St. John Bosco Parish P.O. Box 1336 MCPO 1253 Makati City - Don Bosco Philippine North Province (FIN)
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SALESIAN MISSIONS ANIMATION OFFICE (FIN)
ISSUE NO. # 15 MAY 2008
“HAVE COURAGE, YOU CAN DO MUCH FOR THE BOYS”
he essence of the inspiration Sunday Oratory or to come and find him would care for the young every opportunity
which prompted Don Bosco to when they needed help or a chat. His was to be used and no stone left unturned.
dedicate his whole life energy to genuine kindness and interest nearly always We see that the early listeners to his visions
the salvation of youth was inevitably persuaded the adults present to support his of schools, workshops, hostels, playgrounds
his dream at 9. The advice given by Mary to requests for these youngsters to get a few with the best of all types of games and an
little Johnny was to “Make yourself humble, hours freedom to come to his home on the army of helpers, could only conclude that he
steadfast and strong.” This can also be
was mad. Time was to prove them wrong
interpreted as to be courageous. The root of
and his well founded trust in God’s immense
this word is heart, cor. The whole Salesian
providence make these dreams come true.
spirituality is based on the importance of love
He knew the risks but believed that God
in the approach to community and education
would provide, if he did the necessary work!
in every sphere.
Surely this persistence in the face of so
Love here means the ability to sacrifice; that
is the gift of oneself in promoting the good of
the other, with a readiness to suffer in person
so that that good might be achieved. Don
Bosco himself says, “If one is to do good,
one must have a little courage, be ready
for sacrifice, deal affably with all and
never slight anyone”. (MB III P39)
many mountainous odds shows us his sure
hope. He had a heart big enough with love of
God and the young to go to the limit to
provide what he saw was necessary for
youth. He wanted them to have the space
and opportunity to enjoy safe, wholesome
surroundings where the message of the
Gospel was lived so that they could choose
to live by the same Gospel way themselves.
Courage in the Salesian Tradition
“When we plan something, we should
Re-reading the early years of Don Bosco’s
mission among the young, one can be
amazed to see how creative and ingenious
he was in meeting the young wherever they
first see whether it will give glory to God.
If that is the case, we should go ahead
fearlessly because we shall succeed.”
(MBVII)
were. Before he had the fully organized
Oratory he spent much time connecting with
The Good Shepherd
young people where they were. He had the
freedom of spirit and courage in visiting inns,
taverns, hotels where the usual run of the
mill clergy never set foot, so that he might
chat to all and sundry in places where they
were at ease and enjoying free time. He was
so friendly he easily made himself part of the
group. He was often invited back and so had
the opportunity, gradually, to bring in the
good word, the invitation to do something
different, to games or even to study. He often
invited the whole group to come to his
Sunday. Because of his big heartedness and
courage in serving the young he was not
averse even to breaking up fights or
speaking up for the welfare of young
workers. “When one is convinced that the
cause is just, one will fear nothing. When
I see God offended, I cannot ignore it or
do nothing about it. To prevent it I’ll fight
even a whole army.” (MBVII P 231)
We can also see that Don Bosco was a man
of immense courage. In his vision of how he
In giving us the Good Shepherd as our
model Don Bosco has further underlined the
need for courage. “In those things which are
for the benefit of young people in danger, I
push ahead even to the extent of
recklessness!”
To be courageous in a Salesian sense surely
means to act from one’s inner spirit, from that
which can be said to be a driving passion, so
that one rises above pain or pleasure for the
greater good of the boys.
.
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S I M P L E H I N T S: C O U R A G E
1. Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.
2. Be fearless in seeking out the young where ever they are.
3. Guts and grit are twins born of strong intent.
4. Make yourself humble, steadfast and strong. (Mama Mary to Don Bosco)
5. A courageous man outgrows his anger and do not need to raise his voice.
6. Be tough but not rough; Be a right man not a righteous man;
Be firm but gentle, an iron hand in a velvet glove.
7. Keep your chin up and your knees down.
8. The root word of courageous is “cor” which means heart. To be courageous is knowing how to love.
9. Be bold in what you stand for, but be careful in what you fall for.
10. “I am with you always till the end of the world” (Mt. 28:20) Sheer courage – Never alone.
