DON BOSCO'S MADONNA Mumbai JANUARY 2016 vol.17 No. 9 HE NEVER TOLD ME HE LOVED ME! ere at the Shrine I see interesting things. I see parents interacting with their kids – fathers babysitting their babies while mothers CONTENTS spendH a few moments in prayer. I notice elderly parents being lovingly led to their pews by caring sons or daughters. Those gestures sometimes tear me up and warm my heart. I often say to myself, From The Editor's Desk: He Never Told Me He Loved Me...... 3 that I’ve got to be really insensitive if that doesn’t make me emotional. That’s what family-love is all about, isn’t it? The Art of Giving Strange that another memory came back to me as I was looking - Fr. Erasto Fernandez. SSS...4 down one Sunday morning from the choir loft at the shrine where I take my perch: years ago, in the course of a chat, someone Youth on the Move:The Church of complained to me that his father had never told him that he loved Tomorrow - Giuliano Palizzi...... 7 him. He didn’t really doubt that his father did love him; it was only that he wished he had said it. He admitted that nowadays parents Vocation Story: Fr. Aldo Marchesini...... 10 do feel embarrassed to say it. It seems unnecessary. Even so, now that he has grown up and gotten married, he decided that he would Salesian Saint: Bl Magdalene Morano...11 tell his son that he loved him - only, he feared the boy would say that this was mush! Witnesses In And For Our Times: O God, whose eternal Word The opportunity came sooner than he expected. On a wet day he St Severinus of Noricum...... 12 adorns the face collected the lad from school and after the father parked the car he Lectio Divina: In Search of A Treasure of the heavens took the risk and told his son that he loved him. Well the boy didn’t - Cl. Ian Pinto, sdb...... 16 say it in so many words, but kept looking out of the window…his yet accepted from face grew beet red with embarrassment, obviously the boy thought Quietspaces: Without Mary Jesus Cannot the Virgin Mary it was mush, of course, but still the father was glad he had said it; Be Understood - Pope Francis.....18 now his son would always know that he was loved. the frailty of our flesh, That father was not the only one to want his child to know that he As A Tree Falls grant, we pray, loved him. God had thought of it long ago. That is what baptism is - Fr. Ian Doulton's Collection...20 all about. God the Father did not miss the opportunity to say so at that he who appeared his Son’s baptism. He let the Spirit descend on Jesus and told Jesus Don Bocso’s Identity: among us as the splendour that he loved him (his beloved Son). You miss the point if you do not Don Bosco’s Tenacity (10) realise that this applies to you too! A preface used in Mass puts it - Fr. Elias Dias, SDB...... 24 of truth this way: that God the Father sees and loves in us what he sees and loves Reflecting on Mary: Among the doctors may go forth in the fullness in Christ. That’s why you’ve got to take the hint! Maybe it is because the world is always telling us that you get in the Temple of power - Bernardina do Nascimento...28 nothing for nothing, that it’s so tough to get our minds around the for the redemption fact that God gives us his love even before we could possibly deserve Newsbits...... 31 of the world. it, or even after we have offended him – oh so many times at that. If we can’t feel the need for our parents to tell us they love us and In a Cheerful Mood...... 15 Who lives and reigns with The Devotion of repeat it again and again, it is probably not surprising that we can the Three Hail Marys...... 33 you in the unity forget that we are loved by God with an unconditional love. Loving Children to their Think of the father of the Prodigal Son - he did not even wait for Loving Mother...... 34 of the Holy Spirit, his son to say he was sorry, he was already hugging him. And mind They Are Grateful to one God, for ever and ever. you, you don’t have to be a father to say it…everyone at home Our Lady & Don Bosco...... 34 deserves to be told they are loved…and mean it when you say it…oh, Thanks to Dear Opening Prayer how we’re waiting to hear it...and know it’s true! St. Dominic Savio...... 35 Tuesday after Epiphany Fr. Ian Doulton sdb January 2016 2 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 3 Don Bosco’s Madonna sessed… and she responded. God’s glory and the exact im- CEL SERIES Even though she at first greeted print of God’s very being…” THE RITUAL OF COFFEE DRINKING! him with a rifle, she gave him a (Hebr 1:1-3) and he came to THE RITUAL OF COFFEE DRINKING! gift and soon came to rejoice at mankind unarmed except with Fr. Erasto Fernandez, sss his presence. the total helplessness of a new ot long after the war stop- slowly put the rifle down and These humble tenuous begin- born child. He came seeking N ped in the Balkans, Fr. Mar- edged towards the kitchen. nings of a perilous journey to- shelter. “He was in the world, kovic of the now beleaguered wards an eventual loving emb- and the world came into being and battered city, Sarajevo, visit- The Age-old Coffee Ritual race were enacted through a rit- through him; yet the world did ed his home village. Occupying ual of coffee drinking. If the jour- not know him. He came to what the house in which his brother ney continues, it will ultimately was his own, and his own people used to live was now a fierce lead through the treacherous did not accept him. But to all Muslim woman. He had been terrain of forgiveness towards who received him, who believed warned by relatives and friends the meaningful communion of in his name, he gave power to not to go there because she bran- genuine covenantal love. It become children of God, who dished a rifle to protect her new- doesn’t call for much spiritual- were born, not of blood or of the gained house. He went anyway. ity to see in this simple story the will of the flesh or of the will of As he approached the house, he outlines of God’s humble man, but of God. And the Word saw the fierce looking woman Reappearing with two cups of approach to sinful humanity became flesh and moved into waiting for him, cigarette in her coffee a while later, the two erst- asking for a gracious and loving the neighbourhood, and we have mouth and rifle cocked. She while deadly enemies began to acceptance through a piece of seen his glory, the glory as of a literally barked as he neared the talk as they shared in the broken bread and a sip of shared father’s only son, full of grace front door, “Go away or I’ll shoot ancient ritual of hospitality, wine! and truth” (Jn 1:10-14). you.” “No, you won’t shoot me,” drinking coffee together. She In this simple beginning we said Fr. Markovic in a gentle but hesitantly yet fearlessly told him God’s Love Story recognize the pattern God al- firm voice, “you’ll make me a of her deep sense of loneliness, Estranged after aeons of sepa- ways followed since then in His cup of coffee!” In utter disbelief, of the house she had lost, of the ration following on Adam’s hei- dealings with humankind. It is she stared at him for a while, only son who never returned nous sin, from “long ago God He who takes the first steps to- then with trembling hands she from the battlefield. He listened spoke to our ancestors in many wards us, no matter how often with rapt attention as she and various ways by the prop- and how tragically we strayed poured out her woes, entering hets, but in these last days he has from His love. He comes, He into her feelings as humanely as spoken to us through a Son, comes, He ever comes … he could. And after sharing their whom he appointed heir of all begging for our loving accept- cup of coffee and the stories of things... He is the reflection of ance of His compassionate their lives, they parted on a note presence. The few times we of strange yet deep friendliness. graciously offer Him our humble When Fr. Markovic returned a hospitality, we are the ones who month later she was waiting for gain the most. him with a broad smile and she told him, “I rejoice at seeing you Comes Always to Give as much as if my son had retur- But God is always a giver and ned home.” Several meetings so instead of mankind offering followed during all of which Him hospitality, He offers us a they never spoke a word about new birth into God’s own family, forgiveness – and, as a matter of inviting us to celebrate our Cove- fact, it did not matter at all! He, nant with broken Bread and sha- the victim, came to her asking for red Cup. And miracle of her hospitality in his brother’s miracles, what prophets could Fr Ivo Markovic house which she unlawfully pos- not attain over the past so many January 2016 4 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 5 Don Bosco’s Madonna centuries, Jesus achieved in his your coming back to me and And as we set out to comply low is that we put into practice own unique manner. And today living deeply our new life ag- joyously with the request - that what we have learnt and consis- it is He who invites you and me ain!” In the person of the woun- is precisely when the great mir- tently follow the path He points to be His extension, His hands ded neighbour, it is really the acle occurs: what we had set out out to us.That is when we will and lips taking this invitation to Lord himself who awaits our to give becomes God’s own gift see these miracles occurring on every single person, but response to his generous invita- to us of Himself in an embrace a regular basis. especially to those wounded tion and welcome back into our of infinite love. The lost son re- deep in their hearts so severely long lost home! turns to his Father’s bosom, the No Looking Back that the only language they torn down house expands into One of the hazards we often know now is that of violence and the entire universe, enemies be- face while traversing this path hatred. Yet underneath all that come friends and life becomes of eventual reconciliation is that exterior bravado and arrogance, new and worth living all over we tend to recall the past hurts there lie hearts that are broken again! and torn by hatred, lives of and brood over them. This kind simple loving people stripped of of reliving will only make us every shred of human dignity – revert to square one; rather, waiting, wanting to be what we would benefit from is a recognized in their God-given positive attitude and approach destiny and invited to sim-ple to life deciding that even if ordinary human rituals like Yet, hearing the Father call, others falter along the way, we sharing a cup of coffee or a meal. generally through other humans will not swerve from the around us, is not enough in itself. beckoning track of forgiving Sunday Eucharist – More Than We would somehow need to set love. This will ensure that a Ritual aside the fear that tightly enve- eventually we would all ex- If our Sunday Eucharist is to lops us as in a cocoon and take perience the full blessings of the become more than a hurried per- the giant step towards precisely forgiveness that the Father Him- functory, commercialized ritual, the ones we fear most – only to self offers us in His great gener- a mere fulfilling of an imper- discover that reality is quite osity. “‘See, I am coming soon, sonal canonical obligation, we different from what we imagi- Rare Occurrence or Daily and my reward is with me, to re- would need first of all to be in ned it to be. For the step we will Experience? pay all according to their deeds. touch with the deep wounds all have taken was not in order to Most Christians would ima- I am the Alpha and the Omega, of us have sustained in our receive (be it hurt or even a gine that such miracles cannot or the First and the Last, the Begin- dealings with one another. Many blessing) but paradoxically in will not be a daily phenomenon ning and the End.” Blessed are of these are real and continue order to give! And that too, to for especially when the chips are those who wash their robes so down the ages from generation give every bit of the little that we really down, God seems to hide they can enter through the gates to generation, but some of them have! In these encounters, we are his face, or at times to oversleep of the city and eat the fruit from at least, could be merely subjecti- dared to be like the Widow of while his beloved people suffer the tree of life… The Spirit and vely perceived or largely imag- Zarephath whom by prophet atrocities. And yet, “we know the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let each ined and exaggerated! What- Elijah challenged, “Do not be af- that God causes everything to ever be their origin, if we are to raid; go and do as you have said; work together for the good of one who hears them say, ‘Come.’ be free of their stranglehold but first make me a little cake of those who love God and are cal- Let the thirsty ones come - any- which brings us only personal it and bring it to me, and after- led according to his purpose for one who wants to, come and be misery and further animosity wards make something for your- them” (Rom 8:28). We are sure replenished! Let them come and towards others, we would need self and your son. For the LORD to make progress if we consci- drink the water of life without to listen to the gentle yet firm the God of Israel says: ‘The jar ously come to see the Eucharist charge” (Rev 22:12-17). How voice of the Father calling out to of meal will not be emptied and more as a training ground where many Eucharistic celebrations us, “Come back to me, with all the jug of oil will not fail un-til we learn the techniques of rela- up to now have truly brought your heart… don’t let fear keep the day that the LORD sends ting to God who comes to us in you back home to enjoy the Fat- us apart! Long have I waited for rain on the earth’.” human form. What needs to fol- her’s love in your neighbour? January 2016 6 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 7 Don Bosco’s Madonna THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW by men but chosen and precious one finds his own vocation and Giuliano Palizzi to God, You too, as living stones fits into place like a symphony are built into a spiritual house.” of communion. It is God’s TO ENTER PARADISE God that will save the Church and (1 Pt 2,4-5). This famous text common enterprise that needs A man went to Paradise. As he us with it; not the popes or the stresses the close relation between to lean continually on Christ as reached the pearly gates he met bishops, nor its great works, or Christ “the living stone” on whom its foundation. The Church of Saint Peter who said to him: beautiful cathedrals, not Catech- we are all built as “living stones,” tomorrow will not survive as the “You’ve got to have 1000 points ism classes that you attended or of the holy temple of God. work of a single artist but as a to enter. The good works you’ve the sacraments that you received symphonic chorus. So it needs a done will determine your points.” or the alms you gave or the foreign THE CHURCH IS NOT MINE bishop. The man replied: “Apart from the missions that you adopted and BUT THE LORD’S few times I was sick, I went to sponsored. They are all good and The day before he stepped down ABOVE ALL SIMPLY HOLY Mass everyday and sang in the holy things but in doing them we Benedict XVI said: “The Church, PEOPLE choir.” “That’s 50 points,” said are focusing on ourselves and on the diocese, the parish isn’t ours: it belongs to the Lord’s. You Mons Tonino Bello speaking to Saint Peter. “I always set aside a our good works like some kind of youngsters in 1990 said: “Above a passport that would ensure us must experience the Church as tidy sum to put into the collection all, be men right to the end. plate at Mass.” “That’s 25 points,” place. Remember the scene of the a place of freedom and love, Pharisee in front of the altar proximity and closeness. It is a Because being men of that said Saint Peter. The poor man calibre means being holy. Don’t seeing that he’d only managed 75 enumerating all his good actions, place where people can find a his badges of honour? They were home where they can breathe stop half way for half measures points began to get desperate. He because holiness doesn’t stand went on: “On Sundays I attended no use. The tax collector stood at freely and come back to live and Catechism class, I think that the back and beat work as a family; a place where for half measures. In addition, all counts for something, certainly.” his breast. He was they can commit themselves of you must be experts in active “Yes,” said Saint Peter, “that’s 25 saved because he socially and to easily live lives of Christianity, that is, capable of points.” The man was silent for leaned on Christ. charity with love and hope.” working together to be provo- some time, and then he added: “If To build up This happens only if the Church cative missionaries all over the we go on like this, it will only be the Church and its parishes are not planet - “to the ends of the the grace of God that will get me is to be built “padlocked” but has its doors earth,” prophets of justice and into Paradise.” Saint Peter smiled: on Christ. always open to everyone. The peace. And, rather than being “That’s 900 points. Get in!” “Come to Lord loves the neighbouring members, be people spreading him, the parish as much as he loves ours! kindness, gratitude, willing to CHRIST, THE CORNERSTONE living We are journeying together pay with your life the price for serving people… We’ve got to There’s no Church without stone, that unity for which Jesus Christ rejec- let the Church that has been built in his amazing love gave his life: Christ. He is the “cornerstone” on by Christ be a “spirit-ual house.” which every part of the Church is ted “I dream of a church full of men A spiritual house has to be built and women of the highest formed and built. The Church will as a “temple” of “living stones.” not collapse because He is its calibre, not half cooked cookies Stones are inert materials, often hanging around the parish foundation. It is only the Grace of shapeless, rough. They need to be shaped, smoothened and priest, passing on their dressed in a particular way responsibilities to others, living because each one has a place in by repeating rituals and walking the great cath-edral. To build in processions, thinking of this great Church with well- themselves. They will be real fitting living stones, that can bear men. That is why I dream of a the load, can form slender Church of tomorrow, a cor- columns, pillars to sup-port nerstone and many living statues, with decorations and stones! Both at home and in the spires, it is important that each vicinity of your school! January 2016 8 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 9 Don Bosco’s Madonna VOCATION PROMOTION SALESIAN I NEVER STOP THANKING GOD SAINTS Fr Aldo Marchesini - SCJ - Dehonian Fathers Father Aldo Marchesini aged 74 is MADDALENA a medical surgeon, a missionary priest of the Dehonian Fathers. He MORANO works and trains young surgeons. In 2003 he was discovered to have 1847 - 1908 HIV and he decided to remain in the missions. On June 12, 2014 he addalena Caterina Morano was given the United Nations World Mwas born in Chieri, in the Population Award because he had province of Turin, on 15th dedicated his life to treat the November 1847. Her father Fran- mothers of Mozambique of one of cis died when she was eight and the most discriminatory infirmities she began to help her mother with of their culture: uterine fistulas her work. Thanks to her uncle, a which resulted in complicated Why is Mozambique so special? priest, she was able to resume her deliveries. At the award ceremony They are very affectionate and studies. Meanwhile she met Don he said: “I think working for the simple people who are friendly Bosco for the first time, while poor is one of the best opportunities and sociable who accept their walking to Buttigliera d’Asti. I’ve ever had.” difficulties, sufferings and depri- When she was 19 she began vations. There was great serenity teaching at Montaldo Torinese: was sent to Sicily as Visitor, dir- in sickness and simplicity and She did this with diligence and ectress and novice mistress. Doctor and Priest: How was this Constantly with "one glance to choice made? fearlessness in the face of death. competence for fourteen years. Finally, Maddalena took her earth and ten to heaven", she I heard the Lord’s call at the end opened schools, oratories, hostels, of my high school year. I told my What indelible memory do you spiritual director's advice she have? went to speak to Don Bosco, who workshops everywhere. parents about it and my father Numerous vocations came, asked me to do a year of college The first patient to die in my directed her towards Mornese, arms was a child with pertussis. where Mother Mazzarello hap- attracted by her zeal and the before making a choice: “You’re She had a coughing fit till she pily welcomed her. community spirit she created only 19 years old; you’re too young passed away being unable to She immediately began teach- around her. At Catania they to make a serious decision.” I breathe. Her elder sister who had ing. In 1880 she consecrated her- gave her all the catechetics to started medicine and fell in love. brought her to the hospital was self to God through perpetual look after, the foundation of new At the end of the year I went to present to the very end. Without vows, and asked the Lord for the oratories and the Teacher's the novitiate of the Fathers of the saying a word she carried the body grace "of staying alive until she College. Sacred Heart (The Dehonians - on her back and weeping silently became a saint". In 1881, at the re- She was very devoted to Saint SCJ). Two weeks before the end of walked to her village. quest of the archbishop of Cata- Joseph and Mary Help of Chris- my novitiate the superior told me nia, Maddalena was invited to tians, who guided her in founding that the provincial council had What message do you have for direct the new work at Trecasta- new works, and she was success- decided that I should continue youngsters? gni. For four years she was in ful in spreading Don Bosco's char- medicine and after that proceed Missionary life is a vocation that charge, taught, washed, cooked, ism and the Preventive System. for theology. So I did and then they requires grace, strength and the was catechist but was especially Suffering from a tumour, Sr asked me to go to Mozambique generosity that opens your heart. a witness to the point where the Morano died at Catania on 26th where our Fathers were working When you arrive at a mission you girls were always calling, asking: March 1908. In the city where she in the diocese of Quelimane, realize that you receive more than we want to be like her! died, John Paul II proclaimed her where the bishop was already what you give. It is a special After a pause of a year in Turin, Blessed on 5th November 1994. planning to open a missionary vocation for which you never stop where she was in charge of the Her remains are venerated at Alì hospital. thanking God. FMA community at Valdocco, she Terme (Messina). January 2016 10 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 11 Don Bosco’s Madonna implored his assistance.
Saint Severinus preached PROFILES penance among them with great fruit, and he so effectually threatened with the divine vengeance a certain rich woman, who had hoarded up a great quantity of provisions, that she distributed all her stores amongst the poor. Soon after his arrival, the ice of the Danube and Basilica of St Severin ST SEVERIN OF NORICUM the Ins-breaking, the country in Cologne was abundantly supplied by contemplation. He never ate till (JANUARY 8) barges up the rivers. Another after sunset, unless on great From his life, by Eugippius his disciple, who was present at his death. See time by his prayers he chased festivals. In Lent he ate only once Tillemont, T. 16. p. 168. Lambecius Bibl. Vend. T. 1. p. 28. and Bollandus, away the locusts, which by their a week. His bed was sackcloth p. 497.He died in 482 swarms had threatened with spread on the floor in his oratory. devastation the whole produce He always walked barefoot, even e know nothing of the of the year. He wrought many when the Danube was frozen. W birth or country of this miracles; yet never healed the Many kings and princes of the saint. From the purity of his sore eyes of Bonosus, the dearest Barbarians came to visit him, and Latin, he was generally supposed to him of his disciples, who spent among them Odoacer, king of to be a Roman; and his care to forty years in almost continual the Heruli, then on his march for conceal what he was according prayer, without any abatement Italy. The saint’s cell was so low to the world, was taken for a of his fervour. The holy man that Odoacer could not stand proof of his humility, and a never ceased to exhort all to upright in it. St. Severinus told presumption that he was a repentance and piety; he him that the kingdom he was person of birth. He spent the first redeemed captives, relieved the going to conquer would shortly part of his life in the deserts of oppressed, was a father to the be his; and Odoacer seeing the East; but inflamed with an poor, cured the sick, mitigated, himself, soon after master of ardent zeal for the glory of God, or averted public calamities, and Italy, sent honorable letters to he left his retreat to preach the brought a blessing wherever he the saint, promising him all he gospel in the North. came. Many cities desired him was pleased to ask; but Severinus for their bishop, but he withstood only desired of him the At first he came to Astures, their importunities by urging, restoration of a certain banished now Stokeraw, situated above that it was sufficient he had man. Having foretold his death Vienna; but finding the people Postage Stamp of the relinquished his dear solitude for long before it happened, he fell hardened in vice, he foretold the Saint circa 1982 their instruction and comfort. ill of pleurisy on the 5th of punishment God had prepared Attila. St. Severinus’s ancient He established many January, and on the fourth day for them, and repaired to host with great danger made his monasteries, of which the most of his illness, having received the Comagenes, now Haynburg on escape to him at Comagenes. By considerable was one on the viaticum, and arming his whole the Danube, eight leagues the accomplishment of this banks of the Danube, near body with the sign of the cross, westward of Vienna. It was not prophecy, and by several Vienna; but he made none of and repeating that verse of the long before his prophecy was miracles he wrought, the name them the place of his constant psalmist, Let every spirit praise the verified for, Astures was laid of the saint became famous. abode, often shutting himself up Lord, (Psalm 150) he closed his waste, and the inhabitants Favianes, a city on the Danube, in an hermitage four leagues eyes and expired in the year 482. destroyed by the sword of the twenty leagues from Vienna, from his community, where he Six years after, his disciples, Huns, soon after the death of distressed by a terrible famine, wholly devoted himself to obliged by the incursions of January 2016 12 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 13 Don Bosco’s Madonna Barbarians, retired with his relics greatness, and her own total into Italy, and deposited them at insufficiency, baseness, and Luculano, near Naples, where a nothingness, after quite a new IN A CHEERFUL MOOD great monastery was built, of manner; and in which she con- which Eugippius, his disciple, ceives a relish of contempt and What a promotion! where I’ve worked, whenever and author of his life, was soon humiliations as her due, feels a During the noon time recrea- something went wrong, I was after made the second abbot. In secret sentiment of joy in suf- tional activities, the president of always responsible.” the year 910 they were trans- fering them, she sincerely loves the corporation mounted the lated to Naples, where to this her own abjection, dependence, platform accompanied by an Quite honestly day they are honoured in a Bene- and correction, dreads the es- overall-clad man off the On the job application form dictine abbey, which bears his teem and praises of others, as assembly line, and made this was the question, “Have you name. The Roman and other snares by which a mortal poison speech: ever been arrested?” The Martyrologies place his festival may imperceptibly insinuate on this day, because it was the itself into her affections, and “Ladies and gentlemen, you applicant put down, “No.” day on which he died. deprive her of the divine grace; are about to see how American The next question was “Why?” - A perfect spirit of sincere is so far from preferring herself industry rewards those who are meant for those who had been humility is the spirit of the most to any one, that she always pla- conscientious and hard-working. arrested. sublime and heroic degree of ces herself below all creatures, is This man standing beside me has The applicant put down, “Never Christian virtue and perfection. almost sunk in the deep abyss of been with the company less than been caught.” As the great work of the her own nothingness, never a year, during which time his sanctification of our souls is to speaks of herself to her own ad- unusual qualities have earned More work, more pay be begun by humility, so must it vantage, or affects a show of him salary increases in excess of The Smithsons went away for be completed by the same. modesty in order to appear one hundred dollars a week. I their summer vacation and gave Humility invites the Holy Ghost humble before men; in all good, into the soul and prepares her to gives the entire glory to God have watched him closely, their maid, Jane, a month’s wages receive his graces. From the most alone, and as to herself, glories observed with great pleasure the before leaving. On their return perfect charity, which he infu- only in her infirmities, pleasing manner in which he has pitched four weeks later, Jane demanded ses, she derives a new interior herself in her own weakness and in and gotten things done. higher wages, or she would leave. light, and an experiential know- nothingness, rejoicing that God Therefore, I am pleased to anno- Mrs Smithson was horrified. ledge of God and herself, with is the great all in her and in all unce that starting this very after- “Look, dear,” she exclaimed an infused humility far clearer in creatures. (The grammar and the noon he gets out of his work “you’ve only just had a month the light of the understanding, in language is archaic, hence the clothes, comes into the executive off with full pay. You should con- which she sees God’s infinite length of the sentences. ed.) branch, and takes over an office sider yourself very fortunate.” with the title of Executive Vice “That’s just it,” she replied. President in Charge of Policy at “You paid me all that money for an annual wage of eighty thous- doing nothing, so how can you and dollars. Congratulations to expect me to do all this work now you, Sir.” for the same wages?” The workman shook the extended hand and said: “Gee, Caught thanks Dad!” Pompous speaker: “There are 100 jails in this state and I’m The right choice proud to say that no members of “For this job,” said the my family have ever been in one manager, “we want someone of them.” who is responsible.” Voice from the rear: “And “That’s for me, Sir. Every- which one is that?” January 2016 14 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 15 Don Bosco’s Madonna event. They were probably well- What was it about this newborn versed with the prophecies lin- king that set him on pins? Nobody king the appearance of a parti- in his kingdom had made mention cular star with the birth of an of the birth of another king, but extraordinary king. On the other here on his doorstep were wise hand, Herod and the Jews were men who had travelled a great ignorant of the impending birth distance in order to pay homage and blind to the sign indicating its to this king. One can easily ima- occurrence. They were caught up gine his embarrassment and con- in their petty issues and were fusion at the wise men’s inquiry. waiting for an apocalyptic release Taken aback and in a desperate from foreign domination by a king attempt to avoid further embar- who would come in pomp and rassment, he ‘called a meeting of glory. Little did they expect such all high-ranking priests and a king to be born in a humble scribes, and asked them where the IN SEARCH OF A TREASURE manger! The magi harboured no Messiah was to be born’ (Mt 2:4). Cl. Ian Pinto, sdb prejudices against the newborn On receiving the news that he was king and honoured him despite to be born in Bethlehem, he feigns A Disconcerting Birth threshold of his vocational com- his unadorned conditions. interest and sends the wise men A child opens the door to new mitment to Mary. They were bet- The magi’s attitude of attentive- before him to locate the child and life. The situation of the parents rothed to one another, which in ness is worthy of imitation. They report back to him. undergoes a radical change. They Jewish terms means, a recognized were on the lookout for a sign The wise men were honest assume new responsibilities and relationship lacking only the rel- indicating the fulfillment of a seekers. They put their trust in the must make deliberate choices in igious ritual. In the midst of this prophecy. Jesus has promised us star and set out on the capricious accord with the new arrival. The delicate situation, God intervenes his Spirit above and beyond other belief that the star would lead parents prepare themselves and and Mary becomes pregnant. One things. Are we waiting attentively them to the foretold king. They their home to welcome the child. can imagine the consternation of for his coming or have we grown were probably keenly awaiting the After birth, the relatives flock to both the parties! Nonetheless, they complacent like the Jews? Are we fulfillment of the prophecy and set lay their eyes on the latest addition carry on in faith, trusting in God’s waiting for a supernatural inter- out with gusto at the reappear- to the family and welcome it with plan for them and their enigmatic vention or are we living in the aw- ance of the star. They probably gifts. The child, at this point is not child. areness of God’s continuous acti- thought that many others and really aware of all that is going on vity even in the mundane events especially the Jews would be around it but can definitely sense The Attentiveness of the Magi of life? excited at the fulfillment of the the atmosphere of love, care and The Gospel tells us that ‘when prophecy. But to their dismay, security. Jesus was born in Bethlehem... Diametric Approaches to Jesus nobody seemed to bother. Imagine Jesus, the Messiah and Son of wise men from the East arrived in Herod grew disturbed on them eagerly asking around God, was born in accordance with Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is hearing the news of the birth of a Jerusalem where the newborn the prophecies made by the pro- the newborn King of the Jews? We new king in his territory (Mt 2:3). king was born and meeting with phets of old. The immediate ev- saw his star in the East and have Thus far, he was leading a com- nonchalant shrugs, questioning ents surrounding his birth, as nar- come to honour him” (Mt 2:1-2). fortable life. He hardly had any eyes and apathetic smirks. They rated in the Bible, possess an air It is amazing how the magi major worries. His job was that of must have felt discouraged. Could of mystery and wonder about travelled such a great distance to a middle-man or mediator they have been mistaken? Did them. Mary was a fairly young venerate the King of the Jews, between the aristocratic Romans they come all this way for noth- maiden when the angel appeared while the Jews themselves, rem- and the Jews. He was perhaps not ing? Despite their setbacks, they to her bearing God’s invitation. ained unaware of the birth despite as powerful as he would have did not simply give up and turn She was in the first stage of her sharing the same soil with the liked to be but he had nothing to back. They persisted in their commitment to Joseph, just get- newborn king. The magi disp- complain about. He had his fair search and were finally rewarded ting the feel of being in a relatio- layed extraordinary attentiveness share of power, wealth and with an encounter with the baby. nship. Joseph likewise, was on the to the sign foretelling a majestic majesty. Continued on pg 30 January 2016 16 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 17 Don Bosco’s Madonna WITHOUT MARY JESUS CANNOT BE UNDERSTOOD On the morning of January 1, 2015, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the World Day of Peace, the Holy Father celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The following is the edited English text of the Pope’s homily which was delivered in Italian.
oday we are reminded of the words of blessing which Elizabeth or philosophy, but a vital and full relationship with a person: Jesus Christ, Tspoke to the Virgin Mary: “Blessed are you among women, and the only-begotten Son of God who became man, was put to death, rose blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why has this happened to me, from the dead to save us, and is now living in our midst. Where can we that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” (Lk 1:42-43). encounter him? We encounter him in the Church, in our hierarchical, Holy In celebrating the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy, the Holy Mother of Mother Church. It is the Church which says today: “Behold the Lamb of God, the Church reminds us that Mary, more than anyone else, received God”; it is the Church, which proclaims him; it is in the Church that this blessing. In her the blessing finds fulfilment, for no other creature Jesus continues to accomplish his acts of grace which are the sacraments. has ever seen God’s face shine upon it as did Mary. She gave a human Dear brothers and sisters! Jesus Christ is the blessing for every man face to the eternal Word, so that all of us can contemplate him. and woman, and for all of humanity. The Church, in giving us Jesus, offers In addition to contemplating God’s face, we can also praise him and us the fullness of the Lord’s blessing. This is precisely the mission of the glorify him, like the shepherds who came away from Bethlehem with a people of God: to spread to all peoples God’s blessing made flesh in Jesus song of thanksgiving after seeing the Child and his young mother (cf. Christ. And Mary, the first and most perfect disciple of Jesus, the first and Lk 2:16). The two were together, just as they were together at Calvary, most perfect believer, the model of the pilgrim Church, is the one who because Christ and his mother are inseparable: there is a very close opens the way to the Church’s motherhood and constantly sustains her relationship between them, as there is between every child and his or maternal mission to all mankind. Mary’s tactful maternal witness has her mother. The flesh (caro) of Christ – which, as Tertullian says, is the accompanied the Church from the beginning. She, the Mother of God, is hinge (cardo) of our salvation – was knit together in the womb of Mary also the Mother of the Church, and through the Church, the mother of all (cf. Ps 139:13). This inseparability is also clear from the fact that Mary, men and women, and of every people. chosen beforehand to be the Mother of the Redeemer, shared intimately May this gentle and loving Mother obtain for us the Lord’s blessing in his entire mission, remaining at her Son’s side to the end on Calvary. upon the entire human family. On this, the World Day of Peace, we Mary is so closely united to Jesus because she received from him the especially implore her intercession that the Lord may grant peace in our knowledge of the heart, the knowledge of faith, nourished by her day; peace in hearts, peace in families, peace among the nations. The experience as a mother and by her close relationship with her message for the Day of Peace this year is “No Longer Slaves, Son. The Blessed Virgin is the woman of faith who made room but Brothers and Sisters”. All of us are called to be free, all are for God in her heart and in her plans; she is the believer called to be sons and daughters, and each, according to his or capable of perceiving in the gift of her Son the coming of that her own responsibilities, is called to combat modern forms of “fullness of time”(Gal 4:4) in which God, by choosing the enslavement. From every people, culture and religion, let us humble path of human existence, entered personally into the join our forces. May he guide and sustain us, who, in order to history of salvation. That is why Jesus cannot be understood make us all brothers and sisters, became our servant. without his Mother. Likewise inseparable are Christ and the Church – because Let us look to Mary, let us contemplate the Holy Mother of the Church and Mary are always together and this is precisely God. I suggest that you all greet her together, just like those the mystery of womanhood in the ecclesial community – and courageous people of Ephesus, who cried out before their the salvation accomplished by Jesus cannot be understood pastors when they entered Church: “Holy Mother of God!” without appreciating the motherhood of the Church. To separate What a beautiful greeting for our Mother. There is a story – I Jesus from the Church would introduce an “absurd dichotomy”, do not know if it is true – that some among those people had as Blessed Paul VI wrote (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 16). It is not clubs in their hands, perhaps to make the Bishops understand possible “to love Christ but without the Church, to listen to what would happen if they did not have the courage to Christ but not the Church, to belong to Christ but outside the proclaim Mary “Mother of God”! I invite all of you, without Church” (ibid.). For the Church is herself God’s great family, clubs, to stand up and to greet her three times with this which brings Christ to us. Our faith is not an abstract doctrine greeting of the early Church: “Holy Mother of God!” January 2016 18 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 19 Don Bosco’s Madonna edge of town. Then the tired doc- troduced myself: “I’m Fr Lee. I’m AS THE TREE FALLS tor commented, as if to himself: the new pastor at St Mary’s. I From Fr. Ian Doulton's collection of stories “Nothing kills a man sooner that heard your mother was quite ill.” trying to satisfy a demanding Ellen didn’t know what to say… he most wonderful thing we ption that will keep you on your woman.” she kept looking over her shoulder Thave in life is life. It’s the most feet,” And as he yawned looking Ellen was her only child left at and whispered: “She didn’t send important thing too, because each rather tired, I told him that what home and she made that child’s for you, did she?” But I told her of us has only one. Life is a gift he needed was a good night’s life miserable. That girl was a that no one had asked me to come from God and it is meant to be sleep. That was when he got talk- natural-born musician, a pianist. over but since she was sick I lived according to the regulations ing about what kept him awake She had a wonderful chance to go thought I needed to visit her. Ellen he has laid down. All the ‘do’s’ these days. It was old Mrs Stoner. to the big city and to study at a was afraid because she knew her and ‘don’t’s’ boil down to this: “Do She had a large rundown house a conservatory but Mrs Stoner was mother didn’t like visitors. But I good and avoid evil.” It sounds bit outside the town. She’d have set on Ellen being a school teacher pleaded and said I wouldn’t take simple and maybe it would be, her daughter Ellen call the poor just because she always wanted to more than a few minutes. I looked except that we are human, we’re doctor at all hours of the day or be one herself and never got a into Ellen’s face, there were dark weak and we fail. We hurt oursel- night and he would faithfully chance. Poor Ellen ended up being rings around her eyes; the poor ves and other people. God knows drive up there. He sat down to a book-keeper for a lumber yard. girl had been on her toes for the our weakness and all through life write the prescription and looking The little old piano that her father last three months as her mother’s he gives us chance after chance to up at me, he shook his head and lovingly presented her was sold condition began deteriorating. clean the slate and start over went on: “If that Mrs Stoner does- and that truly broke Ellen’s heart. I suggested: “Don’t you think it again. He’ll let us use our last n’t die or get better pretty soon, That was what really took the life would be a good idea if I talked to breath to say: “I’m sorry, I won’t she’s going to have both me and out of her. She just dragged around her?” Ellen was afraid of her mot- do it again and I’ll try to make up that poor daughter of hers in the ever since. her’s temper because she took it for it.” But there is something we grave... I’ve been up three nights Hearing all this I was more all out on the poor girl. She herself have to do: turn our wandering straight!” What was wrong with determined than ever to go and regretted that she couldn’t go to wills back to God. her? That was what had confused see Mrs Stoner. But in the next few church since her mother expected the doctor. He just couldn’t make days I realized that the doctor her to be at her beck and call all All this came home to me early a diagnosis. At her age it could be wasn’t the only one who gave an the time or she’d create a tantrum. in life when I was a young priest any number of things. unfavourable report on Mrs All of a sudden there was an in charge of my first parish. It was I had not yet met her and so he Stoner. I kept hearing the same interruption: “Ellen? Who’re you in a little town, the kind of place gave me a quick rundown on her kind of things from other people. talking to?” It was Mrs Stoner. where everybody knows every- and her condition. She hadn’t Even if I discounted seventy-five That was when Ellen gently nud- body else and all about them. The stepped into the church for thirty percent for gossip, the evidence ged me towards the door as she first person I got acquainted with years because the previous parish piled up pretty black against her. opened it: “Go on in.” I turned was the town doctor. It was just priest had blessed the wedding of And the first day I got any free and thanked her. four days after I arrived. her son Edward to a country girl time I went out to see her. The room was dark save for a I came down with, what I from some way out village for The afternoon was breathless, little bedside lamp which glowed considered was the beginning of which she was furious with the not a leaf shook as often happens in the dark and all I saw was the pneumonia. So I went to Dr. Jor- Church and hated her daughter- before an impending storm. All profile of a lady with snow white dan’s office. He was an elderly in-law because the bride was a girl the way down the long dirt road I hair, her head on the pillow and gentleman with a little clinic on of no means at all. According to marshaled up every argument I eyes half shut but her voice as the only street running through Dr Jordan, her husband, Mr had heard for bringing home stray sharp as ever: “Who are you?” our town. He was practically shut- Stoner was lucky: “He had been sheep. The sky was inky black and I told her that I was the new ting shop for the day when I went dead five years when all this hap- thunder was rolling in the dist- parish priest at the parish of St in. As he finished giving me a pened… Poor old Ted Stoner! She ance before I found a huge house Mary’s. She immediately wanted check-up he smiled and said: broke that man’s heart, dragging sprawling in weed-tangled yard. to know if Ellen had sent for me “There’s nothing the matter with him off the farm he loved and I knocked and I presumed it was and I said that I was there on my you, Fr Lee except a good old fash- made him run a grocery store. He Ellen who opened the door. She own and since I was new and I ioned cold. I’ll give you a prescri- had to build her a big house on the was frightened but shy too. I in- came to know she was ill, I January 2016 20 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 21 Don Bosco’s Madonna decided to pay her a sick call. me, Father. I know what you’re so easy now, I’m right here. Then actually watched anyone thrust With half a smile the old lady driving at: You want me to go to you’d be completely at peace. Aw, away the hand of God. And I kept went on: “I suppose you’ve heard confession. You want me to tell you don’t know how happy you’d wondering, how much of it was a lot of other things too. I suppose Edward it’s alright that he mar- feel.” my fault. What should I have they’ve told you I haven’t set foot ried a chicken village girl. Get I could see she wouldn’t be said? inside your church in thirty down on my knees to her, I sup- pushed. Then she mentioned that I tried to concentrate on praying years.” I had to remind her that it pose.” I knew where this conver- that was what she didn’t like about for Mrs Stoner. After all, she had was not my church. It was the peo- sation was leading but I kept Fr Kerry, my predecessor. Accord- promised. Here I was practically ple’s church, it was her church trying harder…and behind it all I ing to her he treated her like an giving her up as a lost cause. and everyone was free to come in was praying that the mercy of God ignorant old woman. The storm must have broken at any time. To this she shot back: would crack open that bitter heart: By now her temper was rising while I was asleep because I “I’ll come back when I get good “Oh, no, no, I’m not asking any- though she didn’t want to show awoke exactly at 1.15 to the drum- and ready.” The word ready rang thing of you, Mrs Stoner. I’m just it. I warned her one last time: “Mrs ming of rain the flaring of lightn- a bell, like an alarm. I thought this telling you the change that God Stoner, please, please don’t trifle ing and the phone. Ellen was call- was as good a time as any. I rem- requires.” The old lady was now with the mercy of God.” This ing and her voice seemed rather inded her: “Well, it’s good to be determined to stick to her positi- touched a raw nerve and she sc- earnest. I guessed something had ready all the time, you know. We on. There were other people who reamed: “Ellen, Father’s going…” happened. I drove as fast as I dar- never know when the clock is had hurt her deeply and they were With that Ellen opened the door ed through the wall of rain. Twice going to stop. All of us have things the ones who should ask for her as if on cue and showed me out. the car got stuck in the mud and to straighten up before we go, forgiveness she thought. With feigned concern the old lady once I had to take a long detour don’t we? Sometimes there’s At that point, I don’t know added “That storm’s blowing up because of a washed out bridge. harm we need to undo, good th- what got into me, was it impati- fast…if you don’t get going… Nearly two hours had passed ings we’ve left undone…” I could ence, or was it the Spirit of God you’ll end up stuck in the mud.” before I reached the Stoner house. see she seemed very bitter. One but I said with some determina- Then she seemed relieved and told Ellen came to the door before I could sense that in her voice every tion: “Don’t worry, God will take me to drive carefully home and knocked and opened it. She time she made a comment like: care of them, Mrs Stoner. Just not to worry about her. showed me where she found the “Most people act like a pack of think of your own soul now. None I was very sad, I had failed. I body…a few feet from the bed. born fools.” I had to remind her of us can ever tell when the clock simply bid her farewell through That was surprising. I could only that thankfully God was not as is going to stop. Death comes like Ellen and mumbled to Ellen as she exclaim: “It’s always a terrible unforgiving as we are. If he was, a thief in the night, you know. We saw me to the car under her um- shock.” Then Ellen told me that we’d never get a second chance to never know how we’re going to brella: “Boy, I guess I didn’t do a she had been struck by a bolt of make up for our mistakes. Then I die, or how it’s going to happen, very good job, Ellen. Just can’t lightning through her window reminded her: “But he’s good and or when…” make your mother realise that and thrown out of her bed. he wants to be merciful and the- I had hardly finished before she she’s in terrible danger.” re’s only one mistake that we can told me that she knew exactly But even Ellen seemed to think I have knelt beside the bed of make while going out of life: when she was going to die because that her mother was in control of many a dying person since that hating God.” I could see that she the doctor had told her it would the situation because she said: day. I have seen many a lifetime was listening though her face was take about three weeks. I was sur- “She’ll make her peace at the last of evil wiped out by one moment turned away from me by now prised that she was so confident minute. She’ll get her own way, of sincere repentance. But no one because she immediately replied and yet I knew that any sickness, even with God.” has a right to expect a favour like in a rather pugnacious tone: however predictable the progno- that after a lifetime away from “Who said I hated God?” She was sis, there was quite an element of The whole sky was black now God. If he refuses the offer of really tough and stubborn. uncertainty. Yet she assured me and forked lightning flashed mercy at the time it is made, who She couldn’t admit that she that she would be ready in about against the clouds. But instead of can tell if the door to salvation will hated so many people. I kept trying two weeks. That sounded rather racing the storm, I drove home not be shut again, never to be to discreetly get her to admit her foolish and I was getting rather slowly. I remember that I felt str- reopened? It was said long ago deep-seated bitterness but she al- impatient. I think it was beginning angely exhausted and depressed. and it remains as the secret of life most raised her voice: “You don’t to show in the edginess in my I had heard people resisting grace, and death: as the tree falls, so have to beat around the bush with voice. So I told her: “It would be but this was the first time I had shall it lie. January 2016 22 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 23 Don Bosco’s Madonna of soul. priest Fr. John Melchior Calosso DON BOSCO’S Fr. Cerruti remarked: “His on his way back from the mission TENACITY heroic fortitude was shown even held at Buttigliera. Fr. Calosso 10 more admirably in the moral and was impressed by the prodigious physical suffering which afflicted memory and seeing the desire of by Fr. Elias Dias him periodically through life. We the lad to become a priest, decided n the autumn of the year 1820 marvelled and were strengthened to help him to achieve his goal. IJohn Bosco went with his mot- to see him tranquil as ever, smi- Unfortunately the holy priest died her to Capriglio. One night some- ling in his deepest grief, his bitter- leaving a big sum of money for one began to spin a tale about est humiliation, his most exhaus- John’s studies for the priesthood. weird sounds in the house which ting labour. Ever undaunted; he Some relatives, who were present they attributed to the devil. In fact stood steadfast even when God during the priest’s last hours, said all of a sudden there was a strange submitted him to unexpected to John “The key he gave you be- sound in the attic. They were all trials or when public charity longs to his strongbox. The money afraid and considered it a “Haun- seemed to fail him.” inside is yours, take it.” Others ted Room”. Nobody dared to enter His childhood was full of diffi- objected that in conscience he was the room for fear of the ghost. culties and struggle. He was not entitled to it, since the money Little John with a lamp and a stick barely two years old when he lost had not been left to him in any proceeded into the room while all his father at the young age of legal way. John was in serious the others were waiting outside thirty four, leaving his young wife doubt. After pondering the with sticks and weapons. They of 28 the burden of the family of matter, he said: “Why risk my soon realized that it was not a three sons and her mother-in law. eternal salvation because of ghost but a hen that was trapped thens the soul in the pursuit of They lived a poor life without the money! I don’t want it!” He boldly under a basket. arduous good, without allowing it bread winner and had to settle and willingly parted with the Don Bosco lived in an era of to be deterred by fear of many debts. At that time (1816- money trusting in God. change and of conflicting inter- difficulties or dangers, even that 1817) a severe famine devastated In spite of all these problems ests, well thought out heresies, of death. It always calls for a cer- the land. People died of starvation; John kept up his hope of becoming political upheavals and lax tain overcoming of human weak- diseases and epidemics broke out a priest. As we hear him telling religious life. At this point Don nesses and particularly of fear. and thousands met an early grave. old Joseph Turco at his vineyard Bosco stood up as a wise servant The virtue of fortitude surpasses Amidst all this Mamma Margaret at Renenta, he was worried be- of the Church and society with the excessive fear and controls reck- continued to feed her family as cause of his financial position and virtues of boldness and fortitude. lessness. However it does not long as she was able. Finally she other problems. Joseph’s father Fortitude is a virtue that streng- allow oneself to be unduly affected entrusted a sum of money to a Dominic often encouraged him in either in prosperity or adversity. neighbour Bernard Cavallo to his pursuits. One day they un- Again fortitude leads to virtue purchase some food. Nobody was expectedly saw him very happy. munificence by which one is ready to part with the little food He told them that he had a dream ready to incur great expense in they had. Overcoming her dis- wherein he saw an assurance that necessary external works i.e., in appointment, Margaret gathered the material resources needed to building churches, schools, her family and prayed; for her shelter and to feed countless hospitals. This great virtue also husband before dying told her to youngsters would not be wanting. prompts the virtue of longevity have faith in God. After the prayer John Bosco not only dreamt but which disposes the soul to bear she rose and said, “Extreme cases was also convinced that all his patiently the hardships which require extreme remedies.” Toge- difficulties would be overcome. arise from the postponement of ther with Cavallo she went to the The road travelled by John in the expected good things. Finally, stable, slaughtered the only calf quest for education, proved to be the virtue of fortitude helps us to she had in the stable and fed the a bumpy one marked by frequent persevere in our quest till the end. family. She always trusted Divine turns and twists and occasionally It is a virtue that helps us to sacri- Providence. stalled by unforeseen roadblocks, fice everything for the salvation In 1829 John met an elderly but despite these disheartening January 2016 24 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 25 Don Bosco’s Madonna setbacks, John maintained strong Joseph Blanchard helped John priestly call. The crisis was over- of itself of a bad disposition. Taken hope that his pursuit of education more frequently than the others come with the help of God and away from their parents’ neglect, would meet with success and that did and with his mother’s per- other spiritual directors. In 1844, their idleness and bad compan- his frustrations would not prevail. mission gave him things to help when he finished his studies at the ions, it becomes very easy to instil His schooling with Fr Joseph till the end of his life. Convitto, he again had a crisis of into their tender hearts principles Lacqua abruptly came to an end To become a priest, John joined his vocation and decided to join of order, good habits, respect and because of his home situation. as a resident seminarian at Chieri. the Oblates of Mary and go to the religion. If at times these youngs- In 1830 John was admitted to He was in a position to pay his Foreign mission. Fr. Cafasso said ters truly need a helping hand to the public school at Castelnuovo. fees. Financial help came from Mr to him “There are three posts open take care of them and to lead He managed to get lodging with Spirito Sartoris, Mr. Pescarmona, for you; curate at Butigliera, d’Asti, them away from evil.“ a tailor named Roberto. His first Frs. Cinzanno and Guala. He tutor of moral theology at Con- The authorities of that time did professor Fr. Virano helped him in accepted willingly the service as vitto and the director at the little not have the experience and faith his studies. However, he could not a sacristan during his second year hospice at Refuge.” Don Bosco in such an apostolate. In spite of continue his schooling because of of theology and a dormitory said: “My inclination is to work oppositions and hostilities, Don the harassment suffered at the assistant in the final year that for young people”.” He boldly Bosco inspired by God ventured hands of the next professor and brought him some financial help. entrusted himself in the hands of in a new apostolate on behalf of his school mates who considered He was never ashamed of the fact Cafasso who sent him to Refuge the young. Don Bosco started his him a dolt. In his memoirs he that he was poor and needed of Marchioness Barolo. apostolate with Bartholomew writes: “One who incapable of others. By using all the help and He did not find the Refuge a Garelli in the Church of St. Francis keeping discipline almost scatter- using his own creativity, he proper ambience for his poor boys Assisi on the Feast Day of the ed to the winds all that Fr. Virano achieved his dream and was and he boldly decided to leave the Immaculate Conception on had taught me in the preceding ordained priest on June 5, 1841. place. Thus began the wandering December 8, 1841. Thereafter months.” With his talents he could be- Oratory. Till finally Don Bosco crowds of boys joined him and as Margaret, distressed over the come a famous parish priest or a shifted the oratory to the grassy the time rolled by, the Oratory of fact that John had already lost so tutor in one of the richest houses fields of the Filippi brothers. The Don Bosco grew immensely. much time from school, decided of Piedmont. With his shrewd- Filippi brothers served notice to He was a poor priest, yet he put to send him to Chieri to attend the ness he would have made a good Don Bosco to leave the place. He up big works like the Oratory of public school in the next academic politician. And, yet he chose to be took a bold decision to remain St. Francis de Sales. year. Faced with difficulties, John a humble priest. Foregoing other faithful to his vocation in spite of During the period of the Risorgi- went begging at every door of careers, he chose to be a father and complete hopelessness. mento Don Bosco dared to start a Morialdo, submitting himself to friend of the young especially the Vicar Michele Cavour. He new congregation, with a new humiliation. poor and abandoned who did not wanted Don Bosco to stop gather- vision of religious life. In spite of He joined the public school at have any one to care for them. ing boys in politically troubled all difficulties and humiliations he Chieri and as he was poor he Years ago, John confided in Turin. He saw him as a potential went on to fulfil God’s mission for boarded in the house of Lucy Filippello on their way to Chieri revolutionary. Fr Borel suspected the salvation of souls. He sent Matta, tutoring her son Joseph. “My dear Filippello, I have no that Don Bosco was mentally ill: missionary expeditions to an Just to subsist he took up a job in intention of becoming a pastor! I “Poor Don Bosco,” he sighed, unknown land of South America. the restaurant of John Pianta, want to study because I want to “truly his mind is gone with deep Don Bosco succeeded in all these enduring the hardships of life, give my whole life to the care of sorrow in his heart; he walked ventures with great fortitude and dividing his time between his young boys.” away with tears in his eyes.” prudence. God had gifted him studies and the menial tasks of During his fourth year of high At the Convitto, Father Cafasso with great virtues; he collaborated waiter. Such sacrifices did not school in 1835, John realized that inspired Don Bosco to take care of with God throughout his life. He frighten him, because he was able the time was drawing near when poor young lads who were aban- never used these gifts to stifle to go to school, buy books he he must make an important doned by society. Writing about others but used them always with needed, and care for his basic decision about his vocation. He the young of that time and their the desire to please God. He needs. His schoolmates supplied had a great desire to become a condition Don Bosco said: “This undertook certain works after him as best as they could, from priest, but now he was filled with precious segment of human soc- consultation with the appropriate time to time with food to help eke reverential awe at the thought of iety, upon whom all hopes of a authorities and with courage and out his meagre fare. A certain the sublime character of the happy future are founded, is not the help of prayers. January 2016 26 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 27 Don Bosco’s Madonna was to be eaten standing up in without permission at that. It remembrance of the Exodus of the would have been scandalous, people of Israel from Egypt. When something unheard of. Was Luke the formal requirements were giving us a historical account or did completed the luggage was load- the account have some deeper theo- ed, the animals were harnessed logical significance? Could the and the journey home began. three days that the little boy stay- ed away prefigure the three days JESUS REVEALS A FREE SPIRIT of his Passion and Resurrection? Jesus was just twelve years old. The question: “Why were you look- He has just reached the age of bar ing for me? Did you not know that I mitzvah which marks his official must be in my Father’s house?” (Lk entrance into adulthood. This usu- 2,49) could be read as an indication AMONG THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE ally occurs around the age of four- that Jesus had already gained an by Bernardina do Nascimento teen. He was intelligent and want- awareness of his divine nature. ed to explore some aspects of his Why did Mary and Joseph not e know nothing about the This was the case with all Galile- faith. It was customary, as attest- understand this even though they Wchildhood of Jesus but for ans. In those days travel was very ed by Josephus Flavius in his auto- were aware of the virginal con- that telegraphic information we uncomfortable and dangerous be- biography (2,9), that the doctors of ception of the child? Why did Jesus, get from Saint Luke: Joseph, Mary cause the route was bandit infes- the Law in the Temple made while being conscious of his divine and Jesus “returned to Galilee, to ted, especially Samaria and the themselves available even to chil- nature, start living in Nazareth, their own town of Nazareth. The desert regions. Trips were organi- dren. This little Nazarene could obedient to his parents? Theolog- child grew and became strong, zed only by putting together large not let the occasion slip by and he ians and exegetes squabble piou- filled with wisdom and the grace caravans. Even the people of forgot his pilgrim party. How was sly trying to answer these ques- of God was upon him” (Lk 2,39). Nazareth headed for Jerusalem in it possible in such a cultural con- tions. Perhaps, rather than argu- There is a kind of extreme evangel- a group not one group but divided text that completely stressed the ing uselessly, it would be wise on istic reserve regarding the entire into two: men in front and women importance of the family and filial our part to follow the example of childhood of Jesus; not a word, not following with the children mov- obedience? Any such transgres- Mary, as described by Luke: “His a hint, a total information black- ing from one group to the other. sion would not be tolerated and mother kept all these things in her out. The silence gets filled with So families travelled rigorously would bring on a severe pun- heart.” For us, too in the silence of very improbable even awkward separate with the risk, at times, of ishment. It was absolutely impos- our hearts we may find in the and unlikely events that are dish- losing sight of one another. On the sible that a youngster would leave passage of the Finding in the Temple ed up for us in the usual apocry- occasion of the Passover festival his parents for three days, and many points for our meditation. phal writings among which we a crowd of a hundred thousand find the infancy gospel of Thomas. faithful gathered in a great crowd around the Temple, creating a PRAYER AT NAZARETH great crush and huge problems for In the humdrum of daily life in accommodation. Confusion rei- that unknown, remote village in gned supreme when a naïve little Galilee the Lord learns respect for youngster got lost, unnoticed and the traditions of his ancestors and detached from his own group. above all the importance of pray- When they came to Jerusalem ing to God. The heart of prayer for they usually stayed for a week du- every good Jew is the annual pil- ring which time they prayed and grimage to Jerusalem for the feast offered sacrifices in the Temple. of Passover. The Pentateuch des- The pilgrimage ended with the cribes three annual pilgrimages, sacrifice of the Passover lamb for reasons of expediency those which was consumed with unlea- living in Galilee made just one. vened bread and bitter herbs. It January 2016 28 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 29 Don Bosco’s Madonna Treasure, from pg.18 turned once again into joy at the reappearance of the star which NEWSBITS Here, we have two different hitherto had guided them. Upon approaches to Jesus. The first is laying their eyes on the One they BANGLADESH that of Herod. He was living in had long pursued, they were the St. James the Persian snug comfort and was wonderstruck and fell on their Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the Carmelite Monastery in Qara. surrounded by his self-erected knees to worship him (Mt 2:11). prefect of the Congregation for the He originally came as a student walls of pride, pleasure and Before them was the One whom Evangelization of Peoples, is visit- to study the language, but deci- greed. News of the newborn king the prophets had prophesied ing Rajshahi, a city of 840,000 in ded to stay after he fell in love jolted him out of his cozy niche about, the Great Leader who western Bangladesh where the with the country and felt God’s and brought him face-to-face would shepherd Israel (Mt 2:6). Catholic faith has spread among call to the religious life there. with a challenger to his position, The ancient oracles had pointed the adivasi (aboriginal) popu- That love for language and for power and status. Therefore, he to him and his birth symbolized lation. God would one day save Brother was antagonistic to this the dawn of a new age. Yet, there The Fides news agency reported Johnson’s life. At a recent prayer challenger and looked for ways was nothing ostentatious about that the “first presence” of Catho- breakfast in Denver, Brother to eliminate him. We too, like him (cf. Is 53:2) except a lics in the city occurred less than Johnson recalled the story of Eas- Herod, could get so snug in our supernatural mystique. They 40 years ago, when three religious ter Monday, three years ago. He particular way of life that Jesus’ ‘offered him their gifts of gold, sisters travelled there to care for was up in the monastery tower, presence and teachings could incense and myrrh’ (Mt 2:11). the sick and planted “the first and, in typical, friendly Colorado become a threat to us. For These gifts may appear seeds of faith in a rather hostile fashion, waved hello to some example, if I have a habit of unpretentious to us but they context.” Syrian military men he saw in the retaliating and justifying myself were perhaps of great value The Diocese of Rajshahi was hills in the distance. saying “that’s how the world then. established in 1990, and today Immediately the army became works”, then Jesus’ teaching on The magi had set out from their there are 64,000 Catholics and 19 suspicious and turned their love and turning the other cheek homelands oblivious of their parishes, each with a primary convoy toward the monastery. (Mt 5:39,43) would pose a destination and what they would school. (CNA) When they arrived, they demand- difficult challenge to me, and I ed to know who waved at them, find. They trusted in the oracles SYRIA would probably look for a way and set forth with purposefully. and kidnapped Brother Johnson around it. We must be aware and Their faith and determination when they found out he was avoid becoming self-righteous were blessed with the opportunity American, thinking him a spy. and sit in judgment over Herod. to see the One many longed to see “They said what is he doing We would act in a similar way. but did not see (Mt 13:17). Upon here, he’s probably just playing If someone poses a threat to me encountering Jesus, they offered like he’s a monk,” Brother John- either directly or indirectly, I him the best they had. They did son told CNA. His brothers will try different means to not hold back anything because immediately started praying. eliminate the threat. On the the child did not meet their “My community, instead of other hand, the wise men sought previous expectations. Jesus panicking, they immediately Jesus with sincerity and pure brought out the best in them. After went to the church, began the lit- hearts. They did not give up their encounter, they travelled urgy, began praying, began despite the difficulties and back on a different road – sym- Mass,” he said, “and I was in indifference they faced along the bolic of conversion. An encounter God’s hands, I felt no fear.” way. They stuck steadfastly to with Jesus can never leave us the Strangely at peace, joyful even, their quest. Jesus invites each of same. The Gospels are full of such Brother Johnson began to sing us to follow him (Mt 4:19). What examples. Like the magi, if we songs of Jesus’ resurrection to his is our approach to him? Is he a trust in God’s plan and persevere As a tall, lanky redhead born and captors in their native language. threat or a treasure? in following him, he will bring out raised in Colorado, 34 year-old At first they were taken aback, but the best in us and change us Brother David Johnson definitely then Brother Johnson realized An Enriching Encounter completely. Are we willing to let sticks out in Syria, the Middle Eas- their hearts were softening. The anguish of the magi was Jesus enrich us? tern country where he serves with “They said ‘I’ve never heard January 2016 30 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 31 Don Bosco’s Madonna that before, why don’t you sing Myriam tells the local reporter that again,’” Brother Johnson re- about her experience in recent THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS called one of the soldiers saying. months. “So I sang again, ‘Christ is risen “We used to have a house to live from the dead, trampling down in but not now. However, thank The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is death by death, and upon those in God, He provides for us,” the a very simple yet most efficacious devotion. the tombs bestowing life.’” young girl says. “God loves us and Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the The soldiers started laughing did not let ISIS kill us.” invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from and clapping along, and decided mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail they would take him back to the monastery unharmed. But first, Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. they had to show their friends the To practise this devotion in time of danger, stress, singing American brother. special need or temptation, is a sure means to “They opened the doors (to obtain Our Lady's help. their camp) and had me sing these I prayed for a wart that was on my neck and I pleaded songs of the resurrection to a for the Precious Blood of Jesus to cover me and crowd of soldiers, and they all heal me of the pepper-sized wart and after nearly four months of hot were clapping! I thought I was fermentation, I was able to squeeze it all out. I also prayed the 3 Hail dreaming! I thought I had entered Mary's together with the intercession and now want to thank my Mother into an alternate reality!” Brother The reporter then asks Myriam Mary who interceded for me at a time such as this. I am at a loss for Johnson said. how she feels towards the words to thank our Lord Jesus Christ and His Mother who is also my While Brother Johnson is sure members of the Islamic State. She Mother. Maureen de Zilwa, Sri Lanka that his ability to speak in the responds, “I wouldn’t do Thanks for helping me secure a job immediately after I lost the previous soldier’s native language helped anything to them, I only ask God one through the powerful 3 Hail Marys. Precilla Quadros, Mira Road in his immediate release, he said to forgive them.” I have been reciting the 3 Hail Marys for a long, long time now and he is convinced that the prayers “You forgive them?” he asks, our dear Mother has blessed me with several favours. I am grateful of his Brothers and the name of and the girl replies without and I entrust my entire family, especially my daughter and grandson Jesus in the songs he sang is what hesitation, “Yes.” saved his life that day. That’s why The whole video is worth to her care. Please bless my daughter-in-law with a good job. his advice to all who are con- watching, but the part about Mr Keith Mascarenhas, Mangalore cerned about the Islamic terrorists forgiveness comes just after the My daughter Chriselle was influenced by the so-called Believers. Being in the Middle East is to pray. 1:00 minute mark: https:// a famous singer they thought that they could get her into their fold “Pray, pray, pray,” he said, www.youtube.com/ and through her they could get to the family. Our faith in Mary Help of “And put all your trust in His watch?v=Wsxw_x4HIC4 (CNA) Christians is so strong that I knew that our Blessed Mother would wisdom.” (CNA) never desert me and my family and that she would protect my daughter POLAND and my family. Now Chriselle has travelled back home and our family AFRICA At a recent Mass in Warsaw, bond has grown ever stronger. So has our faith in our Blessed Mother If you haven’t seen this Poland, president-elect Andrzej and her Son Jesus. Our grateful thanks to Mother Mary who has powerful video of hope and Sebastian Duda noticed a host always been there in our midst. Maggie & Clement Mendonca, Mumbai forgiveness, you should. that had fallen – possibly My sincere and grateful thanks to Jesus and Mother Mary for all the SAT-7, a Christian TV channel knocked by a gust of wind? – and graces and numerous favours received through the faithful recitation that broadcasts in the Middle East was rolling along the ground. of the 3 Hail Marys. Mother Mary, keep us always under your and Africa, interviewed a young Without hesitating, he rushed protection. Mrs. M. D’Cunha, Mumbai girl named Myriam, who fled over to rescue it, and returned it Thank you Jesus and Mother Mary for all the favours received and from Qaraqosh, which up until to the celebrant. What a for helping us during our difficult times. Let your blessing always be last year was the largest Christian beautiful show of reverence and there on your children. Cardoz, Vasai city in Iraq. Militants from the devotion from a public official!: Thank you dear Mother Mary for granting me a permanent resident Islamic State overtook the city in https://www.youtube.com/ visa for Australia and for getting me a good job immediately. Keep August last year. watch?v=vm4eNLiexKU (CNA) your blessing on me. Mario, Rin, Adelaide, Australia January 2016 32 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 33 Don Bosco’s Madonna LOVING CHILDREN TO THEIR LOVING MOTHER THANKS TO DEAR Thank you darling Mamma Mary for helping my brother clear his ST. DOMINIC SAVIO banking exams. Do continue to watch over my family and friends. Rini Aranha, Mumbai Our sincere thanks to the Infant Jesus, Thank you Our Lady of Carmel for hearing my prayer. Mary Help of Christians and St Dominic Ms.Joseph Savio for blessing our daughter-in-law, Susan with a safe and normal delivery of We say a big ‘Thank You’ to sweet Jesus and Mother Mary for all a healthy baby boy. Please do continue the love and the blessings showered on us, our dear parents, to bless and protect them always. cousins, friends, Nana Colleen and Surekha. Keep us under your Louis and Sophie Nogueira, Mumbai mantle of blue. Yohan and Simone Traynor, Navi Mumbai My sincere thanks to Mary Help of I am writing to inform you that I had prayed to Our Lady for my Christians, Don Bosco and Dominic grandson Johnatan Hopper, aged 13 who resides in London. Last Savio for all the favours granted, year he had 2 or 3 attacks of epilepsy. He was and is still under especially for helping my son secure a medication. Since then under Mother Mary’s protection, he has good job. Mr A. de Souza, Goa had no attack. Please keep him under your protection. At a routine ultrasound the doctor found Flavia D’Souza, London a cystic leison on my left ovary. I My sincere thanks to Mother Mary for blessing my son and entrusted myself to the protection of St. Dominic Savio and prayed to daughter-in-law with the green card, granting my son an increment our Immaculate Mother her favourite prayer, the Rosary. The cystic and promotion and for the improvement brought about in one of leison was benign. I am immensely grateful for their intercession. my family members. Do continue to intercede for us to transform Several years ago I had profuse bleeding from my uterus. I prayed to him completely and fill him with your Holy Spirit. J.G. Mangalore St Dominic Savio and the bleeding stopped just before the intended THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO surgery. Mrs Annie D. D’Souza, Goa OUR LADY AND DON BOSCO Our sincere thanks to St Dominic Savio through his intercession, my daughter was blessed with the gift of a baby boy and a safe normal In 2004, I was operated for a lump in the middle of my chest and delivery. She wore the scapular of Dominic Savio throughout her was told that it may occur again. Ten years later it started paining, pregnancy. Thank you Jesus, Mother Mary and St Dominic Savio. I kept praying to Mother Mary and her apparitions, with all my Mr & Mrs Kenny Rodrigues, Mumbai faith. In 2015, it became unbearable, and started to blacken, but I Our grateful thanks to God the Father, Jesus, Mary Help of Christians, kept praying continuously and was firm in my faith in our Blessed MOther and her grace. She healed me slowly and completely. I Don Bosco and St. Dominic Savio for blessing my daughter with a job am grateful to Mother Mary and her apparition, the holy family and several other favours. Dear Mother Mary please guide and protect and the assistance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and all the saints. us all. A Devotee, Pune Mrs Porphela Rebello, Mumbai Our sincere thanks to St Dominic Savio for a safe and normal delivery Our sincere thanks to Our Lady and Don Bosco for the success of a healthy baby boy and for your protection throughout the nine- of my daughter in her SSC examination and for the visa that a month pregnancy. Grenville and Kimberly D’Mello, Chembur family friend received. L. D’Souza, Mumbai Thank you Saint John Bosco for the gift of a job and many other APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER favours received. Milton N. D’Cruz, Mumbai My grateful thanks to Mother Mary, St. Dominic Savio and St. JANUARY 2016 John Bosco for giving me my lost or misplaced document. Universal: Interreligious Dialogue Mrs P. D’Mello, Goa That sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may My special thanks to the Holy Trinity, Our Lady, Don Bosco and produce the fruits of peace and justice. Dominic Savio. I had complications during my pregnancy and after the delivery of a baby who had a hole in her heart but now Evangelization: Christian Unity that she has been operated she is doing well. Thank you Jesus That by means of dialogue and fraternal charity and with the grace of and Mother Mary. Monica Evan, the Holy Spirit, Christians may overcome divisions. Goa January 2016 34 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 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 Over the years, my husband has been exploited of his finances by his family. In the year 2012, we had been deserted by his side of the family. We were undergoing a huge financial crisis and had no where to go. The stress level was so much that it affected our health. I interceded with Mama Mary by fervently praying the 3 Hail Marys and the invocation “O Mary my mother, keep us from mortal sin.” In a few months time I was blessed with a job and my husband with a promo- tion. Mama Mary also blessed us with a roof over our heads. I am very grateful to Mama Mary and we continue praying to her to intercede with her Son for a special favour. Mrs Andrea Rodrigues e Da Silva, Margao, Goa Don Bosco's Madonna, has developed to its present form from a folder published in 1937, by late Fr Aurelius Maschio, on behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Bombay. The magazine is sent to all who ask for it, even though there is a fixed subscription (Rs 200/- India & Rs 400/- Airmail)). We trust in the generosity of our readers/benefactors. Whatever you send us will help cover the expenses of printing and mailing; the surplus if any, is devoted to the support of orphans and poor boys in our schools and apostolic centres. To help a poor lad to reach the priesthood, is a privilege You can help by establishing a Perpetual Burse with: Rs 5000/-, 10,000/-, 15,000/- for a boy studying for the priesthood; But any amount, however small, will be gratefully received. Send your offerings by Payee cheque or Draft on Mumbai banks; MO/PO/INTL MO/BPO/Bequests, Wills, Perpetual Burses, all favouring Don Bosco's Madonna or Bombay Salesian Society or Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, (Trustee). Please address all correspondence to: Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, sdb., SHRINE OF DON BOSCO'S MADONNA, Matunga - MUMBAI - 400 019 - INDIA Phone/Fax: 91-22- 2414 6320, email: [email protected] January 2016 36 Don Bosco’s Madonna