441 1 January 01 marks the Salesian as a man of prayer
1ST JANUARY 2001 MARKS THE SALESIAN AS A MAN OF PRAYER.
 
Julian Fox
 
SUVA: 1-1-01 -- Fr. Vecchi's latest letter to all confreres in ACTS 374 is now available in 'preview' version on the web, and if you wish to access it and download it, go to http://www.driveway.com/share?sid=b70b1f50.117d35&name=ACTS&view=1 where you will find this and several other of the RM's letters.  Don't confuse it with earlier ones.  This one is 374-1.doc
Fr. Vecchi writes powerfully about the Salesian's personal prayer - this is not another item on the prayer of the Salesian Community.  He begins by inviting us to look into our own heart....notice God's glance in our direction.  He then identifies the hallmarks of the Salesian at prayer, drawing on the seeds of our prayer in Mamma Margaret, and tracing its path then through St. Francis de Sales, the Oratory, Don Bosco's varied experiences.  He finally brings this to a study of our 'men' of prayer, our Salesian saints, and then to the task before us all - to bring our own prayerful person to the young as an invitation to them to pray.
Well worth a read in other words!  I might, if things remain quiet in this tropical capital for a week or two, find a chance to put it into a version that can be used to whet the appetites of young Salesian non-readers!
Happy New Year to you all.