every op- how ‘good’ or ‘bad’ they might cuss its problems and collectively devastating words, “I never want portunity to do so… This kind of be. Severing these bonds may come up with a solution are the to see you again!” from a parent, behaviour is typical of her, and I produce a short-term solution ideal. But since most families are a sibling, or a child, and we all am tired of it. I have tried to but has long-term effects. Psych- not anywhere near that ideal, the know what a devastating feeling discuss it with her, and she refuses ological studies show that unres- option to bring about change that is. What happened to this fa- to accept that she has done any- olved dysfunctional family rela- from the level of the individual mily relationship? Where did the thing wrong. I finally decided to tionships quite frequently affect is the most viable. marriage or family unity go? sever all contact… The problem one’s relationships with one’s Sometimes people would rather is that the rest of my family be- own children. Some abused chil- The first thing I believe we fight than make love! Or keep a rates me for being “mean” to her. dren become abusive parents ought to do is pray. Now you may grudge rather than forgive! You They expect me to maintain this themselves, while others go to wonder how prayer is going to could go on suffering from the destructive relationship.” the other extreme and end up help, but trust me, it does. Prayer side-effects of a broken relation- smothering their children with may not change the situation or ship or you could step up and Many people seem to think parental care and guidance. The the person but it will definitely forgive. I know that this is easier that such a situation can be dealt later pattern sometimes results in change you! Your problems may said than done, but hey, isn’t that with in one of three ways: a generation of, say, alcoholics not go away after your prayers what Jesus commanded us to do? 1. Cut the offending family begetting a generation of uptight but you will receive the grace member and his/her family all- teetotalers who then beget and the strength to face your “This I tell you: love your ene- ies completely out of your life. another generation of alcoholics. problems and come up with ami- mies, and pray for those who 2. Grow a spine and fight back. able solutions. Prayer will rem- persecute you, so that you may 3. Try to let it go in one ear and Since none of these three prove ind you that you do not have to be children of your Father in out the other. to be productive, we are still left face your problems alone; God is Heaven. For he makes his sun The second and third solutions with the question: How can we there to support you. Surrender- rise on both the wicked and the seem to say, “Brave it out”. I’ve constructively deal with family ing your difficulties to God will good, and he gives rain to both heard many people doling out problems? Allow me to offer a relieve you from your pain, the just and the unjust. If you such advice in abundance. Do few tips. These tips are not fool- stress and anxiety, and help you love those who love you, what is you think that helps resolve the proof and don’t guarantee succ- see things differently. special about that? Do not even issue? Let’s suppose for a mom- ess but they have been tried and tax collectors do as much? And ent that it does. Are you aware tested and found to be helpful. We could seek help from com- if you are friendly only to your of the damage it does to the You may find that the tips off- petent or trustworthy people; it friends, what is so exceptional receiver? Imagine being the butt ered are directed to the indi- could be a psychotherapist, about that?... be righteous and of other’s anger, frustration, sar- vidual even though they can also counselor, priest or even a good perfect in the way your heavenly casm, pessimism and gossip for be applied to the family as a friend. Sharing your problems Father is righteous and perfect” a period of a week? Can you pic- whole. This is because change with someone wise could help (Mt 5:44-48). January 2018 6 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 7 Don Bosco’s Madonna HELP, MY SON’S ON THE CLOUD everything that smacks of Ermete Tessore tradition: values, emotions, relationships, religion, sensitivi- ne question that – as a Sale- ty, languages and sensibilities. O esian who works in high The way the youngster faces schools – I am frequently asked the day is astonishing. It starts these days is: “Father, but, what’s with the i-pod that blares music going in our children’s heads?” into the ears of youngsters That’s a question as old as hu- accompanying them to breakfast mankind. The adolescent world which is consumed in religious has always raised doubts and silence and then on the way to anxieties in the minds of adults. school. In fact, crossing them on Youngsters are riding on this the public transport or in the tumultuous advancement of the web, i-pods, smartphones, i- streets they seem like perfect technology and we should also pads, chat, Face Book and Twit- monads, technologically armed get up on to that i-cloud to pre- ter are slowly raising walls that in their isolated rapport with vent what these new ways of make intergenerational dialogue music. Once in school their i- Facebook and Twitter are raising communicating are doing to in- increasingly problematic. Young pods are replaced by the smart- high walls that risk compromi- gratiate their lives, their hopes, people are sprinting while adults phone and they begin chatting, sing inter-generational dialogue. their values, and their faith. are plodding along. In the case of messaging, photographing, surf- Just think of the storms gen- the former, they remain without ing the web to check how auth- “CONNECTED” PARENTS erated in society by the student real role models to emulate while entic the teacher’s lecture is Faced with this reality, a bit movement in the mythical nine- the latter feel more and more while reassuring their mothers exaggerated but nonetheless teen sixties. Today’s fears are in- inadequate, almost ready to that they love them using sweet realistic, what do you do? Very flated by the fact that youngsters throw in the towel and relin- words…but only virtually. All simple, abandon all fear, get rid are more deft at handling these quish their duty of educating. In this is done beneath-the-bench to of that psychological subjuga- modern technologies while we, my opinion, the question we avoid the unnecessary barbs of tion complex regarding these educators and parents seem dis- heard at the beginning should be the professors. After school in the new tools of communication and oriented and distressed in the reversed. It should read: “What’s company of the ever-faithful i- begin studying them to enable face of these digital platforms. going in in the heads of a consi- pod the youngster reaches his you to use all these digital plat- Our children perceive our un- derable number of parents and room only to jump into the arms forms and start surfing the conscious inferiority complex be- educators today?” of the laptop. Emails are read digital world to meet your child- cause of our mental stereotypes WHEN SHOULD WE SPEAK? and responded, friends on ren once more. Only connected when we try to give outdated res- Facebook are updated, Twitter is to their world will we be able to ponses to their questions about A youngster wastes so much activated as also little peeks into re-establish new educative rela- what really matters. time riding the tumultuous pro- porn sites, pirated movies and tionships. We must even go onto Even traditional ways of hand- gress of technology. They are de- songs are downloaded avoiding the i-cloud to prevent the super- ing on the Faith proves increa- veloping new behaviours: new copyright… and what of the servers like Apple, Google and singly inadequate. The world of lifestyles that sweep away adults? They are in the living Face Book etc. from influencing rooms, kitchens, or in the study their lives, hopes, values and working and wondering what’s faith. It is a task that no one can happening in their youngsters’ escape from. Without digitally- rooms. Lunches and dinners fail educated parents and educators to break these stereotypes. Later on the cloud, they will never the television takes the place of come close to God but remain at the computer…the only thing a distance from themselves and that remain constant…is non- from real life, slaves of a cold communication. virtual reality, efficient but I-pod, smartphones, i-pads, heartless. January 2018 8 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 9 Don Bosco’s Madonna SALESIAN VOCATION PROMOTION SAINTS CL. CLARENCE MARTIS, SDB A Salesian Student of Theology at Don Bosco, Koregaon Park, Pune JOSEPH began my journey with Don Bosco when I entered Don QUADRIO Bosco Matunga in Std. 8 as a 1921 - 1963 boarder.I I loved the life in the 1921 - 1963 boarding, which was filled with PRIEST, VENERABLE activities, entertainment, as well as studies and a good focus on oseph Quadrio was born in the spiritual life. But the idea of JVervio in the province of Son- a life as a priest did not appeal drio on November 28, 1921 to Au- to me, so much so, when the gustine Quadrio and Giacomina Rector, Fr. Ronnie (of happy Robustelli: a peasant family rich memory) asked me if I wanted to in the Christian life. God’s grace become a priest, I said NO. had already taken possession of the child’s little heart so that at the After having completed my age of eight he had come up with SSC with a distinction, I got a serious rule of life which con- admission to the stream of my become a Salesian. cluded with the words: “I shall choice – Commerce. A few strive to become a saint.” Having tion of Mary into Heaven. This months into my college life, a During these years of studying read the life of Don Bosco which dissertation brought great honour need arose at Don Bosco and living out my vocation I was given to him by his parish pri- to the Church and to the Congre- Matunga for a boarding master. have experienced the love of God est, he felt drawn to join the Sal- gation. He was ordained a priest I was asked if I was interested through various situations, life- esian family. In 1937 he became a in 1947 and graduated in theology and I said YES. It was during the events and people who have Salesian and was chosen to attend in 1949 and in that same year he five years as a boarding master come into my life, especially the faculty of philosophy at the began teaching at the Theologate that I came in close contact with through my brother Salesians. prestigious Gregorian University in Turin where his incisiveness left the Salesian brothers and fathers in Rome. Already at 20 years, he a deep impression on numerous and I believe the seed of a Looking back at my vocation received his license with flying co- students at the Pontifical Salesian priestly vocation was sown and journey, I have learnt that God lours and began to teach philoso- University. In 1954 he was named began to grow from then on. And loves us so much that he gives us phy at Foglizzo to the student cle- “dean” of the faculty of Theology. the day came when I was in my many opportunities to realize rics with clarity and depth. In In 1960 he was detected with a S.Y.B.Com and I plucked up the our vocation. We only need to be 1943 he began attending courses malignant lymphogranuloma. courage and went to Fr. Ronnie aware of His calling and respond in Theology at the Gregorian Uni- Fully aware, he continued as long and told him that I wanted to with a determined YES. versity while staying in the Com- as he could to teach and partici- munity of the Sacred Heart (Sacro pate in community life. At the A PRAYER OF POPE FRANCIS Cuore). hospital he exuded such wa-rmth His inner life and his Salesian and kindness to everyone. “The Lord, help me to be like you, loving kindness were developing great miracle that Fr Ruami give me the grace of tenderness and manifesting themselves more worked – he wrote a few months in the most difficult circumstances and more. In 1946, in the presence before the end – was an unmerited of nine cardinals and also the and soothing peace that rendered of life, future Pope Paul VI, he solemnly these days of waiting most the give me the grace of closeness defended the theological dispute beautiful and happy days of my in the face of every need, concerning the dogmatic defini- life.” He died on October 23, of meekness in every conflict. tion of the dogma of the Assump- 1963. January 2018 10 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 11 Don Bosco’s Madonna schoolyard, a boy whom the little one day I will no longer under- girl had bothered shouted to her: stand anything that other people “Oh! The cripple!” Her brother say, but I will always hear the PROFILES Gabriel took it badly, leading to a voice of my soul, and that is the fist-fight between the boys. The true guide that I must follow.” In mothers ran to separate them. But October, by dint of hard work, she Benedetta did not take offense: received her high school diploma “He called me ‘the cripple’—what with honours. She then enrolled in is wrong with that? It’s the truth!” the faculty of medicine in Milan. These words reconciled the two Her goal was to “Live, struggle boys, who resumed their game. and sacrifice myself for all men.” However, threatened with The great desires of a teenage girl deafness, Benedetta experienced a VEN. BENEDETTA BIANCHI PORRO In 1942, the Bianchi family period of discouragement. She felt ne day in the summer of moved to Sirmione, on the shore the vertigo of nothingness. She O1955, at the faculty of medi- of Lake Garda. In 1946, Benedet- wrote to her closest friend at the cine in Milan, a female student ta began to confide her thoughts time: “You know, Anna, it seems showed up for a difficult exam at in a diary, in which the child often to me that I am in an endless and the end of her second year. recorded her faults: “Mama told monotonous swamp, in which I Without warning, the professor me that I am unbearable, I am ill- am sinking slowly, slowly, with- called on her for the oral exam. At mannered and naughty.” In 1949, out pain or regrets, unaware of first, she didn’t respond, then she she had to start wearing a corset and indifferent to what will blushed and shyly explained, to avoid becoming hunchbacked. happen to me, even when the last “Professor, I am undergoing She wrote that day: “I cried! The ray of light from the sky disap- treatment for a disease of the ner- corset squeezes so hard under the pears and the mud closes over vous system—I can’t hear any- arms! Before, I was carefree and me” “I am very often filled with thing, I hope to be healed. Please felt almost like the others. Now, doubts and I sink into the deepest have patience with me. Could you what a gulf separates us! But in skepticism.” ask me the questions in writing?” life, I want to be like the others, a Struggling with stoic determi- The students in the room began to little more, perhaps. I want to be nation against her handicap, laugh. Believing this to be a bad able to become someone.” In Benedetta successfully pursued joke, the professor yelled, “Pat- school, the girl earned outstan- her studies. She learned to read ience, patience! What’s this? Who ding grades. In 1953, she noted, lips; in oral exams, she answered ever heard of a deaf doctor?” As earned a medical degree, but “Today is Easter. How I would like questions in a flash, without let- he threw the confused and humil- today, from Heaven, she teaches to rise from my sins and live only ting on that she was deaf. In iated young woman’s grade book countless “patients” the art of for God! Today, Gabriela and I November 1955, she received per- against the wall, she murmured, suffering well. philosophized a little about God mission to retake the oral exam “I beg your pardon. I didn’t mean Benedetta (Benedicta) Bianchi and the immortality of the soul. from the summer before. This to offend you.” The professor Porro was born on August 8, 1936 What fools men are when they are time, she was given the questions remained unyielding. Having in Dovadola, a village in the ashamed to speak of these in writing, and she passed with been failed, the student left the province of Forli, in the Emilia- important things!” excellent grades. But that very room and told a friend, who had Romagna region of northern Italy. On February 15, 1953, quest- evening, she got a migraine and seen everything and was crying, Her mother had a deep faith that ioned by her teacher in a Latin suddenly, her field of vision “It does not mean anything. she strove to pass on to her six chil- class, Benedetta was unable to narrowed. She immediately had a Listen—don’t say anything to my dren. As an infant, Benedetta was hear the questions. This hearing premonition: “No, my God! Not mother for now; I will tell her struck by polio. The disease was trouble happened again. She my eyes!” One evening in 1956, tomorrow.” And it was she who stopped, but her right leg was to commented in her diary: “What the student showed a friend a sought to excuse the professor to remain shorter than the other. do I look like when this happens? medical treatise, saying, “This is her mother. This student never One day, during a game in the But what does it matter? Maybe my disease.” She showed her the January 2018 12 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 13 Don Bosco’s Madonna photo of a patient stricken with ional error; she simply told him: regained her peace and abandon- and received communion. Du- neurofibromatosis (also known as “You did what you could; take my ed herself into the hands of Mary. ring the night of the 22nd, she von Recklinghausen disease). This hand and be at peace! It was One year later, she would return asked her nurse to remain close extremely rare and incurable con- something that could happen— to Lourdes, from where she would by, because Satan was tempting dition forms small tumors on the you are not the Eternal Father!” write, “I feel the sweetness of her: “Emilia, tomorrow I will die. nerve centres, progressively dest- From this time on, Benedetta resignation. For me, that was the I feel very ill.” In the morning, roying them. The auditory nerve received suffering less as a burden miracle of Lourdes this year. The her mother noticed that a white is the first to be damaged, fol- to be heroically carried, than as Madonna gave me everything I rose had opened in the garden. lowed by the optic nerve and the the mark of divine favour. Jesus had lost. She repaid all that had A rose in bloom, in January! She other senses, and finally there is called her to share His cross so been taken from me, because I announced her discovery to progressive paralysis. After exam- that she might identify herself possess the richness of the Holy Benedetta, who replied, “This is ination, the dismayed doctors with Him. She let herself go, and Spirit.” On August 20, 1963, a the sign I was waiting for!” She confirmed Benedetta’s diagnosis. found her strength in the Gospel, nurse found the patient in ecstasy. then reminded her of a dream Then began a long series of hos- which she read every day, in Saint Benedetta would confide to her she had had on the previous All pital stays and operations inten- Paul, and in the psalms. that she had seen the Blessed Saints’ Day: she went into the ded to slow down the terrible Virgin, adding, “How beautiful family burial vault and saw it process. “Speak to the Madonna!” the Madonna is!” decorated with a white rose In May 1962, Benedetta left for Meanwhile, Benedetta under- dazzling with light. A little later, “A docile sheep in His hands” Lourdes in a train specially out- went several operations on her stricken by a hemorrhage, she On June 27, 1957, Benedetta fitted for the transport of the dis- head. Before the last of these, on died at the age of twenty-seven, underwent an operation on her abled. At the hospital, in the bed February 27, 1963, Benedetta ad- murmuring, “Thank you.” head. Looking death in the face, next to hers was a 22-year-old mitted her fear to Maria Grazia, she confided to her mother: “How woman, Maria, paralyzed like her. who reminded her of this passage “I will no longer be alone with fear” happy I am, Mama, to be pure as I In a situation that was, humanly from Diary of a Country Priest, a After her death, Benedetta go to the Lord, without a mortal speaking, materially and morally novel by Georges Bernanos: “If I Bianchi Porro’s influence has sin.” The words of Saint Francis hopeless, Maria had come to am afraid, I will say without only grown. Countless people fa- that she so loved came to her Lourdes to ask the Immaculate shame, ‘I’m afraid,’ and the Lord ced with suffering find strength mind: “Praised be You, my Lord, Conception for a mir-acle. She will give me the strength.” For a and courage in reading the story for our sister bodily death, whom prayed constantly, but nothing long time, Benedetta softly rep- of her life and her letters. Like no living man can escape. Woe to happened. The day be-fore they eated this phrase, and bit by bit, Maria Grazia, they can say to her: those who die in mortal sin, bless- were to leave, the two invalids peace took hold of her. She than- “I will no longer be alone with ed those whom she will find in found themselves side by side at ked her friend effusively. The day fear, for you have taught me the Your most holy will, for the second the Grotto. Maria was sobbing. after the operation, she announ- value of prayer.” On December death will not harm them” (Saint Benedetta took her hand and ced that she was now blind, but 23, 1993, Pope John Paul II appro- Francis of Assisi, Canticle of the pressed it in her own hands, as she asked that no one tell the sur- ved the decree of the heroicity of Creatures). though to pray in her place. geon, so as not to sadden him. She her virtues. The recognition of a As they were shaving her head, “Maria, the Madonna is here, accepted this cross of blindness miracle obtained by her intercess- she felt humiliated, but had re- looking at you! Speak to her, to the that in 1955 had terrified her, and ion is now required for Venerable course to prayer: “While they we- Madonna!” And all of a sudden, her soul was at peace: “There is Benedetta to be proclaimed re shaving me, I felt like a lamb Maria rose from her stretcher. She nothing to do but trust in God, “Blessed.” being sheared. I asked the Lord gently took a few steps, still with eyes closed. I am in the pro- On May 24, 1963, Benedetta that I might become a docile sheep incredulous. And then, delirious cess of living simplicity, that is, the confided, “I want to say to those in His hands.” As soon as she with joy, she made her way among stripping of the soul.” How beau- who are suffering, to the sick, came out of anesthesia, she the wheelchairs, weeping with tiful it is! One becomes so light and that if we are humble and docile, touched her face: “They cut my emotion and gratitude. Benedetta, free!” the Lord will do great things in facial nerve.” The left half of her happy for this miracle, neverthe- On January 21, 1964, feeling us.” Following her example, let face was now paralyzed. The less felt a pang of sadness in think- that the definitive meeting with us ask Jesus to make each one of surgeon did not know how to ask ing that it was another who had Jesus her Spouse was very near, us “a docile sheep in His her forgiveness for this profess- been its beneficiary. Then she Benedetta made her confession hands.” January 2018 14 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 15 Don Bosco’s Madonna Jesus turned and saw them ten and the corresponding agent following him he posed the start- word, discipulus which means lis- ling question: “What are you look- tener. The disciples were earnest ing for?” (Jn 1:38). Jesus’ question listeners as they were attentive to is interesting. He does not ask the teachings of John the Baptist them why they were following and took his cue to follow Jesus him which seems like the more ob- who was greater than John and vious though impersonal quest- who would instruct them further ion. He rather asks them a very in the way of truth. They were op- personal question: “What are you en to learning and were honest in looking for?” If he had asked them their search for God. When John why they were following him they expressed his incapacity to take would have probably said some- them very far and they followed thing vague like John the Baptist Jesus on the word of John who ass- spoke highly of him or something ured them that he was in a better SEEKERS OF TRUTH along those lines but the answer position to lead them to God. Cl. Ian Pinto, sdb Jesus was looking for was some- Once they met and experienced thing deeper and more personal. Jesus they were eager to share “ hat are you looking for?” usually do not regard themselves as Jesus was interested in knowing their experience with others. They WThis is a deep question that highly as others do. They are able to their disposition in following him. realized that all that John had said is bound to startle the listener and see themselves for what they are: He wanted to know whether they about Jesus was true. They did not throw anyone off especially if the people who are not perfect. were mere fans looking for some- have to rely on the witness of John one asking that question is some- Until the arrival of Jesus on the thing to cherish and boast about anymore, they had seen, heard one you look up to as a model or scene, John was the celebrity. Peo- or were they seeking to be discip- and experienced Jesus firsthand. an inspiration. Some may venture ple came in droves to listen to his les. Besides being honest seekers they to ask a favour or an interview. preaching and to be baptized by Their reply showed that they in- were also enthusiastic about their John the Baptist pointed out Jesus him. So much so, the religious and deed sought to follow him and be- spiritual life. After they had bene- to his disciples and solemnly political leaders began to take come his disciples (Jn 1:38). Jesus fited from Jesus they wished that proclaimed, “There is the Lamb of notice. He could sway public opin- welcomed them and they readily their friends and relatives could God” (Jn 1:36). In effect, what he ion. But John was not interested accepted his invitation. In John’s do so as well. Therefore they bro- was saying was, “there is the great in the name or the fame. He fran- gospel, this is Jesus’ first call to his ught along others who they belie- one, the hero”. kly revealed himself as “the voice disciples. If you carefully read the ved were also seeking God and John was a legend in his own of one crying out in the wilder- passage you will discover that it who could benefit from encoun- right. He was extremely austere in ness: Make straight the way of the was not Jesus who called them but tering Jesus (Jn 1:41). his manner of living and had the Lord” (Jn 1:23). His only concern the disciples who came to him. The disciples stand out as exam- power to convince people with his was to fulfill his vocation, his call- John the Baptist was a signboard ples of individuals who honestly life-inspired rhetoric. For many, he ing – to be the herald of the Mess- showing the way to Jesus and his and sincerely seek God. Their des- was a great prophet bearing the iah or Christ and this he did to the disciples were quick to follow his ire to grow spiritually led them to word of God to the people of Isra- very end. direction. leave John the Baptist who was el. Some even thought of him as When John revealed that one The two disciples of John who their mentor for Jesus who was the Messiah, the hero who would greater than himself had arrived followed Jesus are the chief char- the Son of God. They were willing save them from their troubles and (Mt 3:11), naturally many of his acters in the drama. Their behav- to take the risk of follow Jesus with- establish a new state of justice, followers turned with interest to iour reveals aspects of disciple- out knowing what was in store for peace and prosperity. Instead of see who it was that their master ship that we can reflect upon and them. They did not stop there, af- basking in the glory of the people’s spoke so highly about. The Gospel learn from. The disciples were see- ter they had encountered Jesus adoration John was humble eno- according to John tells us that kers. They were disciples in the and experienced him they were in- ugh to step away from the lime- immediately after John singled real sense of the word. The word spired and bold enough to share light and direct the attention to the out Jesus as the “Lamb of God”, disciple has roots in the Latin their experience with others and real hero – Jesus. Great people two disciples followed him. When word discere which means to lis- invite them to experience Jesus. January 2018 16 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 17 Don Bosco’s Madonna HE WHO INTERCEDES ON OUR BEHALF This was a morning homily that Pope Francis gave on Thursday January 22, 2015 at the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae.

esus saves and Jesus intercedes: these are the two key words to where, he indicated two fundamental words: “Brothers, Christ ‘is able Junderstanding the essential point that is most important for our for all time to save’, in a perfect way, ‘those who draw near to God life. This is the truth of faith that Pope Francis reaffirmed in the Mass through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them”. at Santa Marta on Thursday morning. Thus, he said, “Jesus saves and Jesus intercedes. These are the two key Present at the celebration were representatives of Rome’s Slovak words”. community. Welcoming them at the beginning of Mass, the Pontiff Yes, the Pope repeated, “Jesus saves!”. And “these healings, these expressed closeness to the “courageous Slovak Church, which at this words that reach the heart are the sign and the beginning of salvation”. moment, at this time, is fighting to defend the family. Continue with They are “the way to salvation for many who begin to go to hear Jesus courage!”. or to ask for healing and then turn to Him and feel salvation. See then, Meditating on the ministry of Jesus, the Pope turned to the day’s Francis said, the more important thing is not that Jesus heals and tea- Gospel passage (Mk 3:1-12), noting the repetition of the word ches, but that He saves. For “He is the Saviour and we are saved thro- “multitude”. The passage tells us, he explained, that “the People of ugh Him”. This is “more important” and it “is the strength of our faith”. God find hope in Jesus because his way of acting, of teaching, touches The second key word is “intercede”. Indeed, the Pope recalled, “Jesus the heart, reaches the heart because it has the power of the Word of has gone to the Father and from there He still intercedes, every day, at God”. And that “the people feel this and see that promises are fulfilled all times for us”. And “this is something current: Jesus before the Father, in Jesus, that in Jesus there is hope”. who offers his life, the redemption, showing the Father his wounds, After all, Francis added, the “people were rather bored with the way the price of salvation”. And like this, “every day Jesus intercedes”. of teaching the faith by the doctors of the law of that time, who loaded This is why “when we, for one reason or another,” feel “a little down, them down with many commandments, many precepts, but did not let’s remember that it is He who prays for us, intercedes for us con- reach the people’s heart”. This is why, “when they see and hear Jesus, tinuously”. However, he noted, “we often forget this”. But Jesus did his proposals, the Beatitudes, they feel something moving inside — it’s not “go to heaven, send us the Holy Spirit, end of story! No! Presently, the Holy Spirit that causes this — and they go to look for Jesus”. every moment, Jesus intercedes”. But Mark the Evangelist, according to Francis, “wants to explain In this regard, Francis suggested that we pray with these simple why so many people come to Jesus”. The Gospel tells us that “He speaks words: “‘Lord Jesus, have mercy on me’. Intercede for me”. It’s impor- with authority, He doesn’t speak like the scribes, the Pharisees, the tant, he continued, “to turn to the Lord asking for this intercession”. doctors of the law”. Then “Jesus heals people” who, in any case, are The crucial point is what the author of the Letter to the Hebrews writes, “in search of self goodness”. After all, the Pontiff acknowledged, “we reminding us that we have “such a grand high priest, one who is seated are never able to follow God with purity of intention from the start”, at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven”. This is “the as they are instead “partly for us, partly for God, and the path is for crucial point: that there, we have an intercessor”. And the Pope said purifying this intention”. Thus, “the people go, seeking God, but also not to forget “that the Lord is the intercessor: the saviour and the seeking health, healing”. And for this reason “they threw themselves intercessor”, adding that “it will do us good to remember this”. at Him, to touch Him, so that power would come out and heal them”. In conclusion, the Pontiff continued, “the multitude seek Jesus”, “Jesus is like this”, Francis explained. “And this is a moment which trailing “that scent of hope of the People of God who await the Messiah, recurs in Jesus’ life”. However, “there is something more important and they try to find in Him health, truth, salvation, for He is the saviour behind this”. In fact, what is truly “most important is not that Jesus and as saviour He still today, at this moment, intercedes for us”. Francis heals”, which is also “a sign of another healing”. Nor that “Jesus utters ended with the hope “that our Christian life may be ever more confident words that reach the heart”, even though “this helps us to go on God’s that we have been saved, that we have a saviour, Jesus, at the right path”. hand of the Father, who intercedes. May the Lord, the Holy Spirit, enable To better comprehend “what is most important in Jesus’ ministry”, us to understand these things. Francis returned to the message of the First Reading (Heb 7:25; 8:6), (by L'Osservatore Romano, Weekly ed. in English, n. 5, 30 January 2015)

January 2018 18 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 19 Don Bosco’s Madonna robe trying to learn to put on lip- we all said: ‘Good bye.’ LITTLE GIRL, GOODBYE stick smooth and even. In a very He had a car out front. I say a From Fr. Ian Doulton's collection of stories audible whisper Eleanor called car. It was actually four fenders very father and mother and door which was opened by the Virginia upstairs. That left me to sagging against metal and glass. Eeach one of their children will other fourth of the family: Little face the boy. But I sat transfixed The car shuffled off slowly in a eventually go through an exper- Gayle. When the time comes for in my chair. It was Gayle who cloud of blue smoke and Gayle ience very similar to the one Jim, her for her first date we’ll be leaped to the door. She led in a wanted to know where Eddie was Eleanor and their daughter Vir- worried about the boy. thin red haired youth most of taking her big sister. “Oh, to the ginia lived through. I’d like to Gayle gave me one look and whose face lay behind glasses and movies,” I said…trying to hide my bring it to you in the words of the asked: “Pops did you have black frames. He sat on the edge nervousness. Gayle went on: “Oh father. another flat tire?” of the chair. I knew just exactly I know that, but which movie Eleanor told the two us to set the what he was going through. This …we’ve got fourteen in town.” When it comes to growing up, table while she was going up to is the on-guard stage: keep the My nervousness was turning to some kids can be pretty, pretty help Virginia dress up. This made conversation neutral. Remember irritation again: “I don’t know sneaky: my daughter Virginia for little Gayle look confused. Was it’s her old man. He was a little which movie.” Just then Eleanor instance. It can’t be more than a there something she had missed shifty and kept looking at his came down to tell us that she had couple of years since I brought her out? Was there some secret they watch: “I’m a little early…” I tried watched the young pair take off home from the hospital in my shared that she didn’t know to calm his nerves and told him and she concluded: “He looked arms all wrapped up in a shawl about? I felt sorry for the little girl that it was Virginia who was late like a very nice boy.” I was not so and bonnet. My wife Eleanor and I told her: “Oh, Virginia has a …and he agreed. Then what sure but I added: “Yeah, very insists it’s been fifteen years! Last date.” “Eh? What’s that?” followed was equally nervous for sweet.” “What’s his name?” I Sunday, the three of us were I said: “Virginia’s going out both of us: “That’s right, she is.” I asked. “Eddie,” she said and then driving home from church when with a boy.” broke the awkward silence: “Well, I went further: “So he told me, but the news was fed to the ‘father.’ Curious as she was she asked how do you like the Giants this Eddie what?” Then we realized Eleanor told me that we were again: “What’s his name?” year, I think they’re going to be that neither of us knew his sur- going to have dinner early this “Well, they forgot to tell me.” great?” He agreed too. Then I name. I became a little concerned afternoon since Virginia was go- I was tense and tired and I went on: “Yeah, think the Dodgers that we didn’t know much about ing out on a date… I was surpri- simply said: “I don’t know…now will take the pennant?” He added: ‘Eddie.’ I was getting irritated: sed that Eleanor allowed her to go. will you be quiet for a minute?” “They could…” “Our precious daughter goes out She said: “Well, of course, she’s Then I relented and tried in my This was getting interesting: “I on her first date and we don’t a big girl now. A little movie date own amateurish way to explain would like to see the Dodgers beat even know the boy’s name.” won’t hurt her. Ah, don’t worry, what a ‘date’ was and this was the Yanks.” Surprisingly, he add- Eleanor sounded casual adding we’ve had talks.” She sounded how the conversation went: ed: “I would too.” Then I thought that his name was ‘Eddie-some- confident and in control. We “Believe me kid, she’ll listen today. this was going pretty far so I tried thing-or-other.’ drove back home in silence. It’s part of the plot, a plan…You to round off the conversation: Both of us looked at our Virginia said nothing but as soon see, women plot to trap a man. “But I always get a thrill when the watches. The show was just start- as we arrived she dashed out of They are setting the trap right Yanks win…” to which, he added: ing so we had some time to work the car telling me that she had to now, your mother and Virginia. “Me too…” Then I realized that I out our confusion. But I was still get her hair ‘done.’ That – for me All I know is that today the cocoon didn’t know what to call him: rather disturbed and even anxi- – was a shocker. Why, it was opens and out comes a beautiful “Say, what’s your name…” ous: “In case they don’t come back barely a year ago we had to get her butterfly.” Gayle giggled and said: “Eddie.” we can always explain to the po- out of shorts and into a dress. First, “Oh, pops…you talk funny.” “I Silence and a lot more of the lice that you not I let our child go she was going to be a nun when feel funny” was all I could reply. same and then we heard a noise out to some movie with a boy she grew up. Then she was going We had just finished dinner at the stairs. We looked up toge- whose name is Eddie something- to buy a ranch with a certain H. when the doorbell rang. It’s as- ther. It was Virginia. She descen- or-other… by the way…where Cassidy and chase rustlers and tounding what the sound of a ded as slowly and as elegantly as does he live.” I asked only to find now it was boys! doorbell can do to people in our a girl who has received last minute out that Eleanor was as clueless as My wife practically helped me house. Virginia was standing in signals from her mother. The boy I was: “Frankly, I don’t know out of the car and up to the front the downstairs hall in her bath- helped her on with her coat and exactly where he does live … well, January 2018 20 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 21 Don Bosco’s Madonna it’s somewhere around here…” the front gate: “If this is ever going on her own. If anything went immediately thanked Eddie for That was not funny and I was to happen again we’re going to wrong at the beginning it was such a nice afternoon. Eddie said even more anxious: “Good, good, know what movie, where he lives, bound to be our fault. he should thank her…and finally very good, and his name is Eddie and what’s his first, last, and when he got that over with…he and he lives somewhere in this middle name.” It wasn’t just this boy or his car went home. Eleanor and Virginia county. This county has only Gayle who came in exclaimed: that we worried about; it was went off some place and I retired seventy two towns so it should be “Pops, it’s a quarter to six and Virginia’s future which had to be to the kitchen and I hunted up easy to run him down.” Virginia isn’t home yet.” built on the foundation we had another bottle of beer which I Eleanor seemed to keep her cool “Gayle, your mother and I laid. Was it strong enough? needed very badly. At the kitchen and tried to be real. It was the know perfectly well, how to tell Would she remember to say a table I ruminated which means I middle of the afternoon and they time.” I snapped at her. Now I prayer when something that drank it slowly and did a lot of were at a movie. They left in a car sensed that Eleanor seemed to get looked like fun dropped its mask thinking. and neither I nor Eleanor knew the a bit worried: “Jim, you don’t and turned out to be sin? Her There was a collective sigh of make of the car. Was it a Chevvy, suppose they had some trouble mother and I were old fashioned relief and we all went our ways or an old Plymouth or… with that car of his.” Then both of enough to believe that the most getting ready for supper when I went out into the kitchen and us began to worry that perhaps precious thing Virginia owned Virginia came in: “Oh, there you got a beer. I had a kind of a miser- they were in an accident; either was that cleanness of heart which are pops…” She was rather able feeling that nothing but a they had been run in by someone would one day make her a happy ruffled and upset: “What’s the cold bottle would help. Then I or Eddie was not a very good wife and mother. Had we taught matter Virginia…you look very went back to the front room with driver and he had run into some- her everything necessary to guard excited.” “Well, its mother, she Eleanor and Gayle. We waited one. When everything was quiet her future without spoiling her says she’s practically a nervous …people walked by in front of the again, uncomfortably too quiet I present? If we had failed in this wreck because I was late coming house. Boys and girls passed arm blurted out: “Which one of four- responsibility, we would have to home. That’s so silly, because in arm on Sunday afternoon teen movies have they gone to answer to God someday for…. there was nothing to worry strolls…only our child stepped see?” It seemed too quiet and som- Suddenly the doorbell rang and about.” into a strange car and disappear- ber and edgy: “Then maybe you jerked us all out of our stupor. “No?” I looked up at her. ed. Only ours! The hands of the can tell me why we’re sitting aro- Everybody leaped for the door at “Pops, don’t tell me you were clock moved reluctantly from und as if we’re at a funeral?” Ele- once. Gayle had a slight lead. worried?” She was surprised. minute to minute. anor knew and so did I. This was Eleanor was the first: “Oh “Virginia, you do know how to a kind of funeral. The life of a little Virginia…” use a telephone.” I said. She It was suddenly five-fifteen and girl had ended here this afternoon. She seemed so unruffled and thought it was ‘kid’s stuff.’ Then I I was nervous. Eleanor was sitting We’d lost something priceless that composed: “Hello mother! Hi tried to explain to her: “Look, we reading her book when I looked up we’d had for fifteen years. Until pops?” Eddie looked rather were timing you for a movie, not and asked: “The show should be this afternoon, our child’s present, apologetic: “We’re a little a movie plus a soda. Don’t you over by now. Where did she meet and her future lay in our hands. late…we stopped to have a soda.” think a quick change of plans him, Eleanor?” “At the drug From now on, she would face a As usual Eleanor tried to smooth needs some announcement? It store…he works behind the soda life of her own in a world which, out the edginess of the moment: would save your mother and me pop counter. He’s really a very even at its best, is cold, hard and “Oh, you’re not late at all…won’t a few extra grey hairs.” nice boy. I suppose you can tell full of strangers. The break had to you stay and have supper, Eddie? Virginia began to notice the that from his name…” I was edgy come but was Virginia ready for We’re just getting ready to eat and worry written large across my and I couldn’t stem my irritability. it, ready in heart and soul? I knew we’d love to have you.” face: “Oh I’m sorry Pops, I just Eleanor was still her patient and her mother was wondering the “Thanks a lot but I’ve got to get never thought. I’ll phone you next composed self. She simply tried to same thing. Underneath all the home for supper. I’m late now…” week if we have a soda… because be rational. The movie was just kidding and the concern about car And he turned to go. Eddie wants to take me to a show over and they couldn’t fly home wrecks we were making an Everybody started saying next week too can I?” in five minutes. There must have examination of conscience. God goodnight to somebody. Virginia “I’ll say yes, but you go and ask been traffic and they were slowed had entrusted Virginia to us. He got a nudge from her mother. It your mother. She has a little down. I got up from the couch and had given us fifteen years in was gentle enough to move a questionnaire we’d both like you went to the window overlooking which to prepare her to face life road-roller uphill and Virginia to fill up in advance…” January 2018 22 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 23 Don Bosco’s Madonna THE POSTAL dence was received at the central the cases that we cite, letters were SERVICE OF 1800’S office or on the railway station be- regularly dispatched by post also. SERVICE OF 1800’S fore 11am in the morning so it Don Bosco wrote to Don Rua on PIEDMONT AND could reach the first trains on the December 19, 1864 at the Salesian DON BOSCO’S following morning. House of Mirabello (a town 13km CORRESPONDENCE Foreign correspondence for from Casale, and in turn 75km some time followed a different from Turin): by Natale Cerrato system depending on the destina- “I’ll leave for Casale at three; tion country. Generally the sender and seeing that it will be difficult Postal Service in 1800’s had to pay for handling en route to reach Mirabello, may I suggest, Piedmont to the border while the postage if it’s possible, take a little walk so Postal service in Piedmont in from the border to the stated coun- we can meet. I’ll be there till 6 in the first half of the 19th Century try was paid by the recipient. The the evening…” (E 379) was already the monopoly of the postal system functioned in this You will notice that Don Bosco Kingdom of Sardinia and was fashion: postal vessels and post- writes from Turin to Don Rua who carried out by means of couriers. bags were taken on by “vapori” was at Mirabello, on December 19 On December 13, 1818 a decree from various countries. The ship that he was coming to Casale and had established a new system for “Mino” for example, which sailed would remain there till 6 in the the dispatch of letters which req- from Lisbon in 1877 and which evening. He requested Rua to uired that 5, 25, and 50 cents be took the Salesian missionaries to come to Casale. If you can make paid as stamp duty. These stamps America carried Royal British the calculations, the letter could were popularly defined by the In the Cavourian (Sig. Cavour) mail. not have arrived at Mirabello in illustration on them depicting decade the postal service advan- less than 24 hours. “the horses of Sardinia.” ced greatly. From 1851 postal Don Bosco’s Correspondence On December 19, 1866 Don In 1831, the cities and towns stamps came into force in Turin For about half a century Don Bosco writes from Bologna to Don with offices or postal distribution and in the rest of the states. All Bosco maintained corresponden- Rua who is in Turin: “I am in Bolo- centres in Piedmont amounted to letters had to have postage stam- ce with his collaborators, benefac- gna, this evening, I’ll be in Guast- 155 and the total number in the ps affixed: 5 cent stamps were tors, ecclesiastical and civic auth- alla, and I’ll leave in the evening entire Savoy states amounted to black in colour, 20 cent stamps orities and people of every class for Turin ‘if God wills it’ (E 520). 227. Within these states the sender were orange; 40 cent stamps were from the King and the Pope to his The letter naturally had to reach could post an un-franked letter in pink. From 1861 the current boys at Valdocco. His letters were before his return to Turin; so, that a post box at hand or he could go denomination was accepted. casual and straightforward; some means in less than 24 hours from to the nearest post office and have During this time the first were written to encourage the Bologna. it franked or maybe registered. It railways gradually replaced reader, others to conduct business, On July 1, 1871 Don Bosco wri- must be noted that corresponden- stagecoaches. Since municipal to solicit funds, to attend to business tes from Rome to Don Rua who is ce was a practically a practice of distribution systems would never matters; some were petitions to the still in Turin: the elite. be adequate to reach the outlying Holy See and to the Government. “This evening I’ll leave for From 1836 postal rates were villages, from January 1, 1857 a They were sober and clear, in good Florence where I’ll stopover for calculated in 5 cent slots based on rural postal service was estab- humour at times but deeply spiritual two days to try and collect some the distance travelled. It began to lished to reach the most remote with no frills or abstractions. Several money if possible... Greet our dear be calculated on the distance a farmsteads. thousands have been collected but youngsters and tell them I’m eager crow flies from the post office of In the 1860’s in Turin, post many more are most certainly part to see them. I hope to be with origin to the destination. After offices other than the central post of family archives, in dioceses and them on Tuesday…When I reach 1840 the system established in office opened many suburban communes of Italy and abroad and Florence I’ll let you know the time England was accepted. This held branches. There was no lack of many more will have been lost of my arrival” (E 916). that within the boundaries of the smaller post offices along the forever. So, Don Bosco writes from Rome state the same tariff should cor- same railway routes. The It should be pointed out that on Saturday July 1, saying that respond to the same weight reg- collection of letters took place five much of Don Bosco’s correspon- he’ll stop in Florence for two days ardless of the distance travelled. times a day and all correspon- dence was hand-delivered but in and hopes to be in Turin on July 4. January 2018 24 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 25 Don Bosco’s Madonna He’ll let them know the exact time went on for about 20 years. And abounds in his letters but topics (of his arrival) when he reaches when he could no longer do this, are dealt with clarity and brevity Florence. From this it is evident his secre-tary Don Joaquim Berto, but his style would be streamlined that Don Bosco presumes that the left only the most important letters over time. Don Bosco’s use of letter will arrive in Turin in three to Don Bosco whose handwriting Piedmontese in his writings was days at the latest. If in two days had become so illegible that only gradually Italianized over time he would write once more from Don Berto could decipher it. In a and the saint never made any Florence, what can we deduce? letter to Mother Cristina Gazzelli, effort to conceal his deep Pied- Yet once again: On September 6, of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, montese emotions in his letters. 1871 Don Bosco writes as usual to Don Bosco admitted: Don Rua from Sestri Ponente “Apologies for this poor hand- Don Bosco’s Letters to his Don Bosco wrote many letters, about 20km beyond Genoa: writing of mine; at 67 I’ve not yet Salesians and the Benefactors most to his benefactors “God-willing I will be in Turin learned to write. I don’t know But Don Bosco betrays his emo- at 11.20 in the morning. I believe when I’ll learn to write a little tions in his letters to his sons and I feel the end of my life appro- that we are going to Magna Felici- better (E 2338). to the benefactors about his work. aching, and that the day is near at ta for lunch in anticipation of the But there’s little need to It was his custom to write perso- hand when I will have to pay the feast of Our Lady… where we preoccupy ourselves with Don nal letters every year to his Sales- common toll to death and descend might have a little chat” (E 938). Bosco’s handwriting; there’s less ians in America, the priests, cle- into the grave. In this case, the post must have need to look for his literary style rics and coadjutors, leaving out no Before leaving you forever here arrived at its destination within or for treatises on pedagogy or as- one. He wrote to each one accor- on earth, I have to pay a debt that 24 hours. For those who might ceticism. His letters reflect daily ding to his needs and abilities. Ty- I have with you and thus gratify want to know who Magna Felici- life and everyday problems, and pical is the letter he addressed to a great desire that I have in my ta was: she was an old maid who his many engagements and above the Coadjutor Sappa on January heart. worked in the laundry at the Ora- all the early years in Piedmont. It 31, 1881. He was a gardener and The debt I must pay is one of gra- tory. Her name was Felicita Orselli is sufficient to peep into a letter he jokingly he played on the Pied- titude for all that you have done who came to be called “Magna” wrote to a merchant in Castelnu- montese meaning of his surname …we have founded many schools (= aunt). Old spinsters in Pied- ovo d’Asti on September 9, 1853 (Sapa = hoe) and he wrote: and hospices…With your charity, mont were addressed thus. to acknowledge what the latter “My dear Sappa, we have established missions… We will let readers prudently had requested: Strive, my dear, to learn to know with your charity we have set up make their own deductions regar- “My dear Sig. Conti, your name that you are not to hoe printing shops…we have erected ding the postal services in the time Everything is ready for our but to do all things well. I have many chapels and churches where of Don Bosco. Paolino; come when you can. heard often from you. Do as much for centuries and centuries until the 1. bring a note, as brief as possible; good as you have done in the past. end of the world, the praises of God Don Bosco’s Prolific Letter- 2. the books he has already been Work and obedience will be a and of the Blessed Virgin will be sung Writing using in school; blessing to you. God help you al- every day and many souls will be Don Bosco wrote with great spe- 3. a good dose of a willingness to ways to give good example. Pray saved… ed and responded to everyone study and live a good Christian to God for me and I will pray for Although I am weary and drai- even the littlest youngster. To read life. you too that we should be with ned of strength, I wish I could go all the letters that came to him Since I am up to my neck in Jesus Christ forever. on talking forever. I recommend every day without being disturbed expenses, bring whatever money Your affectionate friend, my boys to you, for I am about to he would retire after lunch to the you can. We’re going ahead with Fr. John Bosco. leave them. Yet now I must stop Convitto on Via S. Francis of Assisi the help of the Lord, as Fr. Cafasso Turin 31.1.1881. (E 2136). and lay down my pen… or sit in a café near the shrine of says. Farewell, my dear benefactors... the Consolata from where he The Lord bless you and your But a letter of particular signi- Salesian Cooperators, farewell!” wouldn’t move till every letter and family, ficance and one which was left (EBM 18,529-530) piece of paper had been gone Truly yours, un-posted and was destined for This letter was not sent and it re- through. Then, when he returned Affectionately, Fr. John Bosco.” the benefactors who supported veals the 50 years of the corres- home, he would spend perhaps (cf. La stampa, 2 giugno 1929, p. 3) the Salesian works and it said: pondence of Don Bosco and his half the night writing replies. This As one can see, Piedmontese “My dear Benefactors, heart.  January 2018 26 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 27 Don Bosco’s Madonna Eucharistia,” (2003) the last one of his long pontificate, John Paul II dedicated an entire chapter to Mary, entitled “the Woman of the Eucharist” (nn. 53-58). The Virgin of Nazareth, the Pope writes, “can guide us to this Blessed Sac- rament because she has a prof- ound relationship with him” (n. 53). He points out three stages of transition: the first step takes place at Nazareth when in fact, she accepts the annunciation, she LIVE THE EUCHARIST WITH MARY receives and protects the Son of by Silvio Longobardi God in her womb, becoming the first tabernacle; then she brings That Night in Bethlehem the Church began; that ministry Jesus to the house of Zechariah, To speak of Jesus in the Eucha- that has been practiced through here Mary appears as the ark of rist, we should begin from that the centuries. We thank you, O the New Covenant, a covenant bestow on believers the living bright night when the Word most pure and beautiful mother, not written in stone but in the re- memorial of his Passover, thus appeared in flesh; that night when because you are full of grace and cesses of her heart. And finally, on becoming the ‘bread of life’” Mary “gave birth to her firstborn we ask you to turn your gaze full that night in Bethlehem, the young (John Paul, Ecclesia de Eucharis- son and wrapped him in swadd- of love and rapture also to us.” girl of Nazareth gives Jesus to the tia, 54). ling clothes and laid him in a Christian spirituality has stressed world, revealing him to the shep- manger” (Lk 2:7). Till then only the intimate connection between herds, as the first monstrance. TO LIVE THE EUCHARIST the angels were able to contempla- the ministry that Mary lived and These stages take place in quick WITH MARY te the mystery of God made man. the Eucharistic experience. The succession in the incident of the At the beginning of the third That night, the human eyes of liturgical sequence of “Corpus Wedding at Cana in Galilee. That Millennium John Paul II proclai- the Virgin were the first of all hu- Christi” invites us to sing along: day Mary was the protagonist at med a Marian Year, the Year of man creatures to see the divine “Hail true body born of the Virgin a very embarrassing incident the Rosary (2002-2003). And im- light hidden in the fragile human- Mary!” “Yes, the consecrated when she said: “they have no mediately after that he called for ity of only a little newborn baby. Bread that we receive through the wine” (Jn 2, 3). a Eucharistic Year (2004-2005). “Tell us, Mary what did you see Church is the icon of that Body The mother asks Jesus to inter- The chronological sequence re- along the way?” are words from that God gave to the world thro- vene and give the new wine, the calls that the ancient adage is the Paschal sequence. That is the ugh the Virgin Mary. In the encyc- wine of joy and fidelity. Without still valid: “per Mariam ad Iesum” same question we can ask the lical “Redemptoris Mater” (1987) knowing it, without being fully (To Jesus through Mary). We Virgin of Nazareth: “Tell us, Mary John Paul II writes that the moth- aware, her request anticipates come to Jesus through Mary. what you saw that night? What erhood of Mary “is particularly the hour of the Passover, the Therefore if we wish to nourish went through your mind when felt by the Christian people at the announ-cement of the new our love for the Eucharist we you held your little boy in your Sacred Banquet – the liturgical covenant and the new life that must go through Mary. We go to arms? Did you hear the choir of celebration of the mystery of re- God wants to give to everyone Mass with Mary, the Mother of angels? Did you see the myster- demption – in which Christ is through his Son. Cana is the Jesus and we live this entire ious light that God had promised made present in his real body, foretaste of the Eucharist. At communion with her. through the prophet Isaiah (Is 9, born of the Virgin Mary (n. 47). So Cana Mary seems to say: “Do not Mary is the creature who 1)? And what did say to your child we ask that the Virgin sustain our waver, trust in the words of my “found favour with God.” (Lk 1, while he suckled at your breast fragile faith. Son. If he was able to change 30) That is why she teaches us to and took in the milk of life? You water into wine, he can also turn walk in the paths of grace, to did not know it, O Mary, but that MARY, THE EUCHARISTIC WOMAN bread and wine into his body and live every Eucharist as an ever night the Eucharistic ministry of In the encyclical “Ecclesia de blood, and through this mystery new gift of Providence.  January 2018 28 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 29 Don Bosco’s Madonna NEWSBITS BENIN Exactly one hundred years have passed since the famous experie- nce that took place during the last Marian apparition of Fatima, on The True Cross, Missionaries Today 13 October 1917, when immedia- From St Martin’s Messenger, Ireland tely after the three shepherdesses had seen Our Lady, a crowd of sev- Q. I believe the cross on which which had been carefully enty thousand people flocked to Christ was crucified was found at guarded in Jerusalem. Some 15 the Cova di Iria during a violent some time in history. What is the years later it was brought back rainstorm and witnessed the "mir- "dancing". According to Father story behind the find finding of the to Jerusalem after the Persian acle of the sun”, as they watched, Chris N. Anyanwu, director of soc- cross? King was defeated in battle. The with their naked eye, the star that ial communications - this unusual relic was returned on or about seemed to come closer, change co- phenomenon gladdened the hearts A. There are various versions the 14th September and so we lour and dance around the sky. of the pilgrims present at the cele- concerning the finding of the celebrate the Feast of the Several non-believers also witnes- bration and many of them have true cross. The most commonly Triumph of the Cross on that sed that "miracle", such as the news attested that what they saw, recalls repeated version is the one day. reporter of a professed secularist the experience of Fatima in 1917. concerning Helena, the mother newspaper. Now something simi- Certainly, the great joy of the parti- of Constantine the Emperor. She Q. I know that in the past lar seems to have happened in cipants in seeing these signs show- is reported to have been sent by missionaries went to ‘foreign’ Benin City, Nigeria, on the occas- ed through the enthusiasm of her son, the Emperor, to look for countries to preach the Gospel. Do ion of the re-consecration of the co- their faith that Nigeria will no the true cross. She uncovered they still do that? untry wanted by the bishops. In longer be the same". three crosses at the site of the communicating the decision, the The testimonies have been re- Holy Sepulchre, over which had A. At one time a big part of the bishops recalled that Nigeria is ported on the Facebook page of been built a pagan temple. She challenge for a missionary was going through "a period marked by the Episcopal Conference and this assumed them to be the crosses leaving one’s own country and tensions, unrest and a general has led to the thought of an expli- of Jesus and the two culture to go and live in foreign sense of despair and dissatisfac- cit form of recognition of the event. wrongdoers. A dying woman lands. Today, they still cross tion". There are institutional prob- However, that web space cannot be was brought in and she was borders. It is still a basic part of lems, “cases of selective applica- considered an official expression of touched with each of the three the missionary activity. But there tion of the rule of law”, as well as the episcopate and there are no sta- crosses. The third one cured her is an ever growing awareness of unequal distribution of resources, tements in this regard. The bish- and that cross was proclaimed new boundaries which are no corruption and impunity. ops took note of the account of the the cross of Christ. A portion of longer just geographical. The On the morning of October faithful and saw them rejoice for the true cross was kept in the new new boundaries may be 13th, at the re-consecration cere- their experience. At a time when basilica built over the sepulchre, anywhere in the world; with mony, led by the Archbishop of only negative news arrives from in Jerusalem. Other pieces were youth, the poor in large cities, Jos, Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, presi- Nigeria - from the scourge of fun- taken elsewhere. There were so migrants, refugees, victims of dent of the Nigerian Episcopal damentalist Islamist terrorism to many supposed splinters of the war and long-term conflict, Conference, 53 bishops took part abductions such as that of Italian true cross at one particular indigenous peoples, margin- together with more than 1000 priest Maurizio Pallù, who has period of history, that no one alized women and children. All priests, 2000 religious and about 55 been recently released - the solar doubts that most of these were of these are crying out for the thousand faithful. In the afternoon, phenomenon at the end of the fake. When Jerusalem was Good News if the Gospel to be after the celebration, the witnesses storm has drawn attention to the captured in 612, the conqueror brought to them. This is the big tell us, there was a heavy down- act of consecration to Mary who was the King of Persia, took challenge for today’s pour followed by the appearance decided by the bishops of the with him that section of the cross missionaries. of the sun changing colour and country. (La Stampa. 22/10/2017) January 2018 30 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 31 Don Bosco’s Madonna IN A CHEERFUL MOOD THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS Medical Destination A Word Edgewise The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is Lady: “Well, Doctor, was my Wife: “What’s the idea? You a very simple yet most efficacious devotion. operation a success?” yawned four times while I was Man: “I’m not your doctor, I’m St. talking to you.” Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the Peter. Hubby: “I wasn’t yawning, I was invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from just trying to say something.” mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Painful Pleasures Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. Bus Driver: “Madam, are these se- Settling scores ven children yours or is it a picnic?” To practise this devotion in time of danger, stress, “Well, Pat,” said a friendly visitor special need or temptation, is a sure means to Busy Mother: “They’re all mine at the bedside of a dying man, and I assure you it is no picnic.” “have ye made peace with God obtain Our Lady's help. Multi-Purpose and denounced the devil?” In July 2016 I suffered a blackout and was uncon- Farmer: “You must be brave to “Shure,” said Pat, “I’ve made pea- scious for quite some time. After a while I regained come in a parachute in a hundred ce with God but I’m in no position consciousness and was helped to my bed.I was rather stunned as to -mile gale like this.” to antagonize anybody.” what caused me to fall and I suffered memory loss for those few moments. Stranger: “I didn’t come down in My family Doctor was contacted and explained the symptoms.He advised a parachute. I went up in a tent!” Two for One immediate hospitalisation. I was taken to hospital and all relevant tests A gentleman came into a Paris were carried out. Aparrently it was diagonised that that there was a Real Concentration barbershop with a small boy one temporary blockage of the artery connected to the brain which caused A veteran colonel always closed day and explained that since he the "blackout." After three days and conducting of various tests I was his eyes when he took a drink. had an appointment in the neigh- discharged.Fortunately I suffered no harm to myself when I fell.I owe this When questioned concerning this bourhood he would like his own good fortune to our dear Mother Mary to whom I have the devotion of habit he readily explained: hair cut first.This accomplished, reciting the Three Hail Mary every morning and night.Thank you dear “The sight of good lickah, suh,” he he handed the boy up into the Mother Mary. WJG said, “always makes my mouth chair, urged patience upon him, In 1952, I was a small boy and in school. My dad started the the devotion watah, suh, an’ I do not like to and departed. When the boy’s hair to Our Lady of the Rosary, to Don Bosco and Dominic Savio, our three dilute my drink, suh.” cut was finished, the gentleman great patrons. Since then we have continued this ardent devotion to the Drastic Measures had not returned, and the barber present day without fail and we have received innumerable favours, big When a doctor called at a house told to boy to wait. A half hour and small. I used to walk to the end of the hill, pray earnestly and patiently to attend a confinement had been passed. “Don’t worry,” said the non-stop where my petro-chemical plant was in Chembur, Bombay. I upstairs a few minutes,he came barber reassuringly. “I’m sure your could see the statue (above the Shrine) very clearly whether in the day down and asked for a corkscrew. father will be back soon.“ The boy or the night and I would pray the three Hail Marys either in the day or the The anxious father-to-be gave him looked startled. “He isn’t my father, night. I was working shifts. I also asked her a great favour: Mother please one, and he went upstairs. A few “ he said. “He just came up to me in take me to Canada. It took a long time; maybe it was a test but I didn’t minuteslater he came down again the street and said, “Come along, give up. She heard my humble and fervent prayer. Finally today, I am and asked for a screwdriver. He let’s both get a hair cut.” living in the best country in the world, living peacefully and happily with went back with it and left the head my family. A million thanks to the “Trio”. I confidently say: Pray with faith of the house chewing his nails. On Grass Miscalculation and believe you will receive. Francis (Frank) Fernandis, Halifax, Canada the third trip, he asked for a chisel At the circus in Madras last year My sincere and heartfelt thanks to Jesus, Mother Mary and all the saints and mallet. “Good heavens, Doc- a man was observed near the for the many favours received through the recitation of the three Hail tor,” the worried husband said, “is camels. He picked up a straw, pla- Marys, and especially for the gift of a job for my son. Sweet Mother keep everything alright?” Is it a boy or ced it squarely on the camel’s back him always under your mantle of care. A. Lobo, Mumbai a girl?” “Don’t know yet,” replied and waited. Nothing happened. Ever grateful thanks to Mother Mary for sorting out the house, property the doctor. “Can’t get my medi- “Wrong straw,” he muttered, and and work related problems and saving my mother from the serious effects cine case open.” hurried off.  of a brain stroke. MHDSDC January 2018 32 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 33 Don Bosco’s Madonna LOVING CHILDREN TO THEIR LOVING MOTHER THANKS TO DEAR I had a very bad fall from a bench while trying to fix a chart on the ST. DOMINIC SAVIO classroom board. Miraculously I escaped with mild bruises but no broken bones. Praise and thanks to Jesus and his beloved Mother Thank you Mary Help of Christians and Mary for saving my life and sparing me from any fractures. St. Dominic Savio for granting my great- Mrs. Sharon Castelino grand-daughter-in-law a safe and normal My sincere thanks to Mary Help of Christians for helping my son delivery and the gift of a baby boy. to get a new job. Also for his successful surgery and for many Mirs Piedade Gomes, Mumbai other favours. Mary was always with us. A Devotee My sincere thanks to Mother Mary, Don My dearest Mother Mary, when I write this thanksgiving my eyes Bosco and Dominic Savio for granting are filled with tears and my heart full of gratitude. Thank you my me many blessings, especially for the mother for helping my son pass at IIT Kharagpur at the first attempt. gift of a healthy baby boy after a seven He passed with an excellent rank. My elder son is doing year gap of a girl and many other exceptionally well in his engineering studies. I am equally thankful blessings for which I am grateful. to you Mother for blessing me with a wonderful family, a loving Minella Lobes, Goa husband, happiness and above all the excellent behaviour of my My special thanks to Mother Mary, Help sons. Whenever I went to my Mother she was always there for of Christians and St. Dominic Savio for me. I continue to implore your protection and guidance and ask a safe and normal delivery of a baby boy. Lucia Remedios, Goa you to keep us under your mantle. Thank you dear Blessed Mother Mary and St. Dominic Savio for Mrs. Shanti Rose Thomas, Kerala Heartfelt thanks to Mary Help of Christians for the successful operation blessing my daughter with a baby boy after five years. of my son-in-law Peter Geudens. Philomena Ferro, Mumbai Mrs. Antoneth Coutinho, Mumbai I am grateful and thankful to the Most Holy Trinity, Our Lady, all the THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO angels and saints in heaven and my dearest Dominic Savio for OUR LADY AND DON BOSCO protecting my sons and my family from all evils in this modern world. My sincere thanks to the Divine Mercy, the Blessed Virgin Mary and I am equally grateful for helping my son pass his IIT entrance St. Antony for helping to vacate the tenants from my son's flat. I also examination at the first attempt itself with an excellent rank. He is thank Mother Mary for granting me many other favours. Agnes presently studying at IIT Kharagpur. My elder son is doing exceptionally It was August 24, 2017 when I was taken to Holy Family Hospital well in his engineering studies. Dear St. Dominic Savio please continue operation theatre at 8 am. I began the Holy Rosary and prayed to to bless our happy family. Mrs. Shanti Rose Thomas, Kerala My deep gratitude to the Infant Jesus of Prague and Our Blessed Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco till I came out of the hospital Mother and St. Dominic Savio for the safe delivery and the gift of a on September 4. Today thanks to Our Lady’s blessing I had a baby girl to my daughter. Mother Mary give them good health and successful heart operation. All praise to Jesus and Mary. keep them always in your care. A. Lobo, Mumbai Edgar D’Souza, Mumbai Thank you, Our Lady and Dominic Savio for the gift of a lovely baby Thank you Mary Help of Christians, St. Dominic Savio and St. John girl Caitlyn to my cousin and for many other favours received. Bosco for giving my daughter-in-law Edna a safe and normal delivery Lalita Valles, Mumbai and the gift of a healthy baby boy. Mrs. Lourdes Alvares, Mumbai Our belated but sincere thanks to the Infant Jesus and Mother Mary Thank you Jesus, Mother Mary, the Holy Spirit and the Guardian for saving us from accidents twice on the Nasik Highway and back Angels for good health and happiness; for my grandchildren’s success from the Infant Jesus shrine. Thank you Divine Mercy, St. Anthony, in their exams and many favours received. Special thanks for keeping St. Dominic Savio and Mother Teresa and all the saints for the many my daughter and her family from unknown calamity. favours and blessings we received. The D’Cunhas Fernandes, Mumbai Thank you Lord Jesus and our Beloved Mother Mary Help of JANUARY Christians for helping my sister Grace and for the miraculous cure Religious Minorities in Asia from a severe allergy. Bless and protect us always. That Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries, Rosie de Souza, Goa may be able to practise their faith in full freedom.

January 2018 34 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2018 35 Don Bosco’s Madonna Regd RNI no. 9360/57; Postal Regn. MNE/89/2018-2020 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 My granddaughter Anjali was suddenly hospitalized with a life- threatening blood clot right before her final exams last year. By the grace of God and the intercession of our Blessed Mother the surgeons were able to remove the clot and she was able to successfully complete her exams. A million thanks from the bottom of my heart to the Infant Jesus, Mary Help of Christians, Sts. Jude and Anthony for hearing my prayers. A nerve was accidentally damaged that left one leg paralyzed. All the neurologists thought chances of recovery were slim. In a second miracle she has regained nerve function and is able to walk without crutches and brace with a month. Thank you so much dear Jesus and Mary! Mrs. L. Fernandes, USA 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 2018 36 Don Bosco’s Madonna