DON BOSCO'S MADONNA Mumbai MARCH 2018 vol.19 No. 11 FAST FACTS ON FASTING esus said, “Take care! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose your reward from your CONTENTS JFather in heaven. And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, who try to look pale and disheveled so people will From The Editor's Desk: admire them for their fasting. I assure you, that is the only reward Fast Facts On Fasting...... 3 they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will suspect you are fasting, except your Father, The Ego Hears But Love Listens who knows what you do in secret. And your Father, who knows all Ian Pinto...... 4 secrets, will reward you.” (Matt. 6:1, 16-18, New Living Translation)

Youth on the Move: A Cold And Fasting, one of three spiritual disciplines commended by Jesus in Ideological Faith his Sermon on the Mount (almsgiving, prayer and fasting) may be - Giuliano Palizzi...... 8 the least understood and practiced spiritual discipline. Perhaps a better understanding of this particular spiritual discipline will Salesian Saint: Attilio Giordani 1913 - 1972...... 10 encourage you to consider its practice as a Lenten spiritual discipline or habit. Vocation Story: Cl. Nelson Mudaliar...12 What is the motivation for fasting? Motivation is an issue Jesus addresses in Matthew 6 about almsgiving (giving to the poor), Witnesses In And For Our Times: prayer, and fasting. For Jesus, the motivation issue focused on St. Matilda of Germany...... 13 seeking attention and recognition from other people instead of seeking a deeper relationship with the Father. A wrong motivation Lectio Divina: The Seed That Dies to for fasting in our modern world might be “a slimmer trimmer you.” Give Lfe - Ian Pinto...... 16 Father, Yes, fasting may lead to weight loss, but the primary motivation for fasting, or any other spiritual discipline, is a more significant Quietspaces: How We Are Changed as your Son was relationship with the Lord. - Pope Francis...... 18 raised on the Cross, How can fasting enrich and strengthen my relationship with the Stairway to Nowhere his mother Mary stood Lord? So much of our social time is lived around food; we’re always - Fr. Ian Doulton's Collection...20 taking someone out to dinner or lunch or a coffee and there’s no by him, sharing shortage of places to ‘hang out’: look at the many eateries around Don Bosco and His People:The Virtues his sufferings. our city and more are springing up everyday to cater to every palate of His People - Natale Cerrato....24 – grocery stores, convenience stores and restaurants. With food so May your Church readily available we can take for granted the gift of food and God’s Reflecting on Mary:The Lord is With You be united with Christ providence. But fasting in Lent – or any other time – might make us - Gianni Sangalli...... 27 cherish God’s generosity much more. in his suffering and death The hunger pangs we experience in fasting one meal a day can be NewsBits...... 29 and so a tangible reminder of those who experience hunger constantly and In a Cheerful Mood...... 31 come to share who fast because they have no other option. The Devotion of If fasting enhances our vertical relationship with the Father it can the Three Hail Marys...... 33 in his rising also enrich our horizontal relationship with our neighbour. When Loving Children to their to new life. your stomach starts rumbling don’t run to the fridge or to your wallet Loving Mother...... 34 to go and order a takeaway; rather see if you can find some way to They Are Grateful to feed a hungry person. The spiritual disciplines of almsgiving, prayer, Our Lady & Don Bosco...... 34 (From the Opening Prayer of and fasting can become a three dimensional, tangible way to live Thanks to Dear Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows) St. Dominic Savio...... 35 Jesus’ command to love God and neighbour. Fr. Ian Doulton sdb March 2018 2 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 3 Don Bosco’s Madonna HEARING AND LISTENING caring between people. FAMILY ISSUES Livestrong.com published a crisp article that lucidly distin- You can hear someone speak THE EGO HEARS BUT LOVE LISTENS guishes between hearing and without listening to the words. by Ian Pinto, sdb listening. It succinctly brings out Hearing defines only the physi- wo old acquaintances who you hear people saying to one the features of hearing and lis- cal measurement of the sound Thadn’t seen each other for another, “Just hear me out!” tening and helps clarify the two waves that are transmitted to the years, were walking down the Everybody likes to be heard but concepts. When a person respon- ear and into the brain where they street together, reminiscing old not everybody is willing to listen. ds to your words by saying “I are processed into audible infor- times. This is a sad situation that we are hear you,” you may sometimes mation. Hearing occurs with or “Just a minute,” said one, “I facing today. We don’t have time wonder if he is truly listening to without your consent. When you think I hear something,” and to talk and listen to one another, you. Perhaps you find your mind merely hear someone’s words turning a loose paving stone and then we find ourselves won- wandering off when someone is but are not listening to what’s over, he liberated a cricket which dering why our relationships sharing her thoughts with you. being said, it can lead to misun- was chirping merrily away. aren’t working out. While this is Hearing and listening have quite derstandings, missed opportun- “Why, that’s astounding. Of all true of all relationships it is different meanings: Hearing is a ities, regrets and resentment. the people on the street at this specially so for families. passive occurrence that requires hour, hurrying from work, you no effort. Listening, on the other Listening goes far beyond your alone heard the cricket above all Listening takes time, and in our hand, is a conscious choice that natural hearing process. It the traffic noises.” rushed world we feel we haven’t demands your attention and means paying attention to the “My friend,” said the first. “I got that sort of time. When one concentration. words that are being spoken with the intention of understan- learned a long time ago that peo- person approaches another and ple hear in life only what they Everyone wants to be heard ding the other person. Your per- want to hear. Now, the noise of says or indicates, “I’ve some- and understood, but at one time sonal perceptions and prejudices traffic has neither increased nor thing I want to talk about”, the or another most people don’t lis- can affect the quality of your decreased in the past few mom- listener isn’t going to do much ten and fail to understand the listening skills. For example, if ents, but watch.” And as he fin- good if she says “Well, hurry up, meaning of another person’s you feel that the other person is ished speaking he let a silver half because I have washing to do words. It’s a human desire to crying over what you perceive to dollar fall from his pocket to the and the beds to make.” Yet, this have your feelings acknowledg- be trivial matters, you are less li- sidewalk. Everyone within an is just the sort of reply many ed, whether or not someone ag- kely to listen to her. This is a amazingly large hearing distance parents give their children when rees with you. Listening creates strong tendency especially when stopped and looked around. the child badly wants the com- an intimate connection and dealing with children. What fort of an understanding listener. makes you feel cared about. may seem like a big problem for Each of us has been blessed the child may in fact be some- with two ears which enable us to Perhaps he came home early Developing good communica- thing small and insignificant but connect with the world around from school because the other tion skills is critical for successful it is imperative that a parent or us through sound. You would boys wouldn’t play with him, and relationships, whether parent, elder takes the trouble to listen think that hearing comes natu- his mother says, “Well, don’t child, spouse, or sibling relation- to the child and give her/him an rally to us. It does to some extent. mind them. Go out and play with ship. We all have had experien- impression that she/he is heard However like in the story, many Joe.” Within him, the little lad’s ces where we have felt heard and and that her/his problem is ac- of us reduce our capacity for he- heart is crying out “But they understood and we’ve all had knowledged. Even though this aring. We adopt an attitude don’t want me. Why do none of experiences where we have felt may seem unimportant and tedi- called selective listening, where- them ever want me?” But his misunderstood and even ignor- ous, it is important to the child in we hear only what we want to mother has gone out of the room ed. Generally, when we feel he- and hence must be taken serious- hear and become deaf to things at this stage. She is too busy to ard, we are less angry, stressed, ly. The self-esteem of the child is that don’t appeal to us. listen. She hasn’t tuned in to him. and more open to resolving prob- affected by the reactions of her/ She loves him, oh yes, but she is lems than when we feel misun- his parents and elders to the The ability to hear is vital for a too busy to listen, so he feels derstood. Feeling heard and un- child’s talk. healthy relationship. So often lonely and unloved. derstood also develops trust and There are four basic levels of March 2018 4 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 5 Don Bosco’s Madonna or keep us from receiving the  When the person has finished they have understood your mess- message the other person is talking, paraphrase back to them age, ask youngsters to repeat trying to send. what you heard them say- back to you in their own words, ing. ”What I am hearing from what they heard from you. In this ACTIVE LISTENING you is...” “It sounds like... was way, you are teaching them to Communicating well takes very upsetting for you.” paraphrase what they have practice and effort. It is not some-  Do not offer advice to the heard. If the child does not repeat thing that comes naturally for person. When we offer advice the message back clearly, this most of us. Below are some keys (especially when it was not asked offers a time for clarification and to good communication. These for) it often shuts down comm- another opportunity to teach skills and techniques may seem unication. The person first needs that good communication takes strange and awkward at first. to know that you have under- effort —and that we sometimes hearing and listening, according But if you stick with them, they stood them and that they have don’t get it right the first time. to Toast Masters. You can easily will become natural in time. Ac- sent their message clearly to you. Finally, children learn the most fall into one of these categories tive listening is a way of listening You will be surprised at how by communicating with us and in different conversations. A to others that lets them know you your conversations and rela- by watching how adults comm- non-listener is totally preoccu- are working to understand the tionships change when you focus unicate with each other. pied with his personal thoughts message they are sending. on listening to the other per- and though he hears words, he son— rather than thinking of The sort of listening that is doesn’t listen to what is being  Make sure your body language your next response. really loving, is a sort where one said. Passive listeners hear the conveys to them that you are gives oneself with total concern words but don’t fully absorb or interested and listening. You can Children too, need to be taught for the other person – with an understand them. Listeners pay make eye contact with them, to listen. One of the first steps in assurance of complete confiden- attention to the speaker, but turn your body toward them, educating them in this regard is tiality. Each member of our fam- grasp only a part of the intended and nod as they are talking to let for us to listen actively to them. ilies needs to be so loved. How message. Active listeners are them know you are listening. When we actively listen to chil- completely focused on the speak-  Reduce any distractions that dren, we are letting them know wonderful it is if within a family er and understand the meaning will keep you from focusing on that they can send a message and everyone feels accepted and of the words without distortion. their message. Try to stop what- that their message is important trusted by everyone else. Wheth- ever you are doing that may to us. As noted before, it is impor- er or not we give them time, our Some of the things that prevent distract you from their mess- tant that we give them our full children will grow physically, but us from listening well are: age—such as watching television attention—listening for the feel- they will not grow emotionally or 1. When we assume we know or trying to read while the ings as well as the content of spiritually to their full potential what others are thinking, or that person is talking to you. You may their message. We must restrain unless we give them time as they should know what we are need to tell them, “I will be better from offering advice right away. individuals to talk to us about thinking. able to listen to you once I am themselves and in such talking, 2. When we focus on what we done with my work.” Trying to Second, we need to actively to learn, as well as to teach us want to say while others are listen while doing other tasks teach children how to listen. The more about what is happening to talking—instead of listening to usually does not allow one to child needs to focus on the per- themselves. them. clearly hear the message. son who is talking—eliminating 3. When we bring up other  Listen for the content and the as many distractions as possible. Listening is an art that is dev- problems and issues unrelated to feelings behind the words. Do not This may mean turning off the eloped over a period of time with the topic at hand. just listen to the content of what television, asking them to look at repetitive, conscious effort. Our 4. When we assume we know is being said. Listen for the feel- you, or having them come in the lifestyles make it incredibly what is right for others and try ing that the person is trying to same room with you while you tough for us to listen. Yet, we all to convince them of this. convey to you. Are they express- talk with them. Just as we give desire to be listened to, and hence ing joy, sadness, excitement, or them our attention, we need to it is only right that we ‘do to All of these things either keep anger—either through their teach youngsters to give their others what we expect them to us from sending a clear message words or body language? attention to others. To be sure do for us’ (Mt 7:12).  March 2018 6 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 7 Don Bosco’s Madonna gives even before one repents heard (putting into practice the A COLD AND IDEOLOGICAL FAITH (how is it possible?) We were Word heard on Sunday? When we by Giuliano Palizzi taught to confess our sins and leave the church do we stop to “Would a spiritual electrocardiogram be flat-lined because the heart is mention the number of times we comment on it...or does every- hardened, unmoved or emotionless?” Pope Francis committed them!!! But if every- thing end there and we rush about one is forgiven, then everyone our business?) Is it a precept does what s/he likes; this is why which is an end in itself, some- he Church today is often we don’t confess anymore! It thing we have to do, a tax we’ve Taccused of losing everything must be a Church that welcomes got to pay…is this what God that’s concrete in the explicit qu- migrants who “could be” Jesus wants? estion: “Where is the Pope taking (those migrants driven out of us?” All those who have rarely their homelands and become The ECG read a page of the Gospel but have terrorists here); a Church that The Pope said (Santa Marta 29 been stuck to those four questions welcomes everyone (even the May, 2017): “If people were to they learned as children in divorced and the remarried)…!!! get a “spiritual electrocardio- Catechism class in preparation for gram would it be flat-lined their First Communion or Confir- Man for the Sabbath? because the heart is hardened, mation and have never made the “I have not come to abolish the unmoved and emotionless?” “In choice for Jesus Christ and trus- law,” so said the famous Galilean, the Gospels, there were those ting him to be the foundation of “but to fulfil it.” That is exactly who believed in God, they knew their Faith (not just his doctrine), what the Pope is doing. From the all the commandments, but the they feel lost when they don’t Law as an end, Jesus and Francis heart was closed, immobile, they hear “doctrinal language” but have gone to making the Law as a didn’t let it become troubled,” only “Gospel language,” which means, putting man at the centre. the pope said. “One must also re- is typical of this Pope. They have “Not man for the Sabbath but the ceive God’s gift of the Holy Spirit grown up (or better remained of Padre Pio…. (on the family Sabbath for man.” And this is the and let him “trouble” the heart. children) thinking that to be a altar) and sometimes not eating fulfilment which gives value to “Am I able to listen to him? Am Christian it was enough to just meat on Fridays. Then here the Law, which is not a function I able to ask for his inspiration fulfil the Sunday obligation, to comes this Pope who says that in itself (I went to Mass, so I’m before making a decision or make sacrifices during Lent for the Church to be poor it has fine) but a service to humankind. saying something or doing some- (those incredible mortifications to be the Church of the poor; A law that is not for man does not thing? Or is my heart serene, to reduce a few kilos!!!), to make better a sick Church but one that come from God (binding heavy without emotion, an immobile their Confession once a year, goes outside its walls to the burdens…) A fast that does not heart, much like the doctors of more or less, when they can… existential peripheries, than a urge me to love others (depriving the law had,” he asked. The pope enroll in a distance-adoption Church that is closed in on itself myself to help others) does not asked people to reflect on their programme maintaining a child like the disciples on Easter come from God. A Sunday obli- relationship with the Holy Spirit for about € 1.00 a day and then Sunday evening, when in order gation that does not lead me to and pray that the Spirit guide one day, showing off to the to enter, Jesus must get through incarnate the Word that I have them in the choices they make. neighbours the photograph of walls; a Church that follows a “I ask that he give me the grace that lad while placing it near that merciful God who always for- to distinguish the good from the less good because good can be distinguished from evil easily,” the pope said. The one who does not have “these movements of the heart; does not discern what happens, is a person who has a cold and ideological faith. His faith is an ideology, that’s all.” Lord increase our faith! March 2018 8 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 9 Don Bosco’s Madonna They were pages of hope, realism, we want to and we must share the SALESIAN plans, and a desire to give to vocation of our children in order SAINTS everyone God’s peace. “When I to understand them, then we have ask my companions to pray no one to make some important and ex- refuses. But I say: ‘Remember guys emplary choices. We must be wil- ATTILIO the Lord is always here, even when ling to follow them and support the danger has passed and you are them in their trials, judging what GIORDANI at home” (January 31, 1941). they know by the reasons for do- His marriage to Noemi in May ing what they do.” “In life, it’s not 1913 - 1972 1944 was not just an event but so much the things we say, but ttilio Giordani was born in above all, a sacrament of Christ what we do. There’s no need to AMilan on February 3, 1913 through which he strove to exp- preach about what must be done, and he died at Campo Grande ress its sanctity and indissolubility we need to show by our lives what (Brazil) on December 18, 1972. He by a life lived everyday educating we believe in. Living is preach- was a husband, an exemplary his children. The family remained ing.” His whole life was a race, father, an animator of the ora- united because Attilio and Noemi with youngsters. And he reached tory, a catechist, a missionary and sustained themselves through the finishing line at a sprint, show- a Salesian Cooperator. prayer and the practice of charity. ing that the permanent vocation At the age of nine he began Attilio was Don Bosco-in-the- of a Christian is to lay down his frequenting the Salesian Oratory flesh! In his cheerfulness, being life! That is what it means to be of St. Augustine in Milan. He with the boys and even in his piety young till your last day. Several knew how to use all the educative which was simple. His day began times Attilio said: “Death must skills and the Preventive System around 6am and at 6.30 he was in find us alive!” He was so alive in to animate youngsters. He was Albanian front and from there to church taking part in the Mass the ordinary things of everyday, proficient in animating the litur- the mountains of Lecco as a mem- and receiving Communion. If in joy, in compassion, even his fi- gy, training them and being pre- ber of the passive resistance. Dis- there was no altar boy he was not nal encounter with the Lord and sent with youngsters, playing cipline in the barracks at that time ashamed to go up even when he then he was ready to continue to with them and being an inspira- was harsh, the schedule rigid, was 58/59 years old he served stand with the youngsters in the tion to them during their recrea- authority was undisputed, pun- Mass. Then he spent time in me- Salesian garden in heaven. Death tion. He trained them to stage ishments were severe, training ditation. He returned home and met him while he was speaking at plays; he organized walks for was tough and the language used listened to the latest news on his a missionary conference in Cam- them; composed songs, skits, in the barracks was coarse, blas- little radio and then went to work. po Grande (Brazil) when, feeling conducted charitable lotteries, phemy was easy and speaking He returned home around mid- faint, he placed his head on the parish treasure hunts and the about one’s Christian faith was day. After lunch he went to the shoulder of don Ugo De Censi, and Youth Olympics, never forgetting difficult. In that environment, Salesians at St. Ambrose’s in Mi- whispered to his son: “Pier Gio- for one moment to infuse his “Giordatt” the soldier – as he liked lan. Everyone knew him from the rgio, you take over.” activities with Christian charity to call himself – spread serenity, provincial to the last dear blind His testament was the enthusia- and Christian joy. A particular engendered harmony and peace; Salesian who had come from Beth- sm of a life given for others: “Our trait of Attilio Giordani was his he organized cheerful get-to- lehem. And when someone was in faith must be alive” and “The me- ability to incarnate in a simple gethers and composed poems and pain or being left out, he was there. asure of our faith is manifested in and convincing manner the speci- songs. This earned him the respect He greeted all the Salesians, and our being.” Attilio Giordani is the fic method of evangelization that and acceptance of everyone. They everyday he made a visit to the vivid incarnation of the Salesian Don Bosco suggested which was accepted his Christian values Blessed Sacrament. Spirituality in its lay dimension. to evangelize by educating. which wasn’t always easy. “I have His life can be understood by his This aspect has aroused a particu- Attilio began his period of mi- come to the conclusion: no verbal death. At the age of fifty-nine lar admiration especially among litary service at the age of 21 on spats, I’ll accept all the insults and Attilio Giordani, his wife Noemi, consecrated Salesians, who have July 23, 1934 and it ended on indignities like a Christian and for their eldest son Pier and his dau- felt the providential presence of September 8, 1943. For this he left the love of Christ” (April 11, ghter Paolo left for Mato Grosso such a model and never failed to Milan and went to the Greco- 1943). Attilio kept a ‘War diary.’ (Brazil). He told his parents: “If go to him for his counsel. March 2018 10 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 11 Don Bosco’s Madonna VOCATION PROMOTION CL. NELSON MUDALIAR, A Salesian Student of Theology at Don Bosco, Koregaon Park, Pune PROFILES od works in ways we know Gnot. Hailing from a simple village in Tamil Nadu, growing up in Thane (Mumbai) I can surely say that God attracted me, called me, and is now wal- king with me and leading me. Where to? I don’t know. But as long as Jesus is with me, I will ST. MATILDA OF GERMANY have a safe and adventurous (895 - 968) trip ahead; being formed and to- uched by people’s lives I have t is generally seen that saints become the one He wants me to Iappear to be “a clerical pro- be. I am not alone, He is always duct,” i.e. monks, nuns and with me. religious and some happy excep- God has planted a seed and tion to the rule. Non-religious I’m pretty sure that that seed ones are rare. Can the Holy Sp- was nurtured and looked after irit, the principal author of holi- by my parents. They are saints. ness, not perhaps stir up saints They taught me to pray and live Mother Mary’s constant guid- from beyond the clerical field? Of a Christian life. Our daily rosar- ance that I have grown in my voc- course! This fact was created ies, small and meaningful pray- ation. Oh yes! She is present stro- and it embedded itself into the clericalize’ the Book of the Saints, ers boosted my love for God. This ngly in my life. I would share ev- imagination of the Christian in other words, there is an practically helped me to become erything with Her in my moments faithful that the idea of sanctity attempt, and very justifiably so, an Altar Server. It was there of prayer and solitude. Her moth- is a “clerical affair,” as if the to look for saints even among the (Our Lady of Mercy, Pokhran) erly presence comforted me, espe- Church of God was mainly com- laity. No one doubts that there that a gentle word from our cially in times of misunderstan- prised of the Pope, the bishops, are. Sacristan – Sebastian Uncle led ding and loneliness. I found my priests and nuns. It doesn’t take a university me to the Salesians. The happi- strength in Her, in fact She has a On the other hand according degree in psychology to know ness that I witnessed and exper- lot to do with my relationship to the definition of Vatican II, the that the mother of a family or a ienced from the Salesians and with Jesus. To sum up, my Voca- Church is the entire People of professional, with “lay” task in the outgoing nature of Fr. Brian tion is a fruit of my parents’ holi- God in which the clergy feature. the world in addition to being a Moras (my Vocation Promoter) ness, a gentle word and Mary’s Indeed, the task of the clergy is father or mother, is more easily carved out a niche for Don Bosco continual presence in my life. precisely that of being at the ser- identified with some saints who in my heart. I joined Don Bosco, As a response to His call, I’ve re- vice and therefore of working for have lived that same vocation of Lonavla as a student in Std IX. I alized, He wants just three things the whole other (immensely marriage and family, rather than grew in faith and was also expo- from (me or) us: a loving heart – greater) part of the People of God a monk or a nun who lived out sed to the reality of the world. that reaches out to all especially labouring to assist the sanctity of their sanctity (certified by the My journey since then has been the poor; a daring dream – to let everyone, because sanctity re- Church then) within the four wonderful, quite adventurous, I God work through us in ways un- mains the task of every indivi- walls of a convent. Msgr. Edward would say; taking responsibili- imaginable; and a passionate self dual of the Church. Nowak, the head of the Congre- ties, speaking with people and (Da Mihi Animas: Give me souls)– However, something is chang- gation for the Causes of Saints, doing things beyond my imagin- that seeks the good of others and ing. Already during the pontifi- in an interview said: “John Paul ation, much more than I thought wants at all times to contribute to cate of John Paul II, a process II insisted on the laity. They con- I could. It is only because of society and the world in general. was initiated that would ‘de- stitute exemplary models for the March 2018 12 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 13 Don Bosco’s Madonna Church: the blessed, and the was born when her husband had unity. She died three years later of the biographies responds to saints (lay) point to concrete become king. The two brothers in Quedlinburg on March 14, the rumour circulating around paths of holiness. Their life is a came into conflict and despite 968, and was buried next to her that Henry had married a nun life of witness to Christ. Today the mother’s support, Otto was husband Henry. who was obsessively devoted to we are given the person of the victorious. He quickly annulled Matilda’s life was active, to put prayer. “At night Matilda would new evangelization and to the the family dispute over his it mildly, as mother and queen. rise and without her husband’s person of our times.” succession. In 955 he defeated the Her life was brilliant through her knowledge she would leave the While waiting for greater de- Hungarians putting an end to virtues, even in an ambient of royal chamber and spend time in clericalization of the liturgical their looting in many parts of wealth and luxury. Her holiness prayer and return to God whom calendar, I would like to present Europe. With his imperial crown was immediately recognized in she purely loved and served with to you a lay person: Matilda, a he obtained the full reconcilia- the surrounding country thanks unhesitant faith. Who would princess, a happily married res- tion of his family with Rome in especially to her two biographies have doubted if the king knew it ponsible mother of a family and 962. even if her ecclesiastical patrons or not? In fact he noticed it but children, not without her prob- It is interesting to note (and did not immediately recognize it. pretended to ignore it, knowing lems (and herself!), a Queen of this indirectly confirms Mat- Her liturgical cult began in that Matilda’s actions were good Germany and declared a saint by ilda’s sanctity) that around the Quedlinburg. Matilda came to be and useful to both of them. He the Church. years 938-941, at a certain point mentioned in some compilations therefore gave his consent to Matilda was born around 895 the two brothers Otto and Henry, of the martyrology dating back everything she wanted.” into an aristocratic family in already in discord about the to 15th and 16th centuries until it A final very significant remark: Westphalia, North-Eastern Ger- succession of the throne, were came to be included in the As soon as Henry died, Matilda many. According to the customs instead in agreement to remove Roman Martyrology and her asked the first priest to fast and of the time, her parents Count their mother because (and this sanctity came to recognized pray for her late husband. She Dietrich of Westphalia and might cause you to smile) they outside Germany. gave him a bracelet saying: “Use Reinhild of Denmark placed the accused her giving much money It is interesting to note that the gold from this gold object and child in a convent with her pat- to the Church and the poor. They hagiographers of Queen Matilda sing masses for the souls.” ernal grandmother the abbess of forced her to renounce her pro- could have offered a conventio- This seems to be one of the first Eufurt. A document of that time perty and put her into a monas- nal image of her holiness: per- examples of prayer in suffrage revealed that Matilda was placed tery. Her rights were restored to haps insisting on her pious wi- for souls. The widow Matilda in the convent not to become a her only through the intervention dowhood and her association never ceased to be spiritually nun but to acquire an education of Queen Edith. This however with monasteries and abbeys. united to her husband even and an intellectual formation weakened her influence within Instead, her sanctity is presented though he was dead. She still felt equal to her status. As was the the family for some time. as something that developed from “responsible” for him because custom, in 909 she was married Matilda overcame even this her choice of family life. Matilda she still loved him and wanted to Henry of Saxony. They had hard trial. From 946 until her is a saint because she lived a the salvation of his soul. Even five children, all destined to have death she reigned and regained saintly life as a wife, a mother and after the death of a spouse, a brilliant careers: Otto I called the all her authority and influence, even a queen with all these duties Christian couple remains a small Great, Gerberga, a future queen continuing her work for the and roles. We could say that her community, linked by an eternal of France, Hedwig, Henry the Church and the poor. In fact, she sanctity is a royal, married and and indissoluble love. Younger and Bruno would be- created monasteries for men in family sanctity. Her biographers One’s prayers served (and still come the archbishop of Cologne. Poelde and Quedlinburg and have shown us a genuine sanctity serves today) for the salvation of For Matilda, her first real abbeys for women in Enger and acquired day after day in the the other. In this way marriage difficulties came with the death Nordhausen. During this period bosom of her family with its joys was seen as an authentic and of her consort in the year 936. He she was honoured and respected and sorrows and all that it entails. important means for the sal- left her a considerable legacy. She as queen and she had the joy of Thus a new model of holiness has vation of the spouses. Further- was not very pleased with the receiving the homage of her been proposed, one that was more, it is important to note the succession to the throne by her family during the assembly of different from what was lived out astonishing positive vision of firstborn son Otto. She preferred dynastic succession held in in monasteries and abbeys. Christian marriage. It was seen to have Henry, who in her opi- Cologne in 965 where she was Of course, her husband Henry as a genuine “place” for the nion was more worthy since he honoured as a symbol of family assented to her way of life. One circulation of God’s grace. March 2018 14 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 15 Don Bosco’s Madonna on human beings and some are Jesus showed by example that life confused. There are others who though beautiful is not something don’t bother with the “who is to to be clung to. “Anyone who loves blame?” question and focus on his life will lose it, while anyone dealing with suffering. who hates his life in this world will Suffering challenges us. It has keep it for eternal life” (Jn 12:25). the ability to make or break our This does not mean that we des- character. Some people throw in pise life and wait for it to end, or the towel in the face of suffering worse still, end it ourselves, it is a while others brave it to the very metaphor for detachment. A end. Job is an interesting charac- Christian ought to live so detached ter. When tragedy struck his fa- that even his/her life ought never mily, he responded with startling to be the object of possession or faith, “Yahweh gave, Yahweh has attraction. taken away. Blessed be his name!” THE SEED THAT DIES TO GIVE LIFE (Job 1:21) but later on in the book GLORIFICATION by Ian Pinto, sdb we find him slowly losing his faith The story of the seed is not me- t is quite commonplace for a wheat to refer to his imminent to despair (Job 30:16-23). Suffering rely a story of suffering and death, Ispeaker to make allusions to na- death. “Truly, I say to you, unless uncovers the innermost core of it ends with hope. The story of ture to emphasize a point. Many the grain of wheat falls to the human nature and reveals a Jesus did not end with his passion poems while appearing to be earth and dies, it remains alone; person’s true character. Jesus faced and death. The Gospels bear testi- about nature actually hint at an- but if it dies, it produces much suffering with courage and faith mony to the Resurrection. The dis- thropological realities. These be- fruit” (Jn 12:24). and desires that we do likewise. ciples went to the corners of the come evident upon deeper reflec- earth not to preach and bear wit- tion and study. Jesus was an ex- SUFFERING DEATH ness to the suffering and death of ceptional public speaker. Part of Suffering is part and parcel of Another fact of human life is Jesus, the Son of God, but to the his charm laid on his intuitive ab- life. There is nothing whether in that it ends. Death is perhaps the Resurrection. The Resurrection is ility to draw on examples of mun- the human world or in the natural most certain fact. People are free the cornerstone of Christianity. St. dane realities to teach the people world that does not have to face to doubt anything but death is be- Paul was clear when he said, “If about religious truths. The Gos- suffering of one kind or another. yond all doubt. Death however is Christ has not been raised, then pels record a number of such illus- Suffering is all around us. The not a full stop in the human story. our preaching is vain, and your trations made by Jesus. Mark tells media continuously flashes stories It is only a comma or a semi-colon. faith is vain” (1 Cor 15:14). us that Jesus would not teach ex- of suffering in different parts of Our faith teaches us that death The Resurrection is the fruition cept through parables (Mk 4:34). the world. On the one hand, it is a marks the end of physical life and of life. It subsumes the trouble of He compared the Kingdom of fact of nature which cannot be de- at the same time marks the birth suffering and the fatality of death. God to a treasure (Mt 13:44), a nied or escaped, and on the other into eternal life. Jesus makes this It is a Divine gift for human effort pearl (Mt 13:45), a fishing net (Mt hand it is a creation of human life- point when he says that the seed and not a trophy to be won after 13:47), seeds (Mk 4:26;30), yeast style and choices. The seed too must die if it is to give life. Every death. Without the Resurrection (Lk 13:21); he spoke of faith as a must suffer being thrown onto the flower or fruit is born as the result the story of Jesus is a story of fail- mustard seed (Mt 17:20). Among land, braving the forces of nature; of a death. ure and defeat. However, on that all of Jesus’ natural examples there it must fight to nestle in the soil Death is not a fruitless event. Sk- first Easter morning, the stone is one that he is particularly fond and grow roots. It’s journey to ful- eptics and non-believers are wont was rolled away and the tomb was of and repeats in various contexts fill its potential is tough. Numer- to think that death is a tragedy or found empty. By his Resurrection to drive home different messages ous challenges await it but if it an absurdity. It violently neutral- he has opened the doors of eternal – the seed. The seed is a highly po- never leaves the sower’s it risks izes life. Jesus gives death new life to us. Like the seed that dies in tent illustration of birth and life, growing impotent on a shelf. meaning. Death isn’t a neutraliza- order to bear fruit, Jesus died and but it also an equally potent illus- Who is to blame for the suffering tion of life nor is it total liberation rose so that you and I could live tration for dying and death. Jesus in the world? Some people blame as many other faiths hold; rather abundantly, not just here on earth uses the example of a grain of God, some pin the responsibility it is a springboard to greater life. but also hereafter in heaven. March 2018 16 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 17 Don Bosco’s Madonna HOW WE ARE CHANGED The Pope’s morning meditation at the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae on March 16, 2015

e are the “dream of God” who, truly in love, wants to “change the biggest, the most powerful; but I Wour life,” through love. He only asks us to have the faith to let chose you because you are the least Him do so. And thus “we can only cry for joy” before a God who “re- of all.” Moreover, “it could be said: creates” us, Pope Francis said on Monday morning during Mass at the poorest of all. I chose you like Santa Marta. this, and this is love.” In the First Reading, a passage from Isaiah (65:17-21), “the Lord tells The Pope indicated that “this will us that He creates new heavens and a new earth, that is, He re-creates of the Lord continues this desire of things,” Francis explained, also recalling that “we have spoken many his to change our life. And we are times of these ‘two creations’ of God: the first, which was done in six able to say, if we hear this invitation of the Lord: ‘You have changed days, and the second, when the Lord ‘re-makes’ the world, destroyed my mourning into dancing’”, which are “the words that we prayed” by sin, in Jesus Christ.” And, the Pontiff emphasized, “we have said so in Psalm 29. “I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me” the Psalm many times that this second one is more marvelous than the first”. also says, thereby acknowledging that the Lord “is capable of changing Indeed, he explained, “the first is already a marvelous creation; but us, through love: He is in love with us.” the second, in Christ, is even more marvellous”. “I don’t believe any theologian can explain this: it is inexplicable,” In his meditation, however, Francis paused “on another aspect,” Francis remarked. Because this is something “we can only reflect on, beginning from the passage of Isaiah in which “the Lord speaks about feel and cry for joy: the Lord can change us.” He then asked what He is going to make: a new heaven, a new earth.” And “we find spontaneously: what do I have to do? The answer is simple: “Believe. that the Lord has much enthusiasm: He speaks of joy and says a word: Believe that the Lord can change me, that He can.” This is exactly what ‘I will rejoice in my people.’” Essentially, “the Lord thinks about what the king’s official in Capernaum did, as told in the Gospel according He is going to do, He thinks that He, He himself will rejoice with his to John (4:43-54). That man, whose son was ill, asked Jesus “to come people.” Thus, “it is as if it were a ‘dream’ of the Lord, as if the Lord down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.” And Jesus ‘were dreaming’ of us: how beautiful it will be when we are all together, replied to him: “Go; your son will live.” Thus, that father “believed the when we are there or when that person, or that one, or another one word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. He believed. He will walk...” believed that Jesus had the power to heal his child. And he was right.” Further clarifying his rationale, Francis returned to “a metaphor that Faith, Francis explained, “is giving space to this love of God; it is can help us understand: it is as if a young woman with her boyfriend, making room for the power, for the power of God, for the power of or a young man with his girlfriend, were to think: ‘when we are together, One who loves me, who is in love with me and who wants this joy when we get married....’” Thus, “God’s ‘dream’: God thinks about each with me. This is faith. This is believing: it is making room for the Lord one of us, loves us, dreams of us, dreams of the joy that He will rejoice to come and change me.” with us”. And this is the very reason that “the Lord wants to ‘re-create The Pope concluded with a meaningful annotation: “It is curious: us’, to make our hearts new, to ‘re-create’ our heart in order to make this was the second miracle that Jesus performed. And He did it in the joy triumph”. same place where He had performed the first, in Cana in Galilee.” In All this led the Pope to ask a few questions: “Have you ever thought: today’s Gospel passage we read, in fact: “So he came again to Cana in the Lord dreams about me? He thinks about me? I am in the mind, in Galilee, where he had made the water wine”. Again, “in Cana in the heart of the Lord? The Lord is capable of changing my life?” Isaiah Galilee, He also changed this boy’s death into life.” Truly, Francis said, also tells us, Francis added, that the Lord “makes many plans: ‘We “the Lord can change us, He wants to change us, He loves to change will build houses, plant vineyards, and eat together: all those plans us. And this” He does “through love.” And He only asks us for “our typical of one in love.’” faith: in other words, to give space to his love so it may act and bring After all, “the Lord manifests himself enamoured of his people” even about a change of life in us.”(L'Osservatore Romano, Weekly ed. in going so far as to say “I did not choose you because you are the strongest, English, n. 12, 20 March 2015) March 2018 18 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 19 Don Bosco’s Madonna you but you won’t have to ever There was an angel standing at STAIRWAY TO NOWHERE worry about me again. Goodbye the gate. He seemed to think it From Fr. Ian Doulton's Collection of Stories Lucille.” was Heaven. “This must be e, John West sits in his appetite. He tried to shrug off his heaven?” He asked Hliving room; in the living only child…Lucille. “You don’t He watched her drive away “Yes, this is heaven. What’s room in an empty house. He need to worry. I’ll be alright after then he locked the doors, front and your name, please?” closes his eyes to shut out the a while.” back from the inside. He knew “West…John West.” sight of the vacant chair oppo- He shook his head wearily and what he was going to do. It was His name didn’t seem to be on site his. It still doesn’t seem he mumbled that he didn’t have the only way. Leaving this house their list. The angel went on: “I possible that Mary won’t sit there the heart for anything. He missed wouldn’t help. The ache of missing don’t think you are expected.” again. He can’t quite believe it his wife Mary so much. “After Mary is everywhere; on all the John was impatient. “Well…I even after two months. He feels thirty years…we were together, streets he’d walked with her; and don’t care. I came to be with my as if he’s living in a bad dream thirty years…” every woman with dark hair and wife. I belong here, with her.” perhaps he tends to believe that Lucille placed a gentle hand on blue eyes; in the sound of the name The angel gave an amused if he opens his eyes slowly, she’ll his shoulder. “I miss her too, but Mary; his little granddaughter, smile: “So you belong here?” be there, leaning forward a little life has to go on. You can’t go she had Mary’s fine black hair and The angel nodded and asked in her chair, smiling, her head down into the grave with her. many of her ways. He walked John what he saw through the cocked to one side. The loneliness After all, you had thirty years and slowly into the bathroom; he op- gate: “There’s our house!” aches in her heart but there’s they were happy ones. That’s ened the medicine chest; took out He was sure Mary was there. nothing but the empty room. He more than most people have. You a bottle of white pills, the ones the It was Parker Street. He was suddenly hears the doorbell. His should be thankful.” doctor gave Mary for her bad ni- looking straight ahead and he eyes fly open. He looked up: “Thankful? That ghts; he poured out a handful; exclaimed: “Mary must be there. John slowly gets out of his I’ve lost her?” then his heart began to thud and She’s waiting for me just as she chair and opens the door. It’s Lucille came and sat beside his knees trembled. His hand held always was. I know she is. You Lucille his daughter: him. “Dad, where’s your faith? rigid by forces deep within him – can’t keep me out.” “Dad, dad, it’s Lucille. Dad, You know mother’s in heaven. his Faith called this a sin; the hurt The angel simply stood aside are you alright?” You always told us: God was our to Lucille; a shock to everyone waved his hand: “You may “Oh yes, I’m alright, Lucille, Father, he loves us. So his plans for who knew him. But they would get enter, if you think it will do you come in.” mother must be the best. He only over it, even Lucille. They would any good.” He was supposed to visit his took her because he wanted to even forget him in time. One thing He hurried up to the door and brother-in-law Albert but he had make her happy.” was certain, he couldn’t face the knocked and he heard Mary’s changed his mind. Of late he He couldn’t argue with that but years ahead without Mary. God gentle voice from within bid- didn’t seem to have the will to he tried again to distance himself knew how much he loved her. He ding him to come in. So he do anything. He just preferred to from her: “Leave me alone Lucille! knew he was doing this because opened the door: “Oh, Mary…oh sit at home in his favourite chair I’ll be alright if people will just he loved her so much. Surely he Mary.” by the lampstand and doze off leave me alone.” won’t count that a sin. She seemed delighted to see at any time of the day. Lucille She decided to take him home Then, the handful of pills, the him. He was so excited: “I knew followed him as he made his way with her. She just had some glass of water…and it was done! you’d be here…I told him that at back to his chair: “You’ve been shopping to do before she picked He walked back into the living the gate. Just the way I dreamed: in the house too long. It isn’t up Howard, her husband. She room. He sat down to wait; it was you, sitting in that chair smiling good for you.” would be back. “I can’t stand by quiet and restful. The room began at me.” Lucille looked around at the and watch you wreck yourself this growing hazy. He was drifting He came up to her and she dining table, he hadn’t eaten way. Now, you’re coming home away…slowly…easily … then the looked at him with that smile he since morning and it was now with me tonight…” haze began to lift. He moved on- knew so well. late afternoon. “You had any So that was settled. He didn’t ward and up through soft clouds. “Oh, how I’ve missed you, breakfast or lunch?” have the energy to fight his dau- In the blue distance the clouds Mary.” He said. “I made some coffee, that’s all ghter anymore. As he walked her began to take form. There was a She too seemed so happy to see I wanted.” “Just coffee?” to the door, with a weak smile he walled city, rising golden in the him. “Everything here is so He said he didn’t have any mumbled: “I’m sorry I worried sun. He found himself at a gate. wonderful, so glorious. John did March 2018 20 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 21 Don Bosco’s Madonna you ever dream there could be was very far off. the house but she wasn’t there. long as God wants. No matter such peace, such happiness?” Then together they heard it: “Maybe she left the house. She how long. I have to go back. I have She sat down again in her fav- “The nearer I drew the more glo- can’t have gone far. I’ll find to go back!” ourite chair. John said eagerly: rious it became and I heard mu- her…” He walked out of the main “Yes, we did have so much hap- sic. Oh, if we thought we ever door. The haze rolls in again. It piness…in this house. That first heard anything so beautiful on Then from behind him he heard blotted out the gate and the an- year, every time I got off the bus earth. I can still hear it. Listen this calm firm voice: “John West gel. He was drowned in it, lost at the corner and saw the lights John…” …I came from the gate to get in it. Then slowly it began to in the windows and I knew you “It’s so faint I can just barely you.” He turned to see the angel break. It started to drift away. were waiting for me, I just felt hear it.” John strained his ear. who went on: “You have nothing He heard voices jumbled and far like running down the street…” “Why John…it’s like all the here or anywhere without God. off. Mary agreed, because she too cathedral bells in the world and Heaven isn’t a place or a house or He could hear Lucille’s voice: so eagerly looked for the bus all the organs at Easter. It lifts you even the one you loved.” “Doctor I was driving to town to every evening from her little into an ocean of light. This light “Well, then what is it?” snap- pick up my husband. I kept kitchen window as she got down fills you and you breathe it and ped John, who was fuming and thinking about dad. He looked at to preparing dinner for the two you drink it in. You go deeper and frightened at the same time. me so strangely when we said of them. deeper and always you discover The angel said: “Heaven is a re- goodbye. He didn’t sound like John remembered Christmas something new; something more ward. It’s God giving himself to himself at all. I got so worried. I after the baby arrived. Little glorious and the vision of God those who love him. Your wife turned around and drove back Lucille always wanted John to himself.” loved him. She was content to die here as fast as I could.” hoist her up so she could touch John began feeling a bit odd. He because God willed it. You came The doctor seemed relieved the angel with the silver hair on asked Mary if it was always so here before your time, against his when Lucille said that she was the top branch. beautiful and then he blurted out: will.” almost locked out of the house Those were such happy days. “Have you been this happy John shook his head and sat on when she remembered that her He was sure that this was going without me?” the front steps of his house, head mother, always afraid of getting to be just like that. Sitting in their She turned and faced him: “I in his hands: “I couldn’t bear the locked out left a little piece of favourite chairs opposite each never had the feeling I was with- loneliness, not years, flat empty screen loose on the side door so other looking with love into each out you; all the happiness of loving years! I just couldn’t stand the she could reach the latch from other’s eyes; then Mary asked: you and being loved has always thought.” the outside. “John is that how you see me, is been here. It’s part of the joy of The angel sat beside him: “Poor Shaking his head the doctor that all you see?” God’s presence. It fills me, lifts me John West, how did you know said: “It was lucky. A few minu- John looked at her quizzically. and draws me into the heart of there were to be years and years? tes more and I couldn’t have “Yes, I see our house as it always love.” You wouldn’t trust the wisdom done anything for him.” was. What more could there be?” John felt nothing. Mary looked and the goodness of God.” John seemed to get restless and Mary looked rather shocked: at him again: “You do look He suddenly began to feel very he was mumbling something. “John, this is heaven. It’s like strange, John. There’s something cold. There was a chill wind “Dad…dad….” Lucille was living in the middle of a rainbow.” wrong. Then Mary suddenly cutting right to his bones. screaming. John saw no rainbow. Where said: “I can’t stay…” Mary be- “That wind, is the breath of “Don’t let me die…don’t let was it? He looked around. gan to rise from her chair and eternal loneliness” said the angel. me die.” John was shouting with “All around you,” Mary said: she gradually began to fade But John didn’t want loneliness. his eyes still shut. “Don’t you feel it John; the light, away. He wanted to escape it. “What did he say?” The doctor the warmth, the love? This is the John began to panic. As he “You poor foolish human, you asked. presence of God; that is what began to rise from his chair she didn’t know what loneliness was John opened his eyes and makes heaven. Oh, and I thought moved away, growing fainter. until you cut yourself off from repeated: “I don’t want to die!” I was happy when I first entered. “No, no, don’t… Mary! Mary! God…” “Doctor he just tried…” I saw something in the distance Where are you? Where did she It felt like hell. He began to pa- Lucille was confused. – gold and glorious – like a city in go?” Like a helpless little child he nic. What was he to do… Sudden- “I want to live…I want to the clouds.” went running around the house ly he screamed: “No! No, I have live!”That was all John West John said he saw that city but it looking for her… he was still in to go back. I’ll wait. I’ll wait as wanted from now on.  March 2018 22 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 23 Don Bosco’s Madonna DON BOSCO attribute a Piedmontese character as the “virtues of his people,” it AND HIS PEOPLE should not be forgotten that the by Natale Cerrato sdb rural environment in which Don Bosco grew up was like that of the Don Bosco is known throughout other regions too. To attribute a the world as the “Saint” of youth and generic “peasant culture,” virtues this study is not motivated by anti- and values that matured very diff- quated regionalism or vain nostalgia erently in other socio-economic of the times gone by but because of a conditions would be fortuitous. conviction that these were genuine A first summary description of Piedmontese values that existed in the type of family in which Don the nineteenth century. His treat- Bosco is believed to have grown ment will be predominantly anecdo- up is given to us by Fr. Eugene tal, because it seems that anecdotes Ceria in his book Don Bosco with are the best way to highlight the God, in which he says: “In the traits of people. They will also help families of rural Piedmont at that the reader to better understand the time good Christian customs rem- This group of houses is “The human qualities of a popular saint ained strong, despite the infiltra- Becchi”, as seen from the Serra di and at the same time to grasp some tion of foreign influences. Tradit- Buttigliera. A church tower stands precious fragments of his prophetic leaving its mark on the people of ions were handed down from gen- above the trees. It belongs to the message that are still valid today. countryside which is mountain- eration to generation around the chapel put up in front of the house in ous, harsh and cold. For centuries fireside, a place that witnessed which Don Bosco was born, on the Chapter 1 then, work in the fields with the the sharing of simple family joys centenary of his birth tenacity and sacrifices it requires as well as the daily prayer with who passed on to her son John the The Virtues of His People and the awareness of the presence which these honest, hardworking characteristic virtues of her peo- Every individual belongs to a of God has been the legacy of the people ended the day, reciting the ple. Already Fr. John Baptist Lem- specific society and reveals in his overwhelming majority of the rosary before the image of Our oyne, who has studied in depth the persona, in his way of thinking, of Piedmontese; hence these character- Lady of Consolation. The home figure of Don Bosco’s mother once speaking and acting, a wealth of istic virtues began to blossom in the really deserved the name of dom- said that “it is reasonable to ideas, qualities and customs that rural populace. Finally, a history estic sanctuary.” believe that the virtues of the mo- characterize the components of of invasions and looting, of strug- The late Rector Major of the Sal- ther are same virtues in the son that particular society. This wo- gles and intrigue, of violence and esians, Fr. Egidio Viganò refers to too.” Later, Fr Albert Caviglia in uld, according to cultural anth- massacres have forced this small this type of family when he says: tracing the historical profile of the ropologists, comprise the ‘basic population to accept their destiny “Our court of arms, work and tem- saint said: “The practical sense of personality’ that is usually formed of war as a race of soldiers, espe- perance is rooted in the experience things, the good-natured Pied- during the first years of life. cially after the unification of Pied- of the Christian families of those montese disposition, hope in the Now, it is common knowledge mont under the House of Savoy. times, the expression of several future, a little cheerfulness which that Don Bosco was born and All these geographical, ethnic values of that popular culture.” speaks well of the saints, I believe spent his childhood in a poor Pied- and historical factors must be ta- We will therefore have to refer to was learned from his mother, montese peasant family in the ea- ken into account by those who the rural and domestic environ- Margaret Occhiena, a strong and rly part of the nineteenth century. wish to discover in Don Bosco ment of that part of Monferrato admirable woman, who in her Piedmont, as it is known, is a fairly “the virtues of his people.” which was Don Bosco’s birthplace, rustic simplicity deployed so isolated part of the Italian sub- It is also true that his peasant or- and see it reflected in the life of the much sense and virtue and supp- continent and is surrounded by igin was the determining factor in Becchi family whose incompara- orted the first steps of her son by mountains. The plain, the “piè-dei- the formation his personality and ble educator was Mamma her charity and her painful sacri- monti,” (at the foot of the moun- this was true of the people of the Margaret. fice of everything.” tains) is only a third of the region; other Italian regions too. But while There is, in fact, no doubt that it More recently Fr. Pietro Stella, the rest is hilly or mountainous it would not be right to exclusively was mainly Mamma Margaret when referring to the idea of God March 2018 24 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 25 Don Bosco’s Madonna THE LORD IS WITH YOU, AND THE ‘YES’ OF THE ONE LOVED BY GOD by Gianni Sangalli

God listens for a free response you will accomplish that for even from his future “mother” which I have destined you.” From her birth Mary had God There is a plan of salvation that nearer to her than any other cre- winds down through the centu- ature. But a total and unimagin- ries among the unchanging fide- able nearness was being prepa- lity of God and the uncertainties red for her. Her immaculate and betrayals of the people he body was destined to become the had chosen and loved. But there Ark of God, the physical home of was a little “remnant” of the God-made-man. Mary still did faithful “poor of Yahweh,” who not know it. When the angel said: would put all their hope in God. “The Lord is with you,” she, who The fulness of time had now in the infancy of Don Bosco, illus- We cannot deny that our choice knew the Scriptures well, under- come. And, this time, to collabo- trates through the life and the may seem a bit homogeneous be- stood that those were words that rate in the plan of his saving love, words of his mother how the holi- cause it includes elements of a di- preceded the proclamation of a God did not call a king, a leader ness of life permeated the rustic verse nature, that is, natural gifts call to the Lord’s service for a mis- or a prophet, but a humble maid: environment in which he was such as common sense and wit, sion that involved the destinies of Mary, from Nazareth, a little co- born. emotions and feelings such as love his people. untry town lost among the hills From the above we can high- for one’s own land and language That was how Abraham’s voc- of Galilee. And because her heart light the qualities that other sch- and moral virtues, properly called ation began: “Don’t be afraid, I did not succumb to the gravity olars also allude to. Taking our cue tenacity and industry. We also re- will be your shield,” the Lord of the announcement, help was then from these authoritative alize that the Salesian Constituti- said to him (Gen 15:1). And to guaranteed: “The Lord is with sources and based on our research ons, in attributing to Don Bosco Moses, sent to set his people free you.” we may begin an analysis of the the virtues of his people, refer he said: “I will be with you, so God was already with Mary, he main traits of that culture: com- essentially to basic Christian vir- that you may fulfill that for had already decided; he had mon and practical sense, tenacity, tues to better situate the person of which I have destined you” (Ex already made his choice, making industry, frugality and thrift, per- Don Bosco in his cultural back- 3:12). It was the same with Jos- an alliance with the Daughter of son of action not words, wit, good- ground which comprise of several hua, Gideon, Jeremiah, David Zion who “stands among the hu- nature, sense of duty, a love of the factors that we can consider as and many others called for a mis- mble and poor of the Lord trustfully land and a liking for his own traits that characterize a Pied- sion of salvation. God always waiting and receiving salvation language. montese character. says: “I will be with you so that from him” (LG 55). Whenever God March 2018 26 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 27 Don Bosco’s Madonna speaks to a creature, he waits for a It is more probable, however, response in freedom. that the name Maria is derived NEWSBITS from the Egyptian language. In Myriam: The humble girl is the fact, the first time the name Mary BELLUNO “princess” God chose appears in the Bible, is when it is On his deathbed, Pope Luciani “The angel Gabriel was sent by used to name the sister of Moses “was holding three typescript God to a town in Galilee called and Aaron, who was born during sheets of paper in his hands. Of Nazareth, to a virgin, betrothed to the time of the slavery of the He- those pages I remember a quota- a man of the house of David brews in Egypt. Moses and Aaron tion, the Gospel passage in named Joseph. The virgin’s name were two Egyptian names: it was which we speak of gluttons and was Mary” (Luke 1:26-27). Every logical therefore to think that ev- drunkards...”. Sister Margherita time I hear that lovely passage en their sister Mary had to have Marin, 76 years old, of the Sisters read I feel distinctly that with the an Egyptian name, which meant of Maria Bambina, is the only There are those who speculate announcement of that name, a “beloved of God.” Such was the survivor of the group of four that he died of a broken heart, in new history of humankind has case of the Jewish girl whom God sisters - the others were Elena the face of the financial scandals begun. has chosen to be the mother of Maggi, Vincenza Taffarel and found in the Vatican.... What was the meaning of the the Messiah; even her name indi- Cecilia Tomaselli – who took I can only testify to what I have name “Myriam” or “Miriám as cated her marvellous destiny, her care of John Paul I in the seen and I repeat: neither worr- Luke writes it? To the ancients, the mission, her greatness: Mary pontifical apartment in the Vati- ied nor crushed by responsibility. choice of a name had a sense of loved by God! can, from the end of August to foreboding, a wish to express the We always pray as we pronou- the end of September 1978, for Let’s talk about the last day of destiny of the man or woman who nce with love that blessed name, exactly 32 days. At the time of the Pontiff’s life on 28 September would bear it; his/her mission. which contains within itself the Luciani’s election, she was 37 1978. What memories do you Maria, Myriam, in Aramaic (the mystery of the one who gave years old and was the youngest, have of that day? language that Jesus spoke), meant flesh and blood to the Son of God, and nobody knew anything It was a normal day. In the mor- a “great lady,” a “princess.” but who is also our mother! about her until Stefania Falas- ning, in the chapel, Mass was at ca’s book “Papa Luciani. Chron- seven o’ clock. Then the Pope icle of a Death“ (Piemme) went took a look at the newspapers public. Here are the religious’ and finally retired to his studio, answers to our questions. because he had to write a document for the bishops. He Had you met Luciani before? I spent the rest of the morning had not met him before. Two working at his desk. Then there days after his election we joined was lunch...After lunch, there his “family”. In particular, I was as always, a short break. oversaw the wardrobe and the Then during the afternoon, the sacristy, I prepared the apart- Pope continued to work walking ment’s chapel for the morning around the apartment. I know mass celebration. But I also car- this because I was in the ried out other services when wardrobe room and was ironing. needed. Sister Cecilia was the I saw him go back and forth, cook, Sister Vincenza was a holding a book in his hand and nurse, while Sister Elena coordi- reading. Then in the evening he nated our work, she was the recited the vespers in the chapel group leader. Sister Vincenza with the secretaries. He recited Taffarel, who was also a nurse, them in English, to learn the was the oldest, she knew the language. In the evening, he Pope and had been assisting him dined normally. And as usual, for many years. after dinner, he came to wish us March 2018 28 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 29 Don Bosco’s Madonna nuns goodnight in the kitchen. I heard that she said: “Holiness, He asked me what Mass I had you should joke with me like prepared for the next morning. I that”. She called me and I also IN A CHEERFUL MOOD said that the next day, September went inside. I also saw that he In a Manner of Speaking man persisted, “You’d have a 29th, was the anniversary of the was dead, motionless lying flat An American guest was trying to room for him, wouldn’t you?” holy angels. And he said, “Good, on the bed. The light was on and impress on the British host how “Why, of course,” the clerk so tomorrow morning, if the the Pope was wearing glasses. vast the area covered by the admitted. Lord wishes, we shall celebrate He was holding three typescript United States is. “Then let me have his room. together”. He was serene, quiet, sheets, his hands were resting on “Why,” he exclaimed, after He’s not coming.” he did not seem fatigued. He was his chest, as it happens to those several futile attempts to get his about to leave, but stopped on who fall asleep while reading. He friend to understand what he Picking up Scraps the threshold and greeted us had no suffering face, he was meant, “You can get on a train in again. That evening before reti- lying down, with a slight smile, The story of a sad-faced fellow Pennsylvania at seven in the touched the merchant’s heart so ring, he spoke on the telephone it seemed as if he was sleeping. evening, and be still in with Cardinal Giovanni Col- He died without realizing it, much that he filled a large sack Pennsylvania at seven the next with groceries and said, “These ombo, Archbishop of Milan. The there was no sign, it must have morning!” call lasted half an hour. been something lightning quick. are on me - hope they help.” The man seemed to understand Misty-eyed the fellow started at last and said: “Well, we’ve What happened the morning Did you see the content of the out, then turned back. trains like that on our railways “Need something else?” asked after? Can you tell us? papers that the Pope was too, but we don’t boast of them.” We Sisters would wake up at 5, holding in his hand? For decades, the merchant. Came the sad reply, “How about at 5:15 a.m. we would be up. there has been all kinds of Occupational Therapy Sister Vincenza would prepare speculation… my food tokens?” coffee for the Pope, I would wait I have only this memory: on the A young draftee, in the Army just for the groceries that would typewritten sheets, I could see a long enough to catch on to things, Question of Perspective come with the elevator at 5.30 a. couple of lines. It was the Gospel was caught loafing by his Typist: “But professor, isn’t this m. At 5.30 the Holy Father passage where the words sergeant. the same exam you gave last would go and take his coffee in “glutton” and “drunkard” are “What are you doing?” barked year?” the sacristy of the chapel and quoted...”. the three-striper. Professor: “Yes, but I’ve changed then pray until 7 am, when Mass “Well-uh-I’m procrastinating.” the answers.” began. That day the Pope had Does it refer to Matthew 11:18- The sergeant looked puzzled for not come out. Sister Vincenza 19? The passage that reports a moment then roared: “Okay, Impersonation Personified had seen that coffee was still these words of Jesus:” For John just as long as you keep busy.” There was the wife who there and had not been touched. came neither eating nor drink- complained to her husband, I remember that we were both in ing, and they say, ‘He has a Creative Uses “Look at the old clothes I have the hallway of the apartment demon.’ The Son of Man came Teacher: “What is the difference to wear; if anyone came to visit, and she told me: “Come, let’s try eating and drinking, and they between a primitive man and a they would think I was the knocking on the door, the Holy say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and modern man?” cook.” Father has not yet come out”. She a drunkard, a friend of tax Pupil: “When his wife talks too The husband replied, “Well, went on to knock. No one collectors and sinners!’ Yet much, modern man goes to his they’d change their minds if they answered... wisdom is justified by her club, while the primitive man stayed for dinner.” deeds.”? reached for it.” What time was it? Yes, I remember that. I think he Gender Economics It had to be about 5.30 am, more was reading to prepare for the Suite Talk The difference between a man or less. She invited me to go Angelus on the following The hotel clerk was losing his and a woman is that the man closer. She told me: “Come, Sunday or for Wednesday’s patience. “Look,” he said, “we will pay two dollars for a one come....”. Perhaps she had some audience. don’t have any rooms. We’re dollar item while a woman will sort of feeling, I don’t know. full!” pay one dollar for an item she Sister Vincenza went in first, and Andrea Tornielli, La Stampa “If the President came in,” the doesn’t want. March 2018 30 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 31 Don Bosco’s Madonna THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS Form IV The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is Statement of ownership and other particulars about the newspaper”: a very simple yet most efficacious devotion. Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Don Bosco’s Madonna Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practise this devotion in time of danger, stress, 1. Place of Publication: St. Paul’s Press, 58.23rd Rd., TPS III, special need or temptation, is a sure means to Bandra, Mumbai - 400 050 obtain Our Lady's help. After two and a half years of saying the three Hail 2. Periodicity of Publication: 1st & 2nd of every month Marys we got our house sold, which was difficult. I had also requested to get a single room in an aged home, and my prayer was answered. 3. Printer’s name and nationality: For Bombay Salesian Society I thank Our Lady and I will always continue to pray the three Hail Fr Edwin D’Souza sdb (trustee) Marys. Ms. A Fernandes, Mumbai Indian Thank You Mother Mary for all the favours granted to our sons Dr. Don Bosco Shrine Office Shane and Serville. We are grateful to you. Innocencio D’Silva, Goa My belated and heartfelt and sincere thanks to Our Lord Jesus and Matunga, Mumbai 400 019 our Blessed Mother for providing a job for my husband in Mumbai after he lost his job in the Gulf due to the recession. I also thank my 4. Publisher’s name: - do - Blessed Mother for providing a good job for my children abroad. My younger son found his lost handbag containing important documents 5. Editor’s name: Fr. Ian Doulton sdb viz. his wallet, laptop, passport at the airport. O my Mother, I thank you for unconditionally answering all my prayers each time I call you 6. Name & address of individuals for help. I am sorry I delayed in publishing my thanks. Please continue who own the newspaper and to intercede for my husband who is suffering from psoraisis. A Devotee partners or shareholders It was on December 11, 2016 and I was in the office and we were holding more than 1% of capital having a fun session and we were playing games as part of our fun activities. As we were playing I lost my balance and fell and as a The magazine is a non-profit publication result my left hand was badly injured. I was rushed to the hospital and the doctors said my left shoulder was dislocated and the bone in my fore arm was cracked. Before going to play I kissed the picture of I, Fr. Ian Doulton, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to Mother Mary on my manager’s desk. So I believed Mary was with me the best of my knowledge and belief. and she protected me. My hand was paralyzed for four months and my prayers to Mother Mary saved my hand. Thank you Mother Mary. Savina Menezes, Mumbai Dated: March 1, 2018 My sincere thanks to you Mother Mary through your help and guidance and my faith in the 3 Hail Marys I have been blessed. You have come to my aid every time. I called to you saying the 3 Hail Marys. Sd/- A Devotee Fr. Ian Doulton sdb My sincere thanks to the Lord Jesus and Mother Mary for saving me from an accident. I always recite the 3 Hail Marys and ask the protection of the Most Precious blood of Jesus before leaving the house. Gerry Miranda, Goa

March 2018 32 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 33 Don Bosco’s Madonna LOVING CHILDREN TO THANKS TO DEAR THEIR LOVING MOTHER ST. DOMINIC SAVIO By the grace of our lord Jesus Christ and Mother Mary I would Our grateful thanks to Mary Help of Christians like to present my testimony. I receive the Don bosco magazine and St. Dominic Savio for keeping our from the past 3 years. In 2015 I was struck with severe depression daughter safe and healthy throughout her regarding my job and marriage this depression coupled with OCD. pregnancy and for the delivery of a healthy (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) which acts as a deadly child. Mata Lucia and Isac Dias, Goa combination. I could not sleep at nights. I prayed to the Lord and It is through the intercession of Don Bosco, Mother Mary for help.I was once reading through this magazine St. Dominic Savio, St. Teresa of Kolkata that and came upon the testimonies of the devotion of 3 hail marys to I safely delivered our baby boy Darius. We Mother Mary. Also an uncle of mine advised about the same. I thank the Holy Trinity and our loving Mama started this devotion and in sometime I was relieved of my Sleeping Mary for blessing our child with good health illness I did not have to take sedative prescribed by my doctor for and cheerfulness. Praise be to God for His sleep. I want the world to know about this MIRACLE and so increase countless blessings and protection always. devotion to Jesus and Mother Mary. A Devotee Callistus and Monica Gonsalves, Goa My grateful thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Help of Our grateful thanks to Mother Mary, St. Dominic Savio and St. John Christians for the clear and normal sonography reports of Wilfred Bosco for a safe and normal pregnancy and delivery of my daughter and for his complete recovery from his sickness. I am also thankful Candice, and for blessing Candice and Ryan with a normal and healthy for all the other favours and blessings bestowed on me and my baby girl born on September 24, 2017, whom they have named family. Juliet John, Mumbai Hannah. Please guard,guide, bless and protect her and keep her Sincere thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady for the always in good health. Mrs. Cynthia Pinto, Podanur gift of a pregnancy and a safe delivery thereafter. A Devotee Sincere thanks to Our Heavenly Father, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary Help of Christians, St. John Bosco, St. Dominic Savio and St. THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO Anthony for bringing my daughter Antoinette and her kids Aeryn and OUR LADY AND DON BOSCO Caelyn home after seven long years. Till the very last day it was just touch and go, with visas and EU passports and ID cards. Jennifer, My sincere thanks for all the blessings received throughout the Deryck and me, Maria, we are all grateful for all the heavenly Year of Mercy. Our thanks to all the saints through whose assistance, may they continue to shower their blessings on us from intercession we received so many favours. A Devotee above and on our son-in-law, Victor. I thank the Sacred Heart of Jesus for healing me from bone marrow Maria, Deryck and Jennifer Fernandes,Mysore cancer. Maria D’Souza, Mumbai My heartfelt thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Mary and I’m immensely grateful to Our Lady and Don Bosco for (1) Healing St. Dominic Savio for granting a good job to my son (Dominic Savio the wounds on my feet; (2) Protecting me from a dog’s bite; (3) Fernandes) and for all the favours received. Finding the car keys in a graveyard. A Devotee Mrs. Mary Francis Fernandes, Mumbai I had a fall on August 15, 2017 and I hurt my hip. I was frightened My sincere thanks to Jesus, Mother Mary and Dominic Savio for it was fractured. I did not want to go to the doctor for an xray. I giving my daughter the gift of a child after five years of marriage. prayed to the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit ,Mother Mary, St. John Filtobia Almeida, Goa Bosco and St. Dominic Savio. I am grateful that I was preserved Thank you Mother Mary and St. Dominic Savio for blessing us with a from any major injury. A Devotee healthy baby girl in spite of complications. A Devotee Thank you Jesus, Mother Mary, Don Bosco and all the saints for saving my son Nelson from a major accident that took place last APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER year. Dear Mother keep him safe. Isabel Palani, Mumbai Thank you dear Mother Mary, Don Bosco and St. Dominic Savio MARCH 2017 for all the favours received. L. Pereira, Goa Formation in Spiritual Discernment Thank you dear Infant Jesus, Mother Mary, Don Bosco, St. Dominic That the Church may appreciate the urgency of formation Savio and St. Jude for all the favours received. Please continue to in spiritual discernment, both on the personal and bless all of us. Yvonne Rodrigues, Australia communitarian levels. March 2018 34 Don Bosco’s Madonna March 2018 35 Don Bosco’s Madonna Regd RNI no. 9360/57; Postal Regn. MH/MR/North East/089/2018-2020 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 This is my thanksgiving to Mary Help of Christians and St. Dom- inic Savio for the beautiful gift of “Parenthood” to Aisha and Carl- ton Dias, on the arrival of their son, Aaric, who was born in Feb- ruary 2016. Aaric is their miracle baby after 10 years of marriage. For those who are praying for children, never give up, keep praying to Mary Help of Christ- ians and trust in her intercession. She will never forsake us. I prayed with Aaisha the Novena of Mary Help of Christians and Aaisha wore the St. Dominic Savio Sca- pular. We praise Jesus, and Mot- her Mary and we are extremely grateful for the gift of Aaric, for blessing Aaisha and Carlton. Henrietta M. D’Sa, Australia 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] March 2018 36 Don Bosco’s Madonna