3716(I)_"Reflections on Evangelical Consecration", a new book for Celebrating the Bicentenary

By Fr. Francis J. Moloney, SDB

A very new salesian book written by Frank Moloney is just published in HK and being distributed around the region. Here are some presentation lines of the author

My dear fellow-Salesians of the EAO and South Asian Regions,

Some two years ago, I was asked by Fr Nick Reina, SDB, the Delegate for Formation in the Californian Province, if I would preach a special retreat in the USA to commemorate Don Bosco’s Bicentenary. I gladly accepted this challenge, and have been able to work steadily on this project (among others!) for almost two years. Further inspiration for my work, has been GC 27, and Pope Francis’ dedicating 2015 to the Consecrated Life. The New York Province also asked to share these reflections in August, 2015. I have learnt much from my confreres in California and New York.

Don Bosco Publications, Bolton, UK, has worked closely with me to produce a volume that is now available so that I can share these reflections with you: Reflections on Evangelical Consecration. Celebrating a Bicentenary. In 10 chapters, I ask about Don Bosco, Honest Citizens and Good Christians, the Good Shepherd motif, Consecrated Life (Obedience, Poverty, and Chastity), and Mary, the Mother and Model of all Christians.

These reflections are written after 55 challenging years of Religious life: pre-and post-Vatican II, the initial enthusiasm, its waning, the loss of dear confreres, the scandals, and ageing and the slow-down of young vocations. What is found in this book, therefore, is also directed to all Religious, despite their regular reference to matters Salesian. We sons and daughters of Don Bosco are not alone in “surrendering ourselves totally to God whom we love above all else, we commit ourselves totally to a form of life based entirely upon Gospel values” (Constitution 60).

I hope that this study might be of service to confreres across our Regions … and maybe beyond. As the Salesians in the UK have produced it, I can make it available to any Province at $15US a copy + postage. Any Provincial or Formation team that would like copies, please contact me directly at fmoloney@salesians.org.au. With the help of the young Salesians here at Don Bosco House, Clifton Hill, Australia, we will send you as many copies as you might like. I hope that will find it challenging and useful, as we think about the challenge issued by the life and work of Don Bosco.

Francis J. Moloney, SDB