DON BOSCO'S MADONNA HOME AT CHRISTMAS Mumbai DECEMBER 2017 vol.19 No. 9 here was a time in the not-too-distant-past when we seniors or super- seniors remembered Perry Como or Sinatra singing: ‘I’ll be home for Christmas’T or something similar…as we headed down the last lap before CONTENTS Christmas…There’s something nostalgic about this season that brings ‘home’ into the centre of our attention. From The Editor's Desk: It becomes beastly cold in the Western hemisphere so our ‘dears-in- Home At Christmas...... 3 the-diaspora’ strive to head back to our shores in shorts and sneak- Grandparents ers…to celebrate Christmas with us. And we all look forward to their - Jeanette Brimner...... 4 homecoming. For those who can’t make it, we’ll get our tech-savvy kids to set up Skype or some other social media to make contact on Youth on the Move: “Very Christian” Christmas Day. Truly Christmas is a reminder of the mystery, joy and Christians heartache of ‘home’ in our lives. - Gianni Palizzi...... 8 Some don’t and won’t come home…and this brings a tear to some Salesian Saints: aged eyes. There’ll be bittersweet moments too during this season that Bl Maria Troncatti...... 10 make us all uncomfortable…but we console ourselves in the hope that maybe they might turn up next Christmas. We hope they will realise Vocation Story: Cl. Christovan Cardozo...... 12 that they’ll receive nothing less than a huge welcome. The Christmas homecoming is not just about a house or family. Witnesses In And For Our Times: Somehow this homecoming reminds us that ‘home’ is more a ‘state’ Bl.Urban V...... 13 than a ‘place’ where memories are cherished, bonds are strengthened, hearts are warmed and ties are reinforced once more. Why is this? Lectio Divina: Heralding the Good News A Blessed Christmas - Ian Pinto sdb...... 16 Why such an emphasis on home and family? to All The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, begins his poem: Quiet Spaces: A Father’s Caress Thee, God, I come from, to thee go, - Pope Francis...... 18 We wish all our friends and All day long, like fountain flow. Johnny The Derby The mystery of the coming of Jesus is that the Son of God and Son of - Fr. Ian Doulton's Collection 20 benefactors and those who Mary, makes his home among us. We say that in different ways: ‘he help us in a myriad ways to came to his own home and his own did not receive him’; the word was Facets of His Life: Light And Heat In made flesh and lived/dwelt/made his home among us’. the Century of Great Inventions reach the poor and the We may, in a busy, more faith-distant world, lose the sense of God - Natale Cerrato...... 24 marginalized both in our being our home. But just because we can’t get our minds around this Reflecting on Mary: Predestined idea does not negate our human homes for, in the words attributed to - Gianni Sangalli...... 28 cities and the countryside, Teilhard de Chardin, ‘we are spiritual beings on a human journey’; and the graces of a holy, our deepest belonging, whether we know it or not, is for the Divine. Walking With the Church: A Candle in the Window at Christmas...... 30 peace-filled Christmas. How do we make this “home” part of our lives? What might this mean? In our ordinary homes, all of us pitch in to spruce the place up NewsBits...... 31 You and your families are for the season which demonstrates our care for it and gives it a sense In a Cheerful Mood...... 32 remembered in our of being a home and giving us a sense of belonging. The Devotion of devotions and the Masses Many appeals will come through our mailboxes urging us to help the Three Hail Marys...... 33 make someone else’s home a bit more Christmassy. Would we put up Loving Children to their celebrated throughout the the latches, switch off our phones and doorbells and put up huge DND Loving Mother...... 34 Christmas Season at the signs so no one will disturb us at home? But who knows? By doing that They Are Grateful to who might we shut out? Maybe that knock was His…and He passed Our Lady & Don Bosco...... 34 Shrine by because and He saw our DND… Could you still have a merry Thanks to Dear of Don Bosco’s Madonna. Christmas? I don’t think it’s possible because we realise that we truly St. Dominic Savio...... 34 aren’t at home! Fr. Ian Doulton sdb December 2017 2 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 3 Don Bosco’s Madonna has carefully put together. CEL SERIES When Willa’s daughter, Anne, the youngest of five, married, life GRANDPARENTS seemed be going well and Willa By Jeanette Brimner spoiled her three little grand- children. Then tragedy struck and obody can do for little child- Dutch words and has enrolled Anne’s husband was in a terrible N ren what grandparents do. them in an International school car crash which left him brain Grandparents sort of sprinkle where teachers relay to them damaged and unable to resume stardust over the lives of little chil- Dutch customs and traditions. his role as the loving husband and dren.” This quote was said by the The children love hearing about my sister and I were small and the dad he once was. Willa step- writer Alex Haley, but we know St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6th when serenaded the islands while dad ped in and has been helping her that grandparents can also deeply ‘Sinterclaas’ gives presents to and Grandpa took him boating daughter and grandchildren cope, influence their older grand child- good children and Black Peter through the lagoons. besides directing the Church choir ren too. reprimands the naughty ones. An avid reader, Grandpa wo- and giving attention to her other Since grandparents from all Erica makes attractive, well or- uld tell us about the stories he had grandchildren. This happened over the world come from vari- ganized scrapbooks which show read and his photographic mem- about a year after Willa’s husband ous cultures, they have a unique family photos, and postcards sent ory allowed him to relay all the was killed in a helicopter crash. opportunity to teach their grand- to her from Holland where many details. He worked until he was “When I feel I can hardly go on I children about their backgrounds of her relatives still reside. She seventy-two in his book bind- ask Jesus to give me strength and and history by sharing their mem- also keeps souvenirs of shared spe- ing factory and still rode his bike he never fails me,” she told me a ories, traditions and culture. This cial events so the children can look until a few days before he died at few days ago. She is a great can be done using family scrap- them over when they come to age eighty three. We learned from example to both her daughter and books, photo albums and journals. visit. Because Erica has a strong him that people can be energetic her grandchildren who love her so Through family outings and cele- faith she encourages her grand- and enjoy life (If they are blessed much! brations God has also given children to rely on God and she with good health) well into old My great niece and nephew liv- grandparents many opportuni- prays for them often. Her late age. ing in Canada’s capitol, have lear- ties to share their wisdom and husband would be proud of her Willa came to Canada from ned from their Persian grand- their faith with their grand- ability to relate so well with the Belgium with her family when she parents the value of the extended children. newer generation and despite was very young. Her parents being so busy with other concerns, bought a tiny farm in Southwes- always reserving time for visits tern Ontario and were doing quite with her grandchildren. well until her dad was suddenly When my Grandpa Smith was killed in a tragic car accident eight, he came to Canada from when he was only forty two. His Scotland by ship with his large wife was left to run the farm with family and his dad cleaned the the help of Willa and her seven stables on board to pay for their sisters, and she taught all of her fare. When Grandpa was in his girls that with God’s help they Pierre Teilhard de Chardin S.J., sixties he travelled with his oldest could be strong and endure any a well-known Christian writer grandson to places in Canada and hardship. Willa passed on to her assures us that “The future is in the U.S.A. while regaling him family and grandchildren the the hands of those who can give with memories of Scotland which Belgium attitude of perseverance tomorrow’s generation valid my brother passed on to us. He and hard work as well as an reasons to live and hope.” also treated us to the rich short- unrelenting faith in God’s provi- Erica, from Holland, settled bread and tasty oat cakes that he dence. She has taught her grand- in Canada when she was nine- had enjoyed in Scotland. His children about the relatives she teen. She has taught her grand- friend, an avid bagpiper, once left behind in Belgium through children to count and speak a few visited his summer cottage when scrapbooks and photo albums she December 2017 4 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 5 Don Bosco’s Madonna family doing things together God for his many gifts instills in such as “Why are we told to be including going for walks, having them a sense of wonder and honest when politicians lie to us frequent family dinners and gratitude. all the time.” Or “How do we occasionally doing their weekly As children become older, esp- really know that God exists?’ grocery shopping together. They ecially in their teens, they may Yes, Grandchildren can be fun enjoy the flavourful Persian feasts begin to distance themselves from and cheer us up, especially if we that their grandmother prepares their grandparents as other activi- are not their year round careta- which include dishes such as ties take up their time but many kers! They can also wear us out Chicken Kabab, Mirza-Ghasemi still yearn for a listening ear when with their nervous energy and and Kashke-Budemjan, and to know them individually and problems arise. Having grandpar- questions. My grandma used to luscious desserts including they now have those precious ents who are not judgemental and say to my grandpa “I’m glad to Persian Ice Cream and Bagh- memories of her to savour, now refrain from offering advice un- see them come and I’m glad to see lava. During their frequent visits that she is no longer with us. less asked for, assures older grand- them go!’ They can bewilder us the children are gradually learn- She also picked out her fav- children that they can confide in with their modern ideas and their ing to speak in their grandparent’s ourite family recipes and gave them when social or school diffi- ability to cope with modern equi- language even though they usu- them to my sister, Doreen, who culties and even disagreements pment. They test our diplomatic ally speak English at home. was looking after her. Doreen with their parents or guardians skills when they want us to take My oldest son‘s aboriginal compiled a booklet called Grand- crop up. their side versus their parents’ playmate, Jacob, who was a fam- ma’s Best Recipes and made We who are grandparents can viewpoint. But grandchildren will iliar presence at our home during copies to send to family members help our grandchildren to be fun always be treasures in our eyes his childhood and adolescent a few months after Helen died. It’s loving but caring people who can and with our concern, involve- years, learned from his grand- a treasured keepsake for her contribute their talents, and skills ment and prayers they will hope- parents who cared for him full grandchildren who each have to their world, but they can also fully develop into caring and time. They taught him about their their own copy. teach their grandparents a great loving adults. rich past and the value of When grandchildren are young, deal. They hone our patience skills So as grandparents share their aboriginal folklore, art work and grandparents often shower them when they spill something on a backgrounds, including their customs. His grandfather, who with love and affection which freshly cleaned floor or keep ask- childhood adventures, their sor- fought in the Second World War, makes them feel very special for ing us to take them for a walk rows, joys and accomplishments, and was honoured for his valour. being who they are. The little ones when we have many tasks to do. they teach their grandchildren He often spoke at the Memorial can bond with their grandparents They keep us humble when they about their roots and are a living service which the grade school during visits by colouring and say statements such as ”You have history to them. But as well, they held each year. Jacob is very proud doing crafts with them, such crinkles in your cheeks grandpa” receive from their grandchildren of his history and one of my as cutting and pasting, and play- or ask if the age marks on grand- a cherished gift...a sense of con- memorable times was when he ing simple games with them. ma’s arms are freckles. But they tinuity. Hopefully their history, taught us to make fried bread These activities help them deve- renew our sense of wonder and their faith and gems of wisdom called bannock which we filled lop their small motor skills and awe as they point out a grass- they share, will have a positive with currants and raisons. enhance their innate creativi- hopper crossing a path, or flower and profound effect on the Delicious! ty. Reading stories and poems to that has gone to seed and is coming generations. My late sister, Helen, was ill them opens a doorway to the “broken.” with a severe heart condition for spectacular world outside and Older children may call us re- many years and was nearly house- stimulates their imagination. lics from the old school who just bound. But she kept in tow with Taking them for walks and spy- can’t see how the modern world her grandchildren through phone ing on insects, pointing out the has changed. It certainly has calls and letters. That was before pretty flowers or autumn leaves evolved but not always in a good texting became the norm. When or the way the sunbeams dance on way. In many ways it has be- she felt well enough she would the snow helps them appreciate come a Godless world where mor- have one grandchild at a time for the delicate and beauty filled ality allows premarital sex and an overnight visit. During those world around them. Praying with easy divorce. But they also make precious times she was able to get them and teaching them to thank us think when they ask questions December 2017 6 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 7 Don Bosco’s Madonna “VERY CHRISTIAN” CHRISTIANS significant events, and yet they he was still speaking, behold a by Gianni Palizzi were taken “unawares” at Mount crowd arrived and Judas came up Tabor. They were involved at the to him and kissed Jesus ...” “Judas, Like “the twelve” we too feel that take acting like a servant? But most tragic moments of Jesus’ life do you betray the Son of Man with we’re better than the One we’re fol- Peter didn’t understand. A short and how did they behave? He a kiss?”… ‘Immediately while he lowing and so we’re always ready to time later he would say...”I’ll die sweated blood and they slept! was speaking a cock crowed.’ And remind him by our whining prayers, with you,” but before the cock Their eyes were heavy with sleep, the Lord turned and looked at about his duties as God. Unfortu- crowed… and the other “eleven” they couldn’t keep awake. They Peter; and Peter remembered the nately, we think that our God is often were no better. had a faith that made them sleepy. word that the Lord had said: distracted, careless, having a reckless Christian atheists… They had a “Today, before the cock crows, preference for those who don’t des- WHO WAS THE GREATEST? faith that was resigned, routine, you will have denied me three erve so much, I don’t know, maybe They followed Jesus but they repetitive and opportunistic. And times.” And he went out and wept distracted with sinners, for example, were thinking of something else. Jesus “after he had prayed, got up bitterly. At that moment they all or those who don’t make it to Sunday Our thoughts are pretty far from and went to his disciples and ran away and out of fear, either Mass! If we don’t do something in the thoughts of God. They were found them asleep with sorrow shut themselves in the upper room time, “this thing here” we will end thinking of great honours, of first and he said to them: ’why are you or went back to their fishing. And up behind “the sinners and prosti- places at the final banquet. The asleep. Stay awake and pray that at the foot of the cross “they tutes who will get before us into the two sons of Zebedee even booked you may not enter into tempta- mocked him saying, “He saved kingdom of heaven.” Where does all their seats on the right and the left tion.’” others, let him save himself if he this end? And of us who have been of the throne…backed up by their is the Christ, the Son of God!” following him for such a long time, mother, ah mothers! In their THEY CALLED DOWN FIRE we don’t get “even a kid!” goodness they did not even offer “Then, as the time approached SOME WORDS THAT HELP their places to God! Christian for him to be taken from this Listen THE RISK OF A CHRISTIAN ATHEIST atheists! Jesus “took a little child world, Jesus resolutely made his “Which is the most important of When a Christian feels he is bet- and set him in their midst, then way to Jerusalem. He sent mess- all the commandments?” Jesus ter than God by what he says placing his arms around him, he engers ahead of him who entered replied: “The first is: ‘Listen Israel, about his beliefs, he is an atheist. said to them: ‘Anyone who recei- a Samaritan village to prepare the Lord our God is the one Lord, This is seen in the case of Peter ves one of these children in my some accommodation for him. you shall love the Lord your before he becomes Saint Peter. He name receives me.’ You know that But they did not receive him be- God...and you must love your knows his religion and gives the rulers of the Gentiles lord it cause he was making his way to neighbour as yourself.’” perfect answers: “You are the over them, and the powerful op- Jerusalem. Seeing this, his disci- Christ,” but soon after that Jesus press them…but whoever wants ples said: “Lord, do you want us Don’t think of yourself took him aside to explain to him to be first must make himself your to call down fire from heaven to “You are not thinking like God how he ought to think, because slave.” consume them?” But he turned but like man!” “If anyone wishes Jesus said some strange things to and scolded them. “Master, we to come after me, let him deny him which he didn’t know: that SLEEPING IN THE GARDEN saw someone cast out demons in himself, take up his cross and he had to suffer, die and rise a- Peter, James and John were his your name and we forbade him follow me.” gain… Then at the washing of the three most attentive disciples and because he was not one of us.” feet, was Jesus making a big mis- were reportedly always present at And Jesus said: “Do not forbid Sell everything, come follow me him, for whoever is not against us, Jesus looked at him and loved is for us.” He had already said: him and said: “There is one thing “Do not judge! Do not condemn!” you lack! Go, sell all that you have and give it to the poor and you will THE TWO WHO BETRAYED HIM have treasure in heaven; then Peter and Judas, two of the twe- come follow me. But he, on hear- lve, betray him; a very high per- ing these words, was crestfallen, centage! Disastrous! One sells him, because he had much wealth.” the other denies knowing him. What a burden! And what a risk Alas, Christian atheists! “While atheism is!” December 2017 8 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 9 Don Bosco’s Madonna involved many risks. She was a Maria Troncatti: “She was the SALESIAN nurse, a surgeon, an orthopedist, very incarnation of Gospel deta- SAINTS a dentist and an anesthetist but chment and simplicity. With she was above all a catechist rich what exquisite maternity she MARIA in wonderful resources of faith, conquered hearts! She found a MARIA patience and Salesian loving- solution for every problem, TRONCATTI kindness. Her work for the pro- keeping in mind what was best motion of Shuar women blosso- at that time. She never forgot 1883 - 1969 med and hundreds of new Chris- that she was dealing with people tian families were formed. For who were weak and sinners. She aria Troncatti was born at the first time young couples were was seen dealing with people of MCorteno Golgi, in the pro- free to choose their partners. all kinds and from all kinds of vince of Brescia on February 16, backgrounds, even the most mis- 1883 into a numerous family of With maternal patience she erable with immense respect and mountain breeders. She grew up was able to listen, fostering com- kindness which came to her nat- cheerful and active among the munion among the people, edu- urally and spontaneously. What meadows and was showered cating the indigenous people to surprises me most, is that she with affection by her little pardon the settlers: “One look at always remained exquisitely a brothers. She flourished in the the Crucifix gives me life and the woman and I would say, as warm atmosphere of their affec- courage to work,” this firm faith much a virgin as a mother.” tion and her exemplary parents. sustains my life.” In every activi- The Salesian Bulletin came to ty, sacrifice or danger, she felt Her activity developed mainly Corteno and Mary, sensitive and a nurse for a short time. supported by the maternal pre- in the fields of education and rich in Christian virtue, contem- In December 1925 accompani- sence of Mary Help of Christians. healthcare at the Pius XII hos- plated on a religious vocation. ed by the Salesian Bishop Mons Sister Maria’s missionary spirit pital in Sucúa and in numerous Initially her father was not in Comin and a small expedition, expressed itself in her life given other dispensaries. She was the favour of her choice but once his Sister Maria and two other in the cause of evangelization Mother of the missions of the daughter turned 21 he consented. sisters entered the Amazon rain and human and social promotion Vicariate of Méndez: Macas, Maria asked to be admitted to forest. Their mission field was of the Shuar people in the Méndez, Sevilla Don Bosco and the Institute of the Daughters of the land of the Shuar Indians in Amazon rain forest of Ecuador. Sucúa were all administered in Mary Help of Christians and was the south eastern part of Ecua- All her activity was punctuated shifts. admitted to her first profession dor. As soon as she reached with the need to be faithful to in 1908 at Nizza Monferrato. Méndez, Sister Maria earned the God’s love. In his name Maria On August 25, 1969, in Sucúa During the First World War she esteem and admiration of the made the mercy of God extreme- (Ecuador) a small plane carrying took a healthcare course at Var- Shuar tribes when she extracted ly transparent to all those in Sister Maria Troncatti on her azze and worked as a Red Cross a bullet from a chieftain’s need of any kind. Her commit- way to a retreat, crashed just a nurse at the Military Hospital. daughter with the help of a ment was demonstrated in her few minutes after takeoff on the Following a violent storm Maria penknife. strong love and fidelity to the edge of the forest that, for almost promised Our Lady that if she The little community estab- Church and was also expressed half a century, was “the was spared she would opt for the lished itself definitively at Macas in her solicitude for the ministers homeland of her heart” the place missions. Our Lady heard her in a little hut on a hill. They were of God always ready to help where she had given herself prayer and so Maria asked Moth- surrounded by a village of na- them in any difficulties in the selflessly among the “Shuar” er General to go to work among tives. Just as Don Bosco was mission. people. the lepers. ‘father’ and ‘teacher,’ Sister Sister Maria’s final takeoff led Seven years later Mother Cath- Maria became a mother and for Her remains lie in Sucua, in the to Paradise! She was 86 and erine Daghero sent her to Ecua- forty-four years they called her Province of Morona (Ecuador). spent every one of those years as dor. In 1922 she arrived at Gua- Madrecita (darling mother). The One of the missionaries at that a gift of love. She wrote: “I’m yaquil bay and reached Chunchi work of evangelization in the time, Father Giovanni Vigna left happier each day in my religious where she was a pharmacist and beginning was difficult and us this testimony about Sister missionary vocation.” December 2017 10 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 11 Don Bosco’s Madonna VOCATION PROMOTION CL. CHRISTOVAN CARDOZO A Salesian Student of Theology at Don Bosco, Koregaon Park, Pune PROFILES

t is said that God has his own Iway of calling. I don’t rem- ember God calling me directly but I am sure that the prayerful and spiritual atmosphere at home was the reason for my vocation. As a regular altar BL. URBAN V server all I wanted one day was (DECEMBER 19) to be on the other side of the With contributions from Abbye Saint-Joseph de Clairval altar. Whenever anyone asked me about my future I would uillaume de Grimoard, who quickly reply, ‘I want to be a Gwould become Pope Urban priest.’ V and be beatified in 1870, was born around 1310 in the Grizac fa- mily chateau in the Gévaudan re- I remember celebrating my gion (today part of the Lozère dep- own small Mass with a Marie priests and brothers. I immed- artment). His family was known Biscuit and tea cup. My neigh- iately developed a liking for for its Christian virtue. His father, bours would laugh and poke fun them. a gentle and humble man and a at me, but my mother said brave knight, showed compassion nothing. As I reached the fifth After my tenth standard res- towards the poor. His mother had standard I had priests inviting ults, a Jesuit priest whom I knew a reputation for great charity. me for vocation camps, and I very well, wanted me to join Both would rejoice at their son’s attended all of them be they them. Somehow, I don’t know vocation. At the age of twelve, SVDs, Pallotines, Pilar, Diocesan why, I rushed with my mom to Guillaume left to study in Mont- pellier; he later went to Toulouse prayer and mortification. When but mostly those of the Jesuits. Don Bosco, Benaulim and said I to study civil law for four years. he returned to his original mon- And why not? I was studying in wanted to join them. His teachers, dazzled by his astery, he was ordained a priest, a Jesuit school right from my intelligence and abilities, led him and before long, he left again, on first standard. I liked going for And from then on I have stayed to hope for a chair-in-law. But the advice of his superiors, to camps, I got to see what different with the Salesians. I am happy suddenly, without a word to any- teach as a university professor in people did, but I attended them to meet Salesians and more one, he embraced the monastic Toulouse, Montpellier, Paris, and more to have fun. especially to meet so many life in a Benedictine monastery of Avignon. He was twenty-five young people and become part twelve monks in Chirac, where years old. On All Saints’ Day 1342, Never did I once attend a Sal- of their daily life. one of his uncles was Prior. The he received the title of Doctor of esian vocation camp. But from Has it been all smooth sailing? monastery was in his mother’s Canon Law, in Montpellier. Many home region of Lozère. came to seek his advice—the rich the eighth standard I had attend- Ha! ha! Where there is mischief Guillaume was soon sent to sought him out to arbitrate their ed the summer camps held at the question of smooth sailing Saint Victor Abbey in Marseille to disputes, and the poor asked his Don Bosco Animation Centre doesn’t arise at all. complete his monastic formation. advice on their small family and what fun and joy there was! I constantly trust in God and There he made his vows and dem- matters. After his classes, he never That was where I first encoun- surely the prayers of many to onstrated many good qualities: failed to go to the churches to tered the jovial, young Salesian keep me strong. humility, obedience, and love of make pious exhortations to the December 2017 12 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 13 Don Bosco’s Madonna faithful. He also served as Prior of example of a life of prayer and joys. Franco-English Treaty of Brétigny a monastery in the diocese of simplicity. A monk through and Urban V’s apostolic zeal also in 1360, the unemployed mercen- Auxerre, and in 1352, Pope Cle- through, he continued to lead a manifested itself in the missions aries flooding the roads ravaged ment VI made him head of Saint monk’s life. He reformed a num- he sent throughout the world—to everything. Urban V, joining dip- Germain Abbey in Auxerre. ber of monasteries, which some- Bulgaria, Lithuania, Georgia, Bos- lomacy with firmness, excommu- Since 1309, the papacy had re- times caused turmoil. nia, Dalmatia, Serbia, and as far nicated these bands, and urged located to Avignon to escape the Throughout his pontificate, as Mongolia and China, where the them to leave on crusade, as much revolutions that had been occur- Urban V promoted intellectual first diocese was created in Peking to get them away from Europe as ring one after another in Rome. life, wishing thus to improve social in 1370. to try to stop the Muslim push Clement VI had made this situa- conditions. He wanted to make Concerned by the wars and threatening the Eastern Empire. tion official in 1348 when he education accessible to all. So, for violence of his century, Urban V But, a few years after the Peace of purchased Avignon from Johan- the Polish who were unable to go applied himself to laying the foun- Brétigny, violence flared up again na I, Countess of Provence and to France or Italy, he founded a dations of a lasting peace and between France and England, Queen of Sicily. In 1352, the Pope university in Krakow in 1364, sen- spreading civilization throughout convincing the Pope to leave entrusted Guillaume de Grim- ding the best professors there. He Europe. His primary objective Rome for Avignon in order to oard with a difficult mission to the did the same in Pecz, Hungary; was to return to Rome and install arrange a meeting between the archbishop of Milan, who was Vienna, Austria; and Geneva, himself there. Thanks to the poli- two kings and force them to come disposed to encroach on the Holy Switzerland. He founded the uni- tical, military, and juridical work to terms. In his eyes, the vacuum See’s temporal power in Italy. In versities in Orange and Angers, done by Cardinal Albornoz, this left by the weakening of the September 1362, the Pope died. At France and in numerous locations return became possible in 1367. Germanic Holy Roman Empire the conclusion of a difficult con- instituted colleges of civil and Arriving in the City in October, could only be filled by the mutual clave, Guillaume de Grimoard ecclesiastical law, theology, and the Pope sought to improve the lot recognition of the nations that was elected to succeed him. It was humanities. He was, in fact, con- of the disoriented citizens of emerged from this empire extraordinary that a simple monk, vinced that everyone, according Rome. He created great parks on (France and the German and Ita- an abbot, not even a bishop, was to his state—father of a family, Vatican Hill to provide jobs for lian states), forming a peaceful elected Pope. He was 52 years old. cleric, or artisan—would better unemployed workers. He had and united Europe, rooted in the The new Pontiff’s coronation assume his responsibilities if he numerous monuments restored, Christian faith. took place in Avignon on Novem- had been educated to the extent and undertook excavations to find Urban V’s return to Avignon ber 6, 1362. Guillaume chose the of his abilities. He furthermore the skulls of the Apostles, Saint was probably also motivated by name “Urban” because, as he thought that knowledge aided the Peter and Saint Paul, which were the desire to assure the calm and explained, “the other four Urbans practice of virtue. discovered under the altar of the independence of the cardinals were all holy men.” His sole am- A man of peace, Urban worked Lateran basilica. when they met in the conclave bition was, in fact, to become a for the reconciliation of the Eas- To maintain the integrity of the that would take place upon his saint. From the day of his corona- tern and Western Churches. In his Papal States, and ensure the free- death, which he felt was near. For tion, he led his pontificate on the profession of faith he affirmed all dom of both the Sovereign Pontiffs Italy was once again the scene of path of austerity. He himself the articles of the Catholic Creed, and that of Italy, which were dangerous unrest. As it happened, wrote to the Catholic rulers of Eu- notably that the Holy Spirit pro- inseparable, the Pope conceived after several weeks of terrible rope. The king of France, John II ceeds from the Father and the Son, the plan of gathering all the Italian suffering, Urban V died on (John the Good) who had just as well as the primacy of the Ro- States around him into a sort of December 19, 1370, just two arrived at Villeneuve-lez-Avign- man Church and the authority of league, which he would head. The months after his return to on, was allowed only to kneel the Pope over bishops and even Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV Avignon. before the Pope, without ceremo- patriarchs. The emperor and em- of Bohemia, and the King of Blessed Urban V’s strength ny. Having come for the proces- press returned to Constantinople Hungary were the first to agree to came from his union with God. A sion that would not take place, he well pleased with the treatment this plan. The Italian States follo- chronicler who was a very close wanted Urban to name four car- they had received. Many Greeks, wed, with the exception of Flor- witness of this Pope, wrote, “In dinals of his choice, but the Pope moved by the Pontiff’s goodness, ence. God alone he poured out his heart, refused. reunited themselves with the On the other hand, if the in God alone he set his thoughts In these circumstances, Urban V Church of Rome. This reconcilia- Hundred Years’ War experienced and he consecrated himself totally presented, from the outset, an tion was one of Urban V’s greatest something of a respite after the to His service.” December 2017 14 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 15 Don Bosco’s Madonna elites through prophets after val of Elijah since he would be the Malachi. Therefore the location of forerunner of the Messiah. Jesus the book of Malachi in the Bible acknowledged John the Baptist as (the last book of the Old Testa- the messenger promised by the ment) takes on a very strategic prophet (Mt 11:10). He also and significant meaning. The Pro- lauded him as the greatest person phet Amos had predicted the end to ever live (11:11). John brought of prophecy over 200 years before the Good News that the people of Malachi. “A time is coming—de- Israel so eagerly desired. He bro- clares my Lord God—when I will ught them news of the coming of send a famine upon the land: not the Messiah. God had ended His a hunger for bread or a thirst for radio-silence and not by issuing a water, but for hearing the words mere prophecy from the mouth of of the Lord. Men shall wander a prophet but by bringing Himself, from sea to sea and from north to in all his divinity to His people. HERALDING THE GOOD NEWS east to seek the word of the Lord, Ian Pinto, sdb but they shall not find it” (Amos The greatness of John doesn’t lie 8:11–12). in his message but in his per- he people of Israel hadn’t had dark period in Jewish history. This sonality. John is highly revered Tmuch good news lately. In fact was the beginning of their subju- This above passage poignantly because he was a genuine seeker ever since the death of the great gation by foreign powers. describes the situation of the of God. He left everything to and wise King Solomon, there had Israelites. They began to feel the discover God’s Will in the trying been little good news. Towards The Babylonians gave way to absence of God’s voice. For over wilderness. Despite his increasing the end of King Solomon’s life he the Persians (531-339 B.C.E.) and 500 years there was complete fan following, he was honest turned away from God and began then to the Greeks (331-143 B.C.E.). radio-silence from God’s side. This enough to admit that he was not to worship false gods and idols. It was during this time that the period is called the Intertesta- the Messiah they craved for. He God was angry with him and fore- Maccabees, a Jewish family, rose mental period as it is marks the openly proclaimed, “Someone is told through the prophet Ahijah up and overthrew the oppressive transition between the Old and following me, someone who is that he would not take the king- regime. This was a welcome relief New Testaments. Prophet Mala- more powerful than I am, and I dom away during the lifetime of to the Jews even though it was chi prophesied of the one who is am not fit to kneel down and undo Solomon on account of his father, only short-lived. Soon the Rom- to come before the Messiah, the strap of his sandals” (Mk 1:7). David’s faithfulness. Instead, ans arrived on the scene and took “Now I am sending my messen- after his death, when it is time for over the reins of Government, ger ahead of me to clear the way; We can pick up a thing or two his son to take over, he will be gi- wrestling it out of the hands of the then suddenly the Lord for whom from John. First, humility is a ven charge of only a small portion local Jewish rulers. In more ways you long will enter the sanctuary” mark of a seeker. Everyone who of the Kingdom. This came true than one Israel was a divided na- (Malachi 3:1); and again, “I am claims to be a follower of God ou- and twelve tribes of Israel were tion. Besides, their history wasn’t going to send you the prophet ght to be humble. Second, God is split into ten on one hand and two very impressive. In fact, for most Elijah before the day of Yahweh greater than my ego. If I am going on the other. Jeroboam, one of Sol- of their history they were oppress- comes, for it will be a great and to strut around with an arrogant omon’s officials took over as ruler ed and subjugated (as you can see terrible day” (3:23). “I am” attitude, very little is going over the former while Rehoboam, above). One can imagine the an- to happen in the spiritual field. Solomon’s heir, was left with the ger and frustration that these peo- The Jews believed that the Mess- Even God can’t get past a big ego. other two. Thus the Kingdom of ple had pent up inside them. iah would descend from the line Finally, John points us to Jesus. The Israel was divided from within. Through it all, they had the voice of King David and would accom- Jews were unwilling to accept The two kingdoms grew weak of God through the prophets, to plish the unification of the twelve Jesus as the Messiah and hence He over time and were overcome by guide, encourage, teach and even tribes of Israel, thereby establish- could accomplish little with them. the Assyrians (612 B.C.E.) and the admonish them. But Biblical ing them as a nation. In keeping However, He has and He will acc- Babylonians (587 B.C.E.). This scholars are of the opinion that with Malachi’s prophecy they omplish great things with all those marked the beginning of a long God ceased to speak to the Isra- were looking forward to the arri- who are willing to trust in Him. December 2017 16 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 17 Don Bosco’s Madonna A FATHER’S CARESS On the morning of Thursday, December 10, 2015, the Holy Father celebrated Mass in the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae. The following is the edited English text of the Pope’s homily which was delivered in Italian.

father or a mother says to their child: “Do not be afraid, I am to forgive you”. This, in essence, the Pope explained, “is God’s Ahere” and pampers the child with caresses. This is the privileged mercy”. condition of humanity: small, weak, but reassured, supported and Continuing his reflection, Pope Francis gave the example of a saint forgiven by a God who loves them. At the beginning of the Jubilee, (“I think it was St. Jerome, but I am not sure”, he confided), recalling Pope Francis took the opportunity to return to the theme of the how the saint was said to have been very penitent in his life, offering Father’s mercy while reflecting on the daily Liturgy in the Mass at sacrifices and prayers, and that God always asked more of him. The Santa Marta on Thursday morning. The Cardinal Advisors also saint continued to ask: “Lord what can I give you?”, until he said, participated in the Mass. “But Lord, I have nothing more to give you, I have given you everything”. And the answer he received was: “No, one thing is The reflection was inspired by the Responsorial Psalm, which missing” — “What is missing Lord?” — “Give me your sins”. With repeated: “The Lord is merciful and great in love”. The Pope called this story, the Pope sought to emphasize that “the Lord wants to it “a confession of faith” in which the Christian recognizes that God take our weaknesses, our sins and our weariness, upon himself”. It “is mercy, and he is great, but great in love”. This statement is simple is an approach that we also find in the Gospels, in Jesus, who said: only in appearance, because “understanding the mercy of God is a “Come to me, all you who are weary and tired and I will give you mystery, it is a journey that must be made throughout life”. rest”. Francis said that God repeats it over and over again: “I am the Lord your God who will hold your right hand, fear not little one, In order to help to better enter into this mystery, the Pope referred do not be afraid. I will give you strength. Give me everything and I to the Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (41:13-20), which will forgive you, I will give you peace”. These, the Pope added, are is God’s monologue to his people. It tells of how God “told his people “God’s caresses”, the caresses “of our Father, when he expresses that he had chosen them not because they were great or powerful”, himself with his mercy”. but “because they were the smallest of all, the poorest of all”. Pope Francis explained that God is truly “in love with this poverty”, with We men, the Pontiff continued, “are so nervous” and “when this “littleness”. something does not go well, we shout and we are impatient”. While God instead comforts us: “Do not worry, you’ve made a big mistake, It is a text from which this love clearly emerges: “a tender love, a yes, but do not worry; don’t be afraid, I forgive you”. In this way he love like that of a father or mother” speaking to their child “who welcomes us entirely, even with our mistakes and our sins. This is wakes up during the night frightened by a dream”. God precisely what is repeated in the Psalm: “The Lord is merciful speaks with the same concern to his people and says: “I will and great in love”. Thus, the Pope said in conclusion, “we hold your right hand, rest assured, fear not”. Using imagery are small. He has given us everything. He asks us only for to describe the condition of littleness, he continues: “You our miseries, our littleness and our sins, to embrace and worm of Jacob, you men of Israel, I will help you, your caress us”. Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, fear not”. Recalling the prayer recited at the beginning of the Mass, Do not be afraid. With regard to these words, the Pope “Lord, awaken the faith of your people”, Francis concluded returned to the example of family life: “We all know the by inviting everyone to ask the Lord “to awaken in all of us, caresses of a mother and father, when children are restless and in all the people, faith in His fatherhood, in His mercy, with fear”. Parents too say: “Don’t be afraid, I am here”. in His heart”, and to ask that “this faith in his fatherhood The Lord reminds each one of us, tenderly: “I am in love and mercy” makes us “a bit more merciful toward others”. with your littleness, with your nothingness”, and he tells us: (by L'Osservatore Romano, Weekly ed. in English, n. 51, 18 “Do not be afraid of your sins, I love you so much, I am here December 2015) December 2017 18 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 19 Don Bosco’s Madonna always ready to talk. It was obvi- “It’s quite a collection you have JOHNNY THE DERBY ous he hadn’t had much educa- here.” I said. From Fr. Ian Doulton's collection of stories tion but did have a sharp mind. He said he hadn’t missed one in o you like mysteries? Do you difference, so long as none of my Sitting in the hotel lobby Johnny the last ten years. I told him that it Dfollow the best radio and tele- men got hurt. He saved the state would recall for me some of his was quite an odd hobby. He looked vision thrillers; if you do, you’ll all the trouble and expense of a favourites. He took great delight at me: “What do you mean?” like Johnny the Derby! trial.” in filling me in on cases I thought I told him it was queer having a Johnny the Derby was a charac- Johnny shook his head…and I knew everything about while he whole collection of pictures and ter straight out of Rocky V movie. looked rather pensive. Ross had peppered them with details that write-ups of killers as if they were I saw him for the first time when I finished the report and asked no paper reported. Where did he his heroes. And he admitted: went in to check a story in a hotel Johnny to see if the wagon had get all his information from? “Well, they’re like friends…” just off Skid Row. I was a reporter arrived. So off Johnny went. Johnny admitted that he wasn’t Then I pressed further, a little gen- for the Daily News, then. A killer I was quite satisfied with the rich. He knew he wouldn’t make tly: “I don’t want to get personal had holed up in a room in the ho- story I got. But I was puzzled with a lot of money during his lifetime. Johnny, but aren’t they funny tel. The police tracked him down. Johnny’s expression. He looked Then with a chuckle he would company for you to be keeping?” He elected to shoot it out…the disappointed that our man didn’t add: “So I learn to live without And he said something strange: police won. live to get the chair. Ross turned what I don’t have, and you know, “I guess, I’m all they have.” The hotel was just one cut above to me and gave me a wry smile: I never miss it.” I reopened the album as we a flop house but it had an elevator “Oh, Johnny the Derby’s always Oh yes, Johnny was up on a lot talked and I pointed to a picture with an operator. He stood about like that. Killings and executions of things but his pet topic was with RIP written under a picture five feet two. He had the battered are his meat. He’s an odd ball for murder and murderers. When he and I said: “And this, you’ve got lips, the bashed in nose and the sure.” spoke about the last night of the written here…RIP…Rest in cauliflower ears of an ex-prize fig- A lot of people follow murder killer on death row, he seemed to Peace … that’s the limit. If there hter and he wore an old-fashioned trials as if they were the World live every moment of it with the is a hell, do you think these black derby turning green with Series but they lose interest when condemned. It gave me the creeps. fellows are going to have any age. He took me up to the sixth the trial’s done. Johnny follows the But still there was something peace?” floor where the excitement had condemned into Death Row and about Johnny that kept me from Johnny became serious and been. practically sits in the chair with him. writing it off as a morbid told me that he hoped they were That’s what Ross told me. obsession. at peace and he made sure that My friend Detective Ross was I found that weird. I know some each of them got ‘his’ Mass. I already there. Everything was people collect sea shells or old One cold rainy night when I found that funny: “His Mass?” over except taking the body away. coins, old stamps. Johnny the dropped in to see him, he was Johnny knew the priest at St. This character in the derby kept derby collects murderers. Ross through for the evening and he Stephen’s who agreed to offer a staring at the corpse with a kind looked at me and I asked him: invited me up to his room for a Mass every time one of the guys of wide-eyed hungry fascination. “Why would a guy collect murd- cup of coffee. The place was typi- went to the chair. Ross seemed to know him. “Well, erers?” cal fourth rate hotel: dresser, bed, To me it was getting more puzz- Johnny here’s another one for He smiled, packing up his table, chair, all of them chipped ling. Johnny didn’t know these you.” Johnny seemed to know briefcase: “You’re a reporter. This and cigarette scarred. But there people but one thing Johnny was him. He said that he was suspec- is in your line. Why don’t you run were books all over the place even sure of and that was, that these ted of two other murders; but he down the answer? I think he gets on the bed. On the table there was men needed praying for. With a was not sure. DCI Ross turned to a second-hand thrill out of it.” a thick scrap book lying open with serious and dignified look, he said: Johnny: “What’s the matter? I found it all very ghoulish. The pictures and newspaper clippings “If I were a good and younger guy, Does a fellow have to commit man collects murderers; that was scattered around. While Johnny you know what I’d do? I’d like to more than one murder to belong a new one. But it got me thinking. was fussing with coffee on the start an Order of Brothers.” John- to your club?” It might make a good story. burner, I flipped the pages. He ny went on to explain that he Johnny was more concerned It’s not pretty but it surely sells caught me looking. He suddenly wanted to found a congregation about the last moments…how did papers. Whenever I was down in came up behind me and gently of brothers just to pray for these it all end…Was it quick? Johnny the Derby’s territory I shut the album: “I forgot I left that condemned souls. Ross simply said: “What’s the would stop in to see him. He was out.” This conversation was getting December 2017 20 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 21 Don Bosco’s Madonna me worked up: “I still don’t get it, didn’t add up. How did a charac- them it burned inside his brain lying dead. It hits me, what I’m Johnny. What’s poor about some- ter like Johnny ever get started on and all he knew to put out the fire going to do: I’m going to kill, com- body like this Carlson guy? this mixture of murder and relig- was to see her dead at his feet.” mit murder. Part of me wants to You’ve got his picture right here: ion? I wasn’t going to give up till I and part me doesn’t. Then I’m a nice old man took him in and found it out. But Johnny must I looked at Johnny: “Johnny, you praying: ‘God, don’t let me do it.’ Carlson killed him for seven fifty. have felt that he had lifted the sound like you know him.” The next moment I see red. I hang Or this Dave Webster here he shot curtain too far. He crawled into a Johnny said he was married but on to the bridge rail so I can’t go. his father and his brother over a shell and he wouldn’t let me he realized that something wasn’t All the time I’m trying to pull my little family argument. They’re needle him. Shortly after that I right from the outset. So we sat on hands loose. She’s got it coming, mad dogs or beasts…” was assigned to cover an execu- the bench outside…in the bright she’s double-crossed me. I took her Johnny shook his head: “No, no, tion at the state penitentiary. I got sunshine and he began to tell me back once and this is the thanks I they’re still humans.” a byline of the story in the paper. his story: “She who was pretty, me get. I loved her but she’s nothing I was convinced that they were Johnny the Derby came after me with a mug like mine. She was too but a tramp. Him too, the dirty rat the lowest specimens of humanity. like a hound dog. He caught me pretty, that was the trouble. There …he’s got it coming. I go back to But not for Johnny: “They’ve got outside the penitentiary gate. He was way too much straining and praying…’God don’t let me com- souls, and a soul is a soul. To save was sure that I left something out. fighting. The first time I caught mit murder. Keep my hands one, is to save a little bit of God I hadn’t put it all in. I agreed and her. I almost died inside. She swore clean.’ And I sweat and I pray. All himself.” I told him that I put in sensational she’d never do it again. I figured of a sudden it’s over. I’m quiet I told Johnny that to me, it soun- stuff that people would read. He she was young and she’d get over and calm. The wind’s died, the ded like a waste of prayer. Johnny needled me to find out what I had it. I tired picking fights near to water’s still. I look down and I see gave me a tired smile as if he’d left out. That was my chance and home. I got one out of town; the nothing but the moon. There’s no had this conversation before: I was going to take it: “Johnny, I’ll first in nearly a year. When we got blood on my hands…I’m so grate- “That’s what most people say. tell you what I’ll do. I’ll make a there and we heard that this kid ful to God for that. I threw the gun They say it’s a waste of time to deal with you. If I tell you what I Foley had the flu bug and we had in the river and I never go home pray for souls like these. You know left out. You’ve got to give me the to call off the fight. I came home again.” what that kind of talk is?” Then lowdown on your murder album. that night, unexpectedly thinking “Whoa! Johnny, that was close.” raising his voice he added: “You I want the straight-down on it. I’d surprise her. In front of the Johnny nodded: “Close enough don’t know what it is, that’s all. Will you trade?” house I see this big shiny car. I go …so I know how a man gets That kind of talk is blasphemy. Reluctantly Johnny agreed. I round at the back and look in the murder in his heart. I’ve got a lot Think of putting a freeze on a soul, told him: “What I left out was the window. I see her and him for so of pity for a chap who can’t get any soul. Only fools set themselves last thing he said, just a few words long and I can’t move. Then I rid of it. I say to myself: ‘There but up to measure the mercy of God.” he called out when they were creep away. I’m bending over like for the grace of God, goes Johnny Then he was quiet for some time strapping him to the chair. He said: I’ve been stabbed in the heart. the Derby.’” and he put his head down and ‘I’m sorry.’” Johnny’s face brigh- That’s how I feel. I can’t think, I Johnny the Derby had preached added: “I’m sorry, I got worked tened: “Didn’t he say: ‘God, I’m just hurt; I was blocks away when a great sermon, one of the best I’ve up. I have no right.” I smiled and sorry.’ Isn’t that what he said?” I no- it hits me: that’s my wife with ever heard. Most people are like patted him on the shoulder and dded and Johnny was satisfied. He some guy. I see a red hot curtain me, they see killers as just the told him he was entitled to his op- was sure that Gleeson would repent drop in front of my eyes. I stagger couple of murderers they are, for inion. He smiled and stood up: at the last minute. But I told him that along till I come to a shop that has just a couple of minutes out of “Let’s skip it…I’ll say, I almost he should have thought about it be- guns in the window; their handles their life. Johnny sees them as poor forgot your coffee. It’s all ready.” fore killing his wife. It was no spur- were pointing towards me. It’s souls who’ve fallen under the of-the-moment crime with him. He late, the place is still open. So I go onslaught of temptation. He pities Now I knew the reason for the trailed her for three days. That was in and buy a gun. Instead of going them for those moments of mad- scrapbook. It wasn’t a rogues’ gal- a cold blooded job if I ever heard of straight back to the house I start ness and he prays that the grace lery for Johnny to gloat over. It was one. Johnny went to Gleeson’s walking aimless. I come to the of God will reach them and John- an album of his beloved dead. I defence: “No, it wasn’t. He was bridge over the river. It’s blowing ny is right. Pity is needed most found out also that he knelt down burning inside. He loved her and and the water is slapping like it’s where the sin is greatest. Pray for every night and said a Rosary for he saw her with another man. It mad. I look down in the water and dying sinners. Pray hardest for the the list of his poor souls. But it still burned his eyes and when he shut I think I see the two of them there dying, whose sin is murder. December 2017 22 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 23 Don Bosco’s Madonna self oversaw their use warning of The “Biographical Memoirs” inf- LIGHT AND HEAT IN any waste. He was often seen wan- orm us that one day in 1886, an THE CENTURY OF dering around the house late in the old friend of Don Bosco, hearing GREAT INVENTIONS night, lowering the wicks where that he was in poor health arrived he judged it unnecessary. He him- at Valdocco. It was true, Don by Natale Cerrato self wrote one day to the Bursar Bosco wasn’t well and the porter Fr Lazzero: “You should study did not want to permit anyone to and implement how to find means visit him. But “at the vociferous LIGHT AND HEAT IN THE to use gas in moderation, perhaps insistence of Blanchard, the porter CENTURY OF INVENTIONS a third of the expenditure could had recourse to the electric bell to Among the typically material be saved.” (E 1883) At the same inform Don Bosco that there was elements that distinguish life in time he was particular that there a stranger to see him” (MB 1,300). the nineteenth century and what should be sufficient and well- It all ended in a very cordial follows are the lighting and heat- regulated lighting. In 1876, on a conversation between the two old ing systems. These help us to better visit to the study hall Don Bosco friends. Then Don Bosco wanted understand how life was lived in noticed that the gas flames were his friend Blanchard to have lunch those days when the economic not well distributed where they with the Salesians and occupy his and social scene was changing. were actually needed. He explain- place at the table since he was Passing through winter we ou- ed that it was necessary that they unable to go down to the refecto- ght to try to recall the ways and be adjusted so that the light ry. He requested it using the means generally used in Turin and using gas lighting…they were reached all parts of the study hall. “electric wires” and it was settled. Valdocco in particular during the truly excited. Economy and solicitude for the But how exactly that wire system time of Don Bosco and we will In 1837 King Charles Albert health of everyone was always of communication worked we are highlight him too in this regard. ordered the construction of a fac- uppermost in Don Bosco’s mind. unable to tell. We would hope tory to produce gas from coal. This Don Bosco forgot about econo- someone will enlighten us some- Illumination in Turin was inaugurated in the following my when it concerned the Mado- day. It had to be through the use In the eighteenth century, “the year not far from Porta Nuova. nna. On June 9, 1868, the day of of electricity! century of light,” illumination The Gas-works had their critics the consecration of the Church of was still sought through wax because of their black and nausea- Mary Help of Christians, after the Turinese Winters candles, oil and animal fat. In the ting smoke. This divided the pop- evening service, the faithful came The lighting at Valdocco, good nineteenth century, “the century ulace of Turin into the “pro-gas” out of the church to witness an un- or bad was never lacking but of great inventions,” oil lamps, and the “anti-gas” lobbies and the expected spectacle when they saw heating in the cold winter months gas lights subsequently gave way latter was alarmed at what might the entire dome lit by hundreds of in Turin was another discourse. In to the electric bulb. happen if there was an explosion, gas flames. The stars on the Piedmont, minimum temperatu- In Turin, town lighting in the to say nothing of the stench and Virgin’s crown, the pedestal of the res sank very low. The usual early 1800s was provided by the costs! But by 1851 gas lamps statue, the cornices and railings extremes traditionally being call- about 500 oil lanterns, a remnant were lighting up the streets, the were all illuminated. On the feast ed the “days of merla,” i.e. were of the first 40 lanterns that hung squares and the city centre. of Mary Help of Christians in 29, 30 or 31 January when temper- up on long perches at the cross- 1881 the lighting was extended to atures in Turin in particular could roads in the 17th century. Private Illumination at Valdocco the entire Basilica. reach 15 degrees below freezing homes used petroleum lights Throughout this period of the However, as long as Don Bosco on some days, if not lower. which were gradually replaced by introduction of illumination, Val- was alive, electricity had not rea- Don Bosco remembers particul- candles, not without some appre- docco used the usual means em- ched Valdocco. In fact, electricity arly the winter of 1844-45 when hension. They had a dazzling ployed in private homes at that had not reached the popular it went down to 16 below zero on effect, better than the light of oil time: candles, and oil lamps and neighbourhoods either. One could December 17, 1844. It got so cold lamps with wicks. This encourag- finally gas. Lanterns and tapers only admire the lighting in the in the winter of 1854 that the wine ed not a few heads of households were placed at key points in the richer areas of the city. However, froze into wafers in the church. It to dare to light the lamp. Imagine buildings, corridors, dormitories Valdocco must have had some was so also in the winter of 1868 what happened when they began and classrooms. Don Bosco him- kind of rudimentary electric bell. when, on January 12, Don Bosco December 2017 24 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 25 Don Bosco’s Madonna wrote to Cav. Federico Oreglia: the Marchisio household and also ther rich nor plentiful – was to day when Fr G. Barberis “Here, the intense cold goes on; at the tailor Cumino, where he cover well. It was not always suggested that a heater be put in today we went down to minus 18 was a tenant, it was very cold. easy, especially when the boys the library of the priests and degrees. Despite the fire in the Firewood was very expensive for were in hospital without any teachers, he replied: “Do what- stove, the ice in my room didn’t poor students like him. Perhaps winter wear, hence Don Bosco’s ever is necessary, but let us for- melt. We have delayed the rising that was the reason that Don many requests to the Ministry of get about stoves. In the seminary for the boys and since most of Bosco was never heard complain- War for winter wear and mili- we had no stoves anywhere, and them have only summer wear, ing about the cold. Giovanni Bisio tary blankets for his orphans. no one ever complained. Every- they put on two shirts, a jacket and testified about him: “It was bey- One of these requests dates back thing worked out fine. Now we another coat, two pairs of trousers ond me how he managed to hold to the winter of 1860 and the practically have a mania for and military coats. Others draped a pen in his hand and write in an minister’s response deserves to heating everywhere. I find it themselves in blankets through- ice-cold room. But I never heard be reported: hard to remain silent when it’s out the day. They seemed to be him complain either of the cold or “Ministry of War, Turin, this a question of avoiding waste of dressed for some kind of of the heat, nor for that matter day of December 5, 1860, the money. If a room is kept tightly carnival.” about anything else” (EBM 4,131). Directorate General of Military closed and there are several A little later he added: In winter, Don Bosco suffered Administration n 7818 people in it, why do we need “Today, the 13th it is down to 21 intensely from cold feet, but never This ministry, in acceding to heating?” (EBM 13,698) degrees with 60 centimeters of snow once did he use the “footstool hea- your request is able to supply (E 634). ter.” This was a copper or brass clothing for your poor boarders Other occasions On the 26th of the same month he stool filled with ash and embers provided proper arrangements are The growing demand and wrote once more: with a perforated lid to warm the made to store the goods, that they facilities today coupled with our “The cold is back this morning and feet when rested on it while sea- may be put to their designated use. present physical frailty, redou- it has touched 14 degrees below zero. ted. It could be 40-40 cm high, but Request for the same may be bles our admiration for our el- The doctors say that this cold purifies Don Bosco thought it was a made at the director of the ders, even if we no longer wish the air and is very healthy but in the luxury. warehouse. to imitate them. It is clear how- meantime, the mortality has tripled In Valdocco there were no The following items are issued: ever, that if in Don Bosco’s time in Turin” (E 639). stoves either in church or dor- - Used linen trousers 304 at Valdocco, they suffered the The winter of 1871 was also mitories or in the classrooms. - Woolen vests 100 cold. This was not due to any extremely harsh when it was 11 There were stoves in the rooms - Cotton shirts 107 kind of penny pinching but due below zero on December 9. The for distinguished guests and - Pairs of woolen socks 1000 to the state of poverty that the winter of 1877 must have been a then in Don Bosco’s room and in - Pairs of shoes 150 common people in the city memorable winter, when a bitter the rooms of the senior confreres - Capes for external use 140 experienced. That’s not how it is snow storm struck the city for two to give as much warmth as - Used blankets 40, today. consecutive days in February and possible. Don Bosco, having always that was certainly not the last The stoves were usually of A similar receipt was signed by given an example of mortifi- winter storm! terra-cotta, metal or even stone, the bursar of Valdocco, Fr Alaso- cation in enduring the cold fired by firewood or charcoal. natti. It only remains for us to despite his infirmities, he never Heating There were also sheet metal point out that the vests were not- ceased to do all that was in his As a young boy Don Bosco was stoves that burned on sawdust. hing more than vests made of power to alleviate the hardships habituated to the cold. Walking heavy fabric of cotton, soft and for his boys during the winter. from Becchi to Castelnuovo ev- Winter clothing wooly that the military wore Right up to his last illness in eryday in the winter of 1830 he In Valdocco therefore, the com- over their shirts in winter. Val- December ’87-88, he would ask trudged along icy roads in the munity was only kept warm by docco found a use for everything all the Salesians who visited him snow and fog till he was numb. As animal heat, firstly by closing to supplement for the lack of about their health, “if they were a young student in Chieri, life was doors, windows and plugging heating. On the other hand, well protected from the cold, and not much easier. cracks, because “the chill could be everything was used sparingly if they needed anything.” (MB Beneath the staircase at the Café the death of you.” The only other because that was the only way 18, 489) The cold that he suff- Pianta he was able to benefit from mode of keeping out the cold, to get by. Not for nothing was ered throughout his life was not the heat of the oven nearby but at other than food – which was nei- Don Bosco very demanding. One what he wanted for his boys.  December 2017 26 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 27 Don Bosco’s Madonna say that Mary, from the first mo- ment of her life, from her very conception was under the sign of God, never under the sign of sin, not even original sin. It was appropriate that it be so. The opening prayer of the Mass confirms for us the reason: “O God, who by the Immaculate Conce- ption of the Blessed Virgin prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant we pray, that as you preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son.” PREDESTINED As the moon shines with the by Gianni Sangalli light of the sun, so Mary must hen there’s a birthday at Conception,’ but a quick survey shine with the Divine Sun that she Whome, more specially mo- through various sections of the bore in her womb. This is what the ther’s birthday her children come Christian community immediate- Church always believed, when th from near and far to wish her, to ly revealed apparent opposition Pope Pius IX on 8 December The Lord chose her, the first bring her gifts as tokens of their to this idea and the feast was 1854 solemnly affirmed: “We since the creation of the world to affection. On that day mother retained. declare, pronounce, and define be holy and immaculate, and finds the time to talk to each of What is it that makes this feast that the doctrine which holds predestined her to be the mother them, giving them advice and so dear and compelling? Perhaps that the most Blessed Virgin of the Redeemer. offering them her recommenda- the Psalm that is read on this feast Mary, in the first instance of her tions. could suggest the reason: “We conception, by a singular grace Ephesians are prepared for us too: It is with such love and with a ponder O God the marvels of your and privilege granted by Almi- “Blessed be God who has chosen fervent desire to listen to her ad- love.” Mary is definitely a unique ghty God, in view of the merits us before the creation of the world vice that we want to celebrate the marvel of God’s love and so we of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the to be holy and blameless before feast of the Immaculate. It is the feel obliged to continue to con- human race, was preserved free him in love. He destined us to be feast day of the Mother that Jesus template her and to thank God for from all stain of original sin, is a his adopted children through gave us and who we “have taken this gift to humanity. doctrine revealed by God.” This Jesus Christ.” to our homes.” It is her feast day Blessed Paul VI in his discourse did nothing but express the faith This happened for us at baptism because the angel, sent by God ad- at the closing of the Second Vati- of the whole Church throughout which was our “Immaculate Con- dressed her: “full of grace,” mean- can Council expressed it thus: the ages. ception.” From that point we be- ing, without sin, Immaculate. “Immaculate, therefore innocent, Four years later on March 25th gan our journey to achieve it. stupendous and perfect. She is the 1858, appearing in Lourdes at the And it is precisely that on this A Very Dear Feast woman, the true woman who is grotto of Massabielle, the Lady journey that we find the Immacu- Years ago, in 1974, there was a both ideal and real, the creature dressed in white revealed her late as a model we must strive to move (in Italy) to reduce the num- in whom the image of God is reflec- name to Bernadette saying: “I am become. Because – we should re- ber of religious and civic holidays ted with absolute clarity, without the Immaculate Conception.” It member well – the privilege that in the calendar because they any disturbance as happens in was beautiful that the Madonna God bestowed on Mary, her Im- thought that by increasing the every other human creature.” should have confirmed that she maculate Conception, became in number of working days they was pleased with the name that her a way of life. She was obedient could help the Italian economy What does it mean? her children had given her: to the will of God which she freely recover. Immaculate, that’s how the Immaculate. embraced. In that context, one of the feasts word sounds, precisely means Therefore Mary is fully blessed So we have to sign up at the that were listed to be suppressed spotless, that is, without sin: The but those blessings that St. Paul school of Mary to become like her. was that of the ‘Immaculate Immaculate Conception. You can speaks of in the letter to the This is not some utopia. It is December 2017 28 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 29 Don Bosco’s Madonna possible for us to imitate our sister; finite beauty.” being also able to say every day, Dostoevsky wrote that: “beauty NEWSBITS at every moment our ‘yes’ to God, will save the world.” Mary is that so that our entire life becomes an beauty that makes God known to GENOA “approaches us to the heart of so act of generously responding to us without the use of concepts. “Let yourself be bothered by many people and this is a beau- him. This is exactly what it means Mary is eternal youth. Have Jesus, without dividing who you tiful thing. It destroys hypocrisy. to commit ourselves to live an you ever reflected that in all her meet in good or bad people, Finding hypocritical adults is immaculate life “in holiness and apparitions Mary is always pres- approaching everyone and seeing ugly but... Finding a young person purity of spirit” … It means “to ented as a very young lady? Mary in everyone the face of Christ. It is who begins life with a hypocri- live Christ” in our daily attitudes, is young because she is without the Pope’s legacy to the young tical attitude is suicidal! just as Mary did, when she en- sin. Genoese. He responded to four qu- The Pope therefore called on countered concrete situations, Within 17 days it will be Christ- estions after praying in silence for us not to divide whom we meet easy or difficult, grasping the mas. The Lord wants to find in us a few minutes. The youngster ask- in good and bad people. ”The truth, the significance of things a worthy dwelling place: Mary ed the Pope how to be missiona- mission also helps us to look at and the mysterious and very helps us to prepare that. We renew ries to their peers, “especially those each other as brothers and sweet relationship of children our commitment not to be over- who live in difficult situations, who sisters. The first thing is to love who turn to their Father. whelmed by evil, even when the are victims of drugs, alcohol, your peers. We can do nothing In “the divine plan of salva- snares are spread all around us. violence, the deception of the wic- without love, a gesture of love, tion” all this is described as “be- We have this assurance: that ked.” They have also asked coming holy and blameless in his Mary was there for the apostles, for advice for daily spiritual sight.” for the first Christians, for her life. Mary is ever ready to help: she people in the past and she “You do not want pre- is the “woman clothed with the continues to be for us a guide, a fabricated answers, but sun,” as the liturgy calls her, “the help, a sister and a mother. concrete and personal. He- face that most resembles Christ.” We greet her with trust: “Hail, aring the invitation of Jesus As Dante says: “you are most be- Immaculate Mary, full of grace, is always joyful, and no one autiful, the sacred reflection of in- pray for us sinners.” Amen  can take this joyfulness away from you. Joy is not the same as having fun. Becoming missionaries means a look of love. You can make letting yourself be transformed by plans to help them, but without the Lord. The Mission, by being a love - that is to give life as Jesus missionary we learn how to look.” did - unless your heart is willing “Listen - said Francis, “learn to to love, you cannot do a good look with new eyes, let the mission mission.” “To love,” said the A Candle In the Window at Christmas renews your eyes. Look at the city, Pontiff again, “is the ability to From St. Martin’s Messenger, Ireland our lives, and our family. This touch a dirty hand, look in the experience opens our eyes and Q. Was there a custom of putting a used to set up a candle in their eyes of those who live in hearts, as we learn to look with our degraded conditions” and say: lighted candle in the window as a homes on Christmas Eve and heart as well. Being more sensitive, sign of welcome to the Baby Jesus? kept it burning during the night You are Jesus. I had occasion more careful, look carefully at so once in Argentina to greet a as a sign of welcome to the new many people who share life with A. Yes, the custom of a lighted born baby. Since the early days detainee who had murdered us everyday but that we end up more than 50 people and I candle in the window on of Christianity, Christ the Lord ignoring because we don’t know Christmas Eve was observed in is represented by a burning thought that you are Jesus, he how to look. We do not know what said that if you come to visit me many Christian countries and it candle and having a lighted they are thinking or feeling or why is still maintained in some candle in the window was a in jail, I’m there, in that man. our heart has approached them.” This madness of the cross is homes. symbol of welcome to the Child “The mission,” said Bergoglio,  The faithful in many countries Jesus.  what it takes.” (La Stampa) December 2017 30 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 31 Don Bosco’s Madonna IN A CHEERFUL MOOD THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS Right Timing woman said pleasantly. I’m A burglar’s wife was badgering carrying this for a friend.” The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is him for money. a very simple yet most efficacious devotion. “Okay, okay, stop nagging,” Time Efficiency Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the grumbled the man. “Why don’t you get a good invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from “I’ll get some as soon as the bank brush?” inquired an employer of mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail closes.” his decorator. “You can do twice Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. as much work.” Courage to Face... “Mister,” replied the painter, To practise this devotion in time of danger, stress, “Just once, I’d like to see a waiter shifting his gum, “I just ain’t got special need or temptation, is a sure means to with enough courage to lay a bill twice as much work to do.” obtain Our Lady's help. on the table face up.” Belated thanks and gratitude to Mother Mary Help of Brave Assessement Christians for many favours received through her Inevitable Consequences “Don’t be so nervous,” whisper- intersession: my son’s and daughter’s jobs; the success of my daughter Father: “So you want to become ed the fight manager, cheerfully. Chrisan's studies and exams. Thanks Mother Mary, protect my children my son-in-law, do you? “Remember, if he was any good and me under your mantle and bless Chrisan with a good job also. Suitor: “No sir, I really don’t. But he wouldn’t be fighting you.” Filomena Fernandes e Rebello I want to marry your daughter My most sincere thanks to the Blessed Mother Mary for the success and I don’t see how I can avoid it.” Top Level Intelligence of my uncle’s heart operation and all the blessings received. Keep us “Well, I have quite a day at the under your love and care and bless us always. Personality Problem Lovelyn Pinto, Mangalore “How do you do, my dear?” said office,” announced the business tycoon to his wife. “I took an A sincere thanks to our dear Mother Mary for all the graces bestowed the old lady to the little girl. on our five children, their spouses and our eleven precious “Quite well, thank you,” was the aptitude test.” “Oh, good grief!” breathed his grandchildren through the faithful recitation of the Three Hail Marys. polite reply. Mama Mary keep us safe under your mantle blue. There was a pause and then the wife. “It’s certainly lucky you own the company.” Mrs. Avis & Mr. B.A. Wright, Trichy old lady asked, “Why don’t you My belated but heartfelt thanks to Our Lady for answering my prayers ask how I am?” Utter Compatibilty and for all the favours received through my faithful devotion to the “Because,” said the child calmly, Three Hail Marys. Dear Mother, keep us safe under your loving care. “I’m not interested.” “Henry, dear, we’ve been going together for fifteen years. Don’t Isabel Fernandes My daughter had a fall and her hand was troubling her very much. I Agony and Ecstasy you think it’s time we were married?” daily recited the Three Hail Marys for this favour and for all the favours “For twenty years,” mused the granted me. Mother Mary please keep my children under your care. man at the bar, “my wife and I “Yep, but who on earth would have either of us?” M. D’Silva, Mumbai were ecstatically happy.” My heartfelt thanks to Mother Mary and Jesus. I prayed the Three “Then what happened?” asked Hail Marys for my brother and he was well enough to travel to the the bartender. Presence of Mind United States. I had a fall and fractured my left ankle. There wasn’t “We met.” A vain young man, honouring a any ice to soothe the pain so I used a hot salt water fomentation. The girl with his presence, wanted to following day I developed boils all over my ankle. I fervently prayed Expecting Business make sure that she appreciated the Three Hail Marys and the doctor put a cast on my ankle and all the A local busybody, unable to her blessings. “I suppose,” he boils disappeared. I also thank Mother Mary for all the other graces I control her curiosity any longer, remarked, “You’ve been out with received. Maria Sanchas, Mumbai asked an expectant mother point worse looking fellow?” She didn’t blank whether she was going to answer, so he repeated the question. “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have a baby. “Just wait a minute,” she said impa- not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I used everything you “Oh goodness, no,” the young tiently. “I’m trying to remember.” gave me.” Erma Bombeck December 2017 32 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 33 Don Bosco’s Madonna LOVING CHILDREN TO THEIR LOVING MOTHER A Story about God and how He It was on August 19, this year. My daughter was always bringing mig ht answer our prayers in her birthday at the Cross in Malad and from there go to the small village in rural Russia Mount in Bandra. On the way to Bandra, on the Western Express was beset by drought one Highway, the driver fell asleep at the wheel. He nearly rammed yearA and all the crops failed. The into a rickshaw. We yelled and the car alongside us also drew our village rabbi prayed to the hea- attention to the fact that the driver had fallen asleep. As usual we vens, “Why don’t you do some- were praying the rosary. This I know for sure that Our Lady saved thing about this dreadful drou- us that day. My special thanks to Our Mother and her Son. To one ght?” But the heavens remained and all I say: Please pray the Rosary. B.E.D.S. Mumbai silent. So the rabbi organized a ch- THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO arity food drive with the neighbo- OUR LADY AND DON BOSCO uring villages to feed his people. When the rains came, they came in heavy and the local river flooded, killing all the livestock. The rabbi I am very grateful to the Lord Jesus, Mother Mary and the saints for a again prayed, “Heavenly Father, my people are suffering so much, very important favour received. Marietta Coutinho, Australia save us from this flood!” But, again, no help from God seemed I would like to thank Jesus, Mother Mary, St. Teresa of Kolkata and forthcoming. So the rabbi lobbied the government authorities to provide Don Bosco for speeding up the process of getting a visa for my financial assistance to replenish the herds lost in the deluge. Finally, in daughter to come to India. It does take much longer, however, with the wake of the flood, infection and disease ran through the inhabitants faith and prayers, we received it in record time. J. Alvares, Canada of the village. The rabbi prayed once more, “Now surely God you will help us!” But the diseases ran their course. So the rabbi marshalled THANKS TO DEAR and organized the able bodied in the village to care for the sick. ST. DOMINIC SAVIO Months later reflecting on the tragedies of the past year, the rabbi Thanks to St. Dominic Savio, who is my patron turned to God and accused Him, “Why did you not answer the saint, as I am named Savia. As my mom told me, I prayers of my poor villagers? Why did you not send help to them was the answer to her prayer. I could not conceive. when we were beset by drought, floods and pestilence?” After many After two years of marriage I was operated but hours of anguished entreaty, a quiet voice answered the rabbi in the before the surgery I was kept in a room which had depths of his heart, “Of course I sent help; I sent you!” a picture of Dominic Savio and Mother Mary (the Yes, God definitely answers our prayers and sends help with or Perpetual Succour). I could feel their presence in without our knowledge. He knows what is best for us under the my life (a moral and spiritual support). After three circumstances we are in. years of marriage I conceived and through the Very often he does not give us what we ask for and this may even intercession of St. Dominic Savio, I was gifted with lead us to despair. But be assured many years later we will realise a son in March 2004 and a daughter in July 2008. what he did was indeed right and for our good. He does not perform I wish to thank Our Lady and St. Dominic Savio for the graces I miracles and magic to solve our problems. If we are waiting for such received through their powerful intercession. acts, we will be sadly mistaken and disappointed. Like the rabbi in Mrs. Savia Furtado, Salcete, Goa the above story, we are his “miracle” workers among men. He has I am sincerely grateful to the Lord Jesus, Mary Help of Christians, given us our intelligence, talents and skills to perform his “miracles” Don Bosco and St. Domiinic Savio for helping my son get a job after to help others. a long period of more than two years. We fervently pray the Three Hail Marys and the Lord grants our petitions. Xavier Jayaseelan APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER Thank you, dear Mother Mary, Help of Christians and St. Dominic DECEMBER 2017 Savio.I bought two scapulars of St. Dominic Savio - one I gave my brother and the other to my daughter-in-law. My brother suddenly fell The Elderly ill. He was to return to the USA. He was in hospital in the States and That the elderly, sustained by families and Christian died a peaceful death in a nursing home. My daughter-in-law used communities, may apply their wisdom and experience to the scapular and delivered a healthy baby boy via a C-section. spreading the faith and forming the new generations. Maria Sanches, Mumbai December 2017 34 Don Bosco’s Madonna December 2017 35 Don Bosco’s Madonna Regd RNI no. 9360/57; Postal Regn. MH/MR/North East/089/2012-2014 posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office on 1st & 2nd of every month Subs: (one copy Rs. 20/-); Inland Rs. 200p.a; Airmail: Rs 500 p.a. MARY WAS THERE It was April 28th , 2017, and I was heading to the railway station. I was riding my bike and suddenly a truck from the opposite direction broke the road divider and collided into me. I was thrown down from my bike and skid towards the end of the road near a tree. My cellphone also fell out of my pocket. It was Our Lady’s protection that none of the vehicles travelling behind me collided into me. Even the truck that collided into me didn’t bruise me. My cellphone too wasn’t damaged. The accident took place just near a statue of Our Lady and I had a little statue of Our Lady on my bike. Thank you Mother Mary for your protection. Clyde Rodrigues, Vasai 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] December 2017 36 Don Bosco’s Madonna