“DON BOSCO – 88”

Following Jesus Christ - Don Bosco, apostle of the Oratory - Prophetic example of his youth - Father and Founder - The vast movement of his “spiritual school” - A centenary to be prepared everywhere - Some initiatives needing the common support of all

Rome, 19 March 1985

My dear confreres,

I am writing on the feast of St Joseph. The new text of the Constitutions presents this genial saint as one of the patrons to whom Don Bosco entrusted our Congregation.¹ Every salesian invokes his intercession in the formula of profession.² The goodness and kindness which characterize him, his hidden hard work, his love for Mary and daily familiar contact with Jesus, should be for us too an incentive to grow in the Church through work and daily responsibility with humble hearts always overflowing with joy. St. Joseph, like Mary, leads us directly to Jesus.