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T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E S A L E S I A N F A M I L Y
DON BOSCO TODAY
GOOD NEWS - GOOD BOOKS
DON BOSCO
Editorial
A Good Book by Don Bosco
A good book can enter homes where no priest may ever go.
Those in doubt will take it as a gift, or possibly a souvenir.
There’s no embarrassment in giving it, no obligation for anyone to read.
When it’s read, it calmly teaches truth. If ignored, there’s no harm done,
except possibly a lingering regret, which may, one day, spark a desire to
know the truth which the book is always there to teach.
At times the book may gather dust, lying on a table, or in a bookcase, for
the moment just forgotten.
Come a time, however, of loneliness, of sadness, of just sheer boredom,
of anxiety about the future, of need for some escape, then this
half-forgotten book casts off its dust, becomes a faithful friend,
opens up some new horizons, perhaps, as in St Augustine’s case, may
even lead to conversion.
A good book is polite with those afraid of it, for it speaks to them without a
hint of any suspicion. With other people it becomes a friend indeed,
ready to talk things over, to accompany them, anywhere at any time.
In a family the recipient may never read it,
but a son or daughter, or perhaps a friend,
or a neighbour, might welcome it.
In a village it may pass from hand to hand,
befriend a hundred villagers or more.
In a city, God alone knows the good a book produces.
Borrowed from a library, bought in a bookshop, found at the side of a
hospital bed, it becomes a welcome friend.
I begin this editorial with these words written by Don Bosco, 120 years ago.
Most people know that Don Bosco was a saint who devoted his life to the care
of young people. However, he also devoted his life to the written word, to good
books. He was a prolific publisher, an outstanding writer and a tireless printer.
Five years ago it was the example of Don Bosco which inspired us, in Don
Bosco Publications, to promote our Salesian spirituality through good books.
Providentially, at the same time, the Salesians in Germany invited Salesian
publishers from Northern Europe to pool their resources, and work as a team
in the production of books for young people. We went to the first meeting
empty-handed, we were publishers who had published no books.
Five years later and thanks to the help from the Salesians in Germany and the
encouragement of our Salesian Family, we have managed to produce over 20
titles. Some books such as Rosie goes to Church and Trust the Road have
amazed us by their popularity. Other titles have
sold slowly but consistently, answering, it seems,
the needs of a niche market. Our loyal band of
generous writers have helped us to realise the
truth of Don Bosco’s words, and we feel proud to
have followed in his footsteps in a mission so dear
to his heart.
Anthony Bailey SDB
Editor
Email: a.bailey@salesians.org.uk
DON BOSCO TODAY
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Contents
DON BOSCO TODAY
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www.don-bosco-publications.co.uk
DON BOSCO PUBLICATIONS
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SALESIAN MISSIONS
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Email
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PHOTOS
ANS Rome
Philomena’s Journey 4
Mongolia 6
Challenging Youth 8
World News 12
Don Bosco’s Mother 14
Fr Patrick Kenna SDB 16
Fr James Conway SDB 18
Order Form 19
Booklist 20
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DON BOSCO TODAY
Philomena’s Journey
World Youth Day 2005 Cologne
Where do I start with World Youth Day?
I chose to go to Cologne because I
wanted to meet other young Catholics.
Initially I was apprehensive and unsure
about what the whole event would
entail. The very first meeting I attended
at Salford Cathedral was rather
overwhelming because I was the only
person from my parish, but I was made
to feel very much part of the group.
Once I had met a few people I had
nothing to be concerned about as they
were all very friendly and approachable.
The first person I met before the
meetings began was Theresa Davies,
whom I have to thank because she
encouraged me to go on this trip.
Theresa is a credit to the Diocese, in her
role as Youth Coordinator. She dedicated
so much of her time and effort into
making this trip a wonderful and
enjoyable experience for all concerned.
Another lady, whom I was introduced to,
was Lorraine Leonard who gave
continual support and encouragement
throughout the trip. There was one other
special lady called Sister Ethna whom I
had never met until the day we travelled
to Germany and I personally felt she
enriched my faith with her sense of
spirituality.
I have been a practising Catholic for 22
years and unfortunately numbers
attending Mass have dropped, leaving
very few young people in the church, and
the majority of the congregation being of the older
generation. I felt that mixing with other young Catholics
was a powerful way to enrich and strengthen my faith.
It made me appreciate life a whole lot more, whilst
showing gratitude for being part of the whole
experience.
The trip began in Ahrweiler where we stayed with our
allocated host families. Families from the parish of St
Lawrence looked after us for one week. Alison who was
studying at Salford University requested that I was her
roommate whilst in Cologne. I was rather touched by
this because she had only met me on a few occasions,
yet she described me as a character full of charisma.
DON BOSCO TODAY
5
We stayed with Udo and Vera as our host family, and the hospitality they showed us
was remarkable. We could not, have asked for a nicer couple. They gave us warm
beds, woke us up in the morning, provided us with German breakfasts to give us a
taste of their culture, as well as showing us a great evening when we came home from
a long day of activities. Our trips included travelling to Trier, which is Germany's oldest
city, with a majestic cathedral and one of the first churches to be built in the country.
Whilst staying in Ahrweiler, the community gave us all the opportunity to be involved in
a choice of activities including:
• Cleaning War Graves.
• Art and creative activities with local disadvantaged people.
• Carrying the Cross up a steep mountain through the vineyards which was intended
to be a permanent memorial for the people of Ahrweiler.
• Dancing to a memorial song by a German singer, which was choreographed by the
Ahrweilen people.
The Salford group also attended various Catecheses around the cities of Cologne and
Bonn, where we celebrated our faith with other English-speaking nations. The local
community provided various events including a musical picnic along the River Rhine
and we also attended a religious musical called Rachel. We joined together with
60,000 other young people in Cologne's football stadium, where we celebrated the
opening Mass of the World Youth Day.
The next part of our journey involved staying with another host family in the Diocese of
Trier in preparation for another eventful week. We took part in more Masses, and social
events. We watched the Pope arrive by boat, with thousands of people waiting in
anticipation. The trip then culminated in the Vigil Mass in St Mary's Field. This was an
extraordinarily moving and spiritual experience, with over a million young people of all
nationalities gathered together to celebrate Mass with Pope Benedict XVI.
In society today it is a continual struggle for young people to express their faith. In
Cologne there was time allocated for reflection, where many young people were given
the opportunity to share how they felt about social, religious and emotional issues.
This enabled every member of the group to open up and air any worries or concerns
they had, regardless of whether they were small or big. Each member of the group
formed closer relationships through reflection time, enabling us to all work together.
There were often times that were busy and stressful with the sheer number of people
around, but our faith kept us all strong. Our feet ached and we were tired, but as
pilgrims we learnt to keep our spirits high and help one another to get through the
tough times. I personally experienced some fantastic memories and made friends with
priests, nuns and other young people. This trip has made me stronger in faith and I
will cherish all the memories forever.
Philomena Meagher
Past Pupil of Thornleigh Salesian College, Bolton.
From ancient times, Mongols referred to their
motherland as Blue Mongolia, because of the eternal
blue dome hanging over the endless steppes. Located
in the heart of Central Asia, sandwiched between the
two superpowers, China and Russia, it has a population
of only 2.7 million people, living sparsely over a territory
of 1.5 million sq km, or equal to half the size of Europe.
Presently, children and young people under 35 make
up 70 per cent of the population and the average age
is 21. Out of the 2.7 million, about half live in cities and
towns, while the remaining 47 per cent still live a
nomadic lifestyle.
In 1991, the government of Mongolia was faced with so
many complex problems that it asked the Catholic
Church to help, recognizing its commitment to young
people and the poor. This meant working in a nation
that for 70 years had not heard of the Gospel, and in a
place where no local church communities or structures
existed. Among the various congregations that offered
to serve the people of Mongolia were the Salesians,
who arrived in 2001.
This mission was entrusted to the Vietnam Salesians, a
vibrant province of the congregation, which now has
205 professed Salesians and 35 novices. The capital
city of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, or Red Hero, the centre
of politics, business and finance, culture and science.
Here the Salesians have opened a house for more than
70 street children. Father Simon Lee Ho Yeal, a Salesian
from Korea has been working on this project for three
years. He explains, After Mongolia was freed from
communist rule, many families were destroyed and their
children took to the streets, with no home, food or
school. So we gather these children together and live
with them.
The Salesians have opened the following works:
Don Bosco Industrial Skills Centre
A professional technical-academic training school for
16-23 year-old Mongolian students, longing and eager
to learn and prepare themselves for life.
Don Bosco Youth Centre, Darkhan
A study centre, youth centre and hostel for migrant 11-
16 year-old boys and girls who wish to better their life.
Many of them are found living on or below the streets,
near the hot water pipes, coursing through a city where
temperatures drop to 20 degrees below freezing.
Religion
Woven through the nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan-
Buddhist tradition, which has incorporated some
elements of Mongolia’s ancient Shamanist practices.
Although many Buddhist monasteries were destroyed
and religious expression was severely curtailed during
the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Mongolia’s spirituality
persisted and a resurgence of Buddhism began in
1990, when Mongolia became a democracy. Priceless
artefacts, which were hidden for safekeeping, are now
being returned to monasteries by nomadic families.
Under this newly-found freedom of belief, other
religions flocked in. Another popular religion is Islam,
practised by a 60,000 strong Kazakh minority in the
Bayan Ulgii province.
Nomads
Relatively unchanged for centuries, Mongolia has one
of the last remaining horse-based nomadic cultures in
the world. Nomadic families are traditionally known for
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DON BOSCO TODAY
Mongolia
Salesians in the Land of the Nomads
The Salesian Fr Simon Lee during an inter-religious
discussion with a Buddhist monk.
DON BOSCO TODAY
7
the warm hospitality, offered to passing travellers in the form of food, shelter, and
friendship. Hearty welcomes, warm smiles, and generosity are invariably offered by
nomads in their traditional gers, which are felt tents. These nomads continue to live
traditional lifestyles, tending more than 28 million livestock. Animal husbandry remains
a backbone of the national economy, providing 20 per cent of the world’s cashmere
production. The nomads’ life has changed very little over the centuries. Mongolia
remains the last refuge of pastoral nomads, preserving and continuing the traditional
cultural heritage of the many nomadic nations that once flourished on the present day
territory of Mongolia.
Here are some comments on the work that the Salesians have begun in Mongolia:
Fr Carlo Maria Savio Villegas SDB
The Salesians of Don Bosco came here in 2001. They began work with the young
people of Mongolia, to fulfil the Church’s desire to be of service, especially to those
most in need. The local Church, here in Mongolia, has asked us to educate youth,
particularly those who have difficulty going to secondary schools, obtaining a diploma,
or going to university. These are the young people in Mongolian society who are most
on the margins.
A Mother of a student at Don Bosco Industrial Skills Centre
We moved into the city to give our four children some future because there is no hope
living in the country. In the country we relied on the animals for our livelihood, but we
lost all our livestock because of the drought. My husband has a cerebral disease.
Even though my husband has cerebral problems, he tries to work, repairing TVs and
radios, in the hope of feeding our family. He cannot do heavy work, as he is too weak.
My son and I are looking for work, but sometimes we do not even have money for the
bus fare. I do not want our children to give up studying because we are poor. Our
children need education if they are to have a future.
Students
My name is Borkhuu. I am a student in
first year car mechanics. I was not able
to finish my secondary schooling but I
joined this school. I have studied many
new things that I could not have studied
in secondary school. I want to thank
those people who helped me study
here. Thank you for giving me a hand
and for having listened to us students.
My name is Helen and I live in Ulaan Baatar, in Mongolia. I am one of the first girl
students in Don Bosco. I wanted to become a dressmaker and my dream came true
when I enrolled in this school. My life before this was very hard. I had to work in the
market because I had to help my mother and feed my smaller brothers. But this school
has given me the opportunity to study and acquire skills I can use for life. The teachers
and priests in this school really do their best to teach us many things. I am now
studying for university where I hope to continue my studies. One day, I too want to help
young people like Don Bosco did.
Courtesy of the Australian Salesian Bulletin
We have a limited number of DVDs about the Salesian work in Mongolia, available for schools while stocks last.
DON BOSCO TODAY
It was the first time I'd ever met any Salesians. A priest
and a brother had collected me, and three others
young lads, from the railway station in Manchester and
were driving us to the junior seminary at Shrigley. As we
approached the college the priest told us, If you climb
over that wall you'll be on our property. For him it was a
natural thing to say, but for me it was quite startling. I'd
never heard a priest speak of climbing walls, that was
something normally associated with a good telling-off.
On our arrival we were taken into the dining room and
given something to eat. Pasted on the arch above the
stage at the end of the room there were cartoons of
Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Nobody referred to
these, but from them I got a clear impression about this
place. Here you could have fun, even be a bit childish.
What I was assimilating in these two experiences was
Salesian Youth Spirituality.
Don Bosco' s Oratory was a place where you could
have fun, be a normal adolescent, and you had the
security of knowing it
was right. For Don
Bosco, feeling at
home was an
essential requirement
for youngsters'
spiritual growth. It
involved being
comfortable with the
people around you.
This idea brings us to
an important facet of
spirituality; it is
relational. St. Francis
de Sales taught
people not to try to
find God in isolation,
but through their
relationships with
family members,
colleagues, the folk
they meet in the street. It was the same for St John
Bosco. He encouraged the young Dominic Savio to see
the playground as the place where he could meet his
companions at such a level, that they could all become
more aware of God's love.
It seems to me that most young people today are
relational. When asked what they expect to get out of a
retreat here at Savio House, they reply almost
unanimously, To make new friends and get to know
people better. They also want to enjoy their experience
here, and this, too, means they are well suited to our
Salesian way. But being predisposed and well suited is
only the beginning. As educators, youth leaders and
pastors, we need to lead them on to a new level.
The imperative for many of today's young people is to
have a laugh. This is the criterion by which experience is
often judged to be desirable or otherwise. It was
certainly the case that Don Bosco’s Oratory rang to the
Challenging Youth
Understanding Youth Spirituality
8
DON BOSCO TODAY
sound of laughter. But the joy that is basic to our spirituality must go far deeper than
that. Dominic Savio showed he'd understood that well when he told Camillo Gavio, a
new boy at the Oratory, Here we make holiness consist in being happy. Don Bosco
knew that real happiness could only be attained when one had a clear conscience and
was a friend of God, and this was genuine holiness. Real happiness, we could just as
easily say our spirituality, then involves the whole person and it was the whole person
that Don Bosco aimed to form. He made sure that in his Oratory the young people felt
they belonged, they could develop their God-given talents, they could have fun and
they could find meaning in their lives. These four elements of his spirituality embrace
the whole of a young person's needs.
One could argue that young people have a further need, to be challenged. When a
cholera epidemic raged in Turin, Don Bosco challenged his pupils to volunteer to
nurse the sick. A number of them risked infection and rose to the challenge. Sean
Devereux demonstrated outstanding heroism in combating corruption in West Africa,
while dedicating himself to the needs of young people. Some of you who are reading
this article will have seen for yourselves how teenagers respond when involved in an
HCPT pilgrimage to Lourdes. This isn't simply altruism. It is the point to which our
relational spirituality leads us. Love of God and love of neighbour go hand in hand. My
own contact with teenagers in Lourdes has convinced me of the innate goodness in
ordinary young people. In many ways the media would have us believe otherwise. Don
Bosco made young people feel they were special. He instilled in them confidence and
a self-belief. They pressurised themselves, in rising to challenges, to make a
difference among their peers and the wider society.
Even before she met Don Bosco, Mary of Mornese was making a difference among
the girls of her village. Enthused by Salesian spirituality, she later co-founded a
religious congregation through which that urge to make a positive difference has been
carried worldwide. Over twenty recognised branches of the Salesian Family are doing
the same. Perhaps today, more than ever before, young people come to faith through
service of others.
When Don Bosco celebrated Mass in the new Pinardi shed on Easter Sunday, church
bells could be heard ringing everywhere in the city. Don Bosco saw the enthusiasm of
his young congregation and the poverty of their surroundings and said, We have only
a small bell, but it's Easter Sunday for us, too! How this must have resonated with those
youngsters, who were marginalized, not only from society, but also from their parishes.
It brought together their grasp of the meaning of their lives, their sense of belonging
and their need to celebrate.
As members of the Salesian Family, we are fairly good at organising liturgies that
capture the interest and enthusiasm of our young people, thereby leading them to
know and love the God who gives meaning to their lives. We are excellent, let's not be
too modest about it, at organising activities that appeal to their imagination and sense
of fun. Sometimes we challenge them. Let's give thanks, that through our approach,
countless youngsters feel at home in our Salesian Family.
9
Bernard Parkes SDB
Savio House Retreat Centre
DON BOSCO
DON BOSCO TODAY
Azerbaijan
First Salesian church in Baku
11th September 2005.
The foundation stone of a Catholic church was laid in
the city of Baku. Presiding at the ceremony was
Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation
for the Evangelisation of Peoples. Among those present
were the Nuncio Apostolic Mgr Claudio Gugerotti from
Georgia, representatives of the Government of
Azerbaijan, the Orthodox Church, the Jewish
community and the Muslim community as well as a
large number of the faithful. Two Salesians from
Slovakia had arrived in Baku five years ago. The
community today consists of 5 priests, 2 brothers and
3 volunteers in what is the sole Catholic presence in
Baku. The construction of the church should be
completed within a year. This Salesian church will be
the first Catholic church in the city of Baku.
Israel
New Academic Year at Ratisbonne
Jerusalem: 22nd September 2005.
The new academic year in the Ratisbonne studentate of
theology in Jerusalem has just begun. On 17th
September Fr Giovanni Laconi, Vice Provincial of the
Middle East Province officially installed Fr Francis
Preston as Rector of the community. The following day
the community met together to prepare the programme
for the year. On 21st September, the feast of St Matthew
the Apostle, a Mass was said to open the academic
year and entrust it to the Holy Spirit. The staff members
of the community are Salesians from Great Britain, Italy,
Malta, Poland, Spain, the Dominican Republic, India
and the Philippines. There are 28 young Salesian
students. They come from Africa (Congo, Tanzania and
Ethiopia), from Central America (Dominican Republic
and Haiti), from Asia (India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) and
from Europe (Poland). During the past year, the
studentate, which was transferred from Cremisan to
Ratisbonne in 2004, has been making preparations to
fulfil its role as an international centre of theological
studies. From this academic year, lectures will be given
in English and Ratisbonne will be able to provide
Salesians, from any part of the world, with the
opportunity to study and reflect in the Holy Land.
The Philippines
Project for vocational training for
marginalised youngsters
Cebu: 21st September 2005.
12 Salesian Centres involved with marginalised
youngsters have got together to form an organisation to
raise the necessary funds for the running of support
projects for those in need. The funds are being
provided by Katholische Zentralstelle für
Entwicklungshilfe, a European NGO. The project, run by
the 12 Salesian Centres, is being managed centrally by
the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), based in Don
Bosco Technology Centre in Cebu. At present the PIU is
providing quality control for the products of eight
technology centres in the islands of Visayas and
Mindanao. So far the project is meeting with success in
preparing for the labour market and in the development
of small business enterprises. The vocational training
centres are attended by over 3000 youngsters and the
drop-out rate has gone down from 20% to 16% during
the past year. Almost 8% of those, who received
diplomas, are former students of the Don Bosco
Rehabilitation Centre. It is estimated that those now
qualified in the vocational centres in Cebu have
contributed to an increase of 115% in family income.
The Salesians have asked those providing the funding
to continue their efforts and their support so that the
projects can be maintained and this has met with
approval from their European partners.
World News
12
DON BOSCO TODAY
India
Health is wealth: a medical camp in Pomon
10th August 2005.
Don Bosco High School, Naigaon, on the outskirts of Mumbai, organized a medical
camp in Pomon Village. The camp was conducted in collaboration with the local Public
Health Centre (PHC). It was held in the Residential School at the village of Karkhanpada.
The residents of Karkhanpada are isolated and neglected by the Government, very
often leading to severe malnutrition among children and even death. People from
adjacent hamlets also benefited from the Medical Camp. The headman of the village
was present throughout the programme. The inauguration of the programme was
conducted by the children at Karkhanpada. Young people assisted in distributing
leaflets and informing people about the medical camp in the surrounding hamlets, they
also helped in registration of patients and preparing medical cards during the camp.
Two doctors attended the patients. Two nurses also were present to assist the doctors
in their work. Medicines were supplied by the PHC, as well as by Fr Bonnie Borges, the
Principal of Don Bosco High School, Naigaon. The positive response was seen when
138 people attended the camp even though it was a rainy day and people were busy
with the cultivation of their fields.
Tunisia
Volunteers among the children of Tunisia
Menzel Bourguiba
For some years now, French and Belgian young people go to Tunisia in the month of
July, to work as volunteers, with Tunisian leaders, for the local children. Thanks to a team
made up from the FMA community of Menzel Bourguiba, it was possible to organise a
project for 300 children, with about fifty volunteer leaders from France, Belgium and
Tunisia. All of the leaders followed a course in Salesian education and spirituality. The
French and Belgians were encouraged to understand the Tunisian people, their culture
and religion, to be open to an intercultural encounter, to share in the life of the
community, to participate in moments of Christian reflection, of prayer and celebration.
The openness of the Tunisian young people was remarkable. They asked questions
about the meaning of life
and wanted to meet with
another culture. This
experience shows how
young people from different
countries, cultures and
religions can understand
each other and work
together in games and
reflection and give of
themselves to younger
children, sharing life in
Salesian simplicity.
13
DON BOSCO TODAY
Don Bosco’s Mother
Mamma Margaret
14
Margaret was born in Capriglio, a small village some 30
kilometres southwest of Turin, Italy in 1788. She was the
sixth child of the family, she never learned to read or
write. Though illiterate she was by no means ignorant.
Margaret married Francis Bosco, whose wife Margaret
Cagliero had recently died. Francis was left with his
three-year-old son Anthony. On 8th April 1813 Margaret
gave birth to her first son, Joseph, and two years later
on the 16th August 1815, she was blessed with a
second son, John - the future Don Bosco.
Francis Bosco died when John was only 21 months old.
Margaret, now 29, was left with a family and a farm to
look after. She eventually had to give up the farm to look
after her three sons and their grandmother, this meant
moving to a humble shack. Margaret was offered the
chance of a very comfortable marriage, but the
condition was that her children would have to be cared
for by a tutor. She declined, God gave me a husband
and has taken him from me. On his deathbed he
entrusted three children to me and I would be a
heartless mother if I abandoned them at the very time
when they had most need of me.
Margaret’s constant refrain was, God watches over us
always. Don Bosco recounts how his mother prepared
him for his First Communion. Later Don Bosco said, I
am sure that on that great day God really took
possession of my soul.
She taught her children to respect their elders and to
give willing help to those in need. She often said, Do
everything for love and to please the Lord. In later years
Don Bosco used to say that education was a matter of
the heart. This had indeed been his happy experience
with his mother Margaret.
Margaret saw in John a very special character; she
noticed the extraordinary qualities he manifested.
Perhaps he will become a priest? He was quick-witted,
sensitive, intelligent, active and daring, open to his
companions, who were drawn to him as a born leader,
and always frank and trusting in his relations with his
mother. John later confided in her that he wanted to be
a priest, who would work for young people.
John was able to attend the public school of Chieri. At
last the way was open for him; but one great obstacle
remained - poverty. His board and lodging, together
with his studies cost more than he was able to pay.
Providence was there to help him and also the
generosity of all the neighbours, and of course his
frugal style of life enabled him to get by. John spent ten
years at Chieri, four at the public school and six at the
major seminary.
The year 1834 was time of crisis for John. He had to
make a final decision about his future. How could he
presume to be a financial burden to his mother with
DON BOSCO TODAY
15
further years of study? He also thought that there would be many dangers in what would
be for him the added comforts of the life of a parish priest. He decided to enter the
Franciscans, and discussed the matter with the parish priest at Castelnuovo. His mentor
did not agree with his decision and counselled Margaret to talk him out of it. You should
think of your own future, too: if John becomes a parish priest you too will be able to live
at the parish centre. Margaret went to Chieri and spoke with John, I have nothing to say
regarding your vocation, except that you should do what God inspires you to do. Do not
be concerned on my behalf. You owe me nothing. Never forget that. I was born in poor
circumstances, have lived in poverty all my life; and I am happy to die poor; and I say this
seriously to you, if you ever become wealthy, I shall never set foot on your doorstep. Don
Bosco, even in his seventies, still had a vivid remembrance of Margaret's decisive and
emotional tone as she uttered these words.
Before John Bosco was ordained priest, his mother told him. You have taken the priestly
habit and I am as happy as any mother could be. Never forget that it is not the habit that
matters, but the effort to progress in virtue. If you ever come to have doubts about your
vocation, be sure you never dishonour that priestly garb. I would rather have a poor
peasant as a son than a priest who neglected his sacred calling. She added a thought
that was probably much closer to his heart, When you came into the world I consecrated
you to the Blessed Virgin Mary. When you began your studies, I taught this devotion to
you. Now I want you to belong totally to her. Don Bosco, seeing his mother so greatly
moved said, Mother, I thank you for everything you have done for me. Your advice will not
be forgotten. I shall treasure it always as long as I live. John was ordained a priest in Turin
on Saturday 5th June 1841.
John lost no time in settling into his work for the young of the streets and the prisons.
He worked so hard that in July 1846 he became seriously ill and lay exhausted by his
apostolic labours, with his very life in danger. He went back to his mother’s home in
Becchi for a lengthy convalescence. He was desperate to return to Turin, there were so
many youngsters waiting for him. However, there was a delicate problem to be solved:
he was a young priest of thirty years of age, and had recently moved to the Pinardi
dwelling in Valdocco. Unfortunately, this was in an area of ill repute. John was advised
to take his mother back with him to Valdocco. John hesitated to ask her to give up her
peaceful life in the country and to move into a noisy city at fifty-eight years of age. Finally,
one evening he put before her his dilemma. She understood the urgency of the problem
and her immediate answer was, If you think such a course is pleasing to the Lord, I am
ready to come with you immediately. On 3rd November 1846, mother and son left the hill
they loved and went on foot to Turin.
She had brought her humble wedding trousseau, which she had always lovingly
preserved, a few cheap jewels, and some linen articles. These she used to make
clothing for the poor boys, or sold them to buy immediate necessities. Margaret
sacrificed everything. She gave herself entirely to her son and took an active part in the
very foundation of the Salesian apostolate. These ten years proved to be the most
definitive period of Don Bosco’s life. Margaret assumed a new name that remained with
her always. She became Mamma Margaret.
Don Bosco often asked her advice, and many of his decisions during these years had
the benefit of her wise judgement. When he had to go to the city or be absent for some
DON BOSCO TODAY
days, he did so with the comfortable feeling that
Mamma Margaret would be present with the boys and
would see that all went well. At times even the reception
of important visitors was left to her.
Margaret's concern for her son greatly increased.
Those who opposed his work with children swore to
take his life. He no longer dared leave home at night
without at least two of his bigger lads; and many a time
the famous dog Grigio came to his rescue, even lying
across the doorstep on one occasion to prevent him
from going out at night. If you won't listen to me,
Margaret said to her son, at least take notice of the dog;
do not go out!
For ten years Mamma Margaret was the mother of Don
Boso’s boys, with all that word implies, of patience, toil
and tenderness. In the first place she had to get used
to the shouting and rough and tumble of the oratory,
and it lasted all day and well into the late hours of
evening classes. Then came the first street orphans to
be looked after. She had to prepare their meals, tend
the little vegetable garden, feed the poultry and rabbits,
do the laundry, cook, mend and iron - often well into the
night while the boys slept, for many of them had only
one set of clothes. She had to care for them when they
were ill; and with infinite patience put up with their
noisiness and their carelessness.
The crisis came when, one evening in 1850, she poured
out her woes to her son, John, I cannot take any more
of this existence. Every day these boys manage to
plague me with some new vexation. Please let me get
away from here. I want return to Becchi and end my life
there in peace. John heard her out with sadness. He
looked at her and then raised his eyes to the crucifix
hanging on the wall. Margaret followed his gaze and
the tears rolled down her wrinkled cheeks, You are right,
of course. From that moment on, no further complaint
was ever heard from her. Her sacrifice meant so much
for the development of the Salesian apostolate.
Since all the orphans called her Mamma, it was clear
that they considered her not merely as a cook and a
laundress, but rather they regarded her as their mother,
putting their total confidence in her as orphans who had
found safety and love and readily returned that love.
Margaret was always available for them, at any time of
the day. They loved to chat with her; she was able to
correct them, advise and console them. In this way she
helped them to develop their characters and strengthen
their faith.
When in 1854 cholera broke out in Turin, everyone at the
oratory was miraculously untouched despite the fact
that the hygiene conditions of the day left much to be
desired. In her effort to help and comfort the sick and
the dying, Mamma Margaret gave all her linen to the
afflicted. When the scourge of cholera had run its
course there was an unexpected influx of fifty very
young orphans. Margaret was the natural one to whom
they were entrusted; and at sixty-six years of age she
found herself more than ever a mother. Bereavement
and poverty always claimed her heart. From her first
arrival at Turin she wore the same patched and faded
clothes. On two occasions Don Bosco gave her money
to buy herself a new dress. But the old one remained, a
little more worn, a little more patched. The money had
been spent on things the boys needed.
Returning from Becchi in mid-November 1856,
Margaret felt unwell and had to be confined to bed with
a rasping cough. The doctor diagnosed pneumonia
and gave no hope of recovery. Her son Joseph
hastened from Becchi; and Margaret spoke her last
words to her sons. To John her words were, There will
be others who will take my place here; but Our Blessed
Lady will always be the one in charge. Do not seek
splendour or display, but only the glory of God. Poverty,
genuine poverty, must remain the basis of all your work.
God knows how much I have loved you; but in heaven I
shall love you even more. I have done all I could. If at
times I seemed to be abrupt, it was for your good. Tell
the boys that I have worked for them with a mother's
commitment. Ask them to pray for me. John broke
down, overcome with grief.
Margaret died at three o'clock in the morning. Joseph
hastened to call John, and the two brothers embraced
each other, overcome with sorrow. The great number of
boys in the funeral procession to the parish church
gave the appearance of a triumphal parade; but it was
a pauper's funeral, and Margaret was buried in a
common grave without ever having a tombstone
carrying her name. Twenty years before she had said to
John, I want to die poor. She left nothing that belonged
to her, absolutely nothing - except her immense love.
16
DON BOSCO TODAY
17
We Remember
Pat knew all about community living,
he grew up in a loving family; the son
of Joseph and Shelia Kenna and he
had an older brother, Michael. The
family was joined by Kevin, Margaret and Mary. Pat
thought the world of his family and was especially proud
of his nephews and nieces. The care and concern that
Pat brought to so many people was the care and
concern that he received as a child, he accepted this as
the norm.
As he grew up, Pat became aware of the community that
was the Church, a community that was part and parcel
of Joe and Shelia’s lives, a community they shared with
their own children and grandchildren. It was a
community that included the Sisters at Farnborough Hill,
the Monks at Farnborough Abbey and, of course, the
Salesian Family of Farnborough. Through the example of
his family, and the Salesian family, Pat was to embark on
a community journey that was to take him across the
country and globe, in a quest to make Gospel values
and the teaching of Jesus more accessible and realistic.
Pat didn’t just talk about the Good News, he actually
walked the walk!
He enjoyed Salesian life in many communities, Shrigley,
Farnborough, Dublin, Ushaw, Bootle, Blaisdon,
Battersea, Liberia, California, Don Bosco Youth Centre,
Bootle, India and finally Chertsey.
As his friend and former Rector, Sean Murray said, Pat
was able to pack into 49 short years more than most
people get into 70! Pat had vitality and zest for life, his
community of friends meant the world to him. He had a
genuine concern, interest and care for young people.
His work in schools, and in the youth service, saw him
going that extra mile, to give young people the courage
and strength to move forward in life. In his own unique
way, Pat acted as an advocate and, more importantly, a
real friend of the young.
As a historian, Pat had a great memory for facts, places
and, most importantly, people. He could tell you who
was on Week 3 of Blaisdon Camp 1985; he remembered
birthdays and loved to record events for posterity on his
ever-popular camera.
Pat saw it as his responsibility to promote Salesian
hospitality. That meant welcoming the stranger, standing
in solidarity with those who were persecuted and
oppressed. It was this awareness that led him to work for
a short time in Liberia and India. We were all enthralled
and moved by his stories of the street children or the
effects of the Tsunami. As someone said to me, Fr Pat
brought the reality of that disaster in to our school in a
way that our children could comprehend and then do
something about it. There was something deeper here,
however, Pat had a real desire to help people and make
their lives better.
Pat would often remind us that he never took a holiday,
he never really travelled! However, when we were
students, he was the only one to carry his passport with
him, so that he could go off at a moment’s notice! Pat
journeyed with so many people and always made sure
that he kept in touch with his family and even wider circle
of friends. So many of us have journeyed with him,
privileged to have shared a car, minibus, train or plane
with him. Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus,
we have all shared a wonderful friendship together.
Pat we do not need to text you or phone you; you are just
a prayer and a memory away. Thank you for those
memories: they will keep you alive for us today, and every
day.
Gerry O’Shaughnessy SDB
Fr Patrick Kenna SDB
1955 - 2005
DON BOSCO TODAY
We Remember
18
Jim was born in Brewel, Co Kildare,
in April 1921. Jim discovered his
Salesian vocation as a result of the
sterling promotion of Don Bosco and
the Salesian life round Ireland, undertaken by the
famous Fr Ciantar who tirelessly travelled the length and
breadth of Ireland, showing the Don Bosco film, and
enthusiastically promoting the new missionary college at
Shrigley Park. Jim was a willing recruit, and it was from
Shrigley that he went to the noviciate at Beckford, in
August 1939. This was the largest noviciate in the
Province’s history, with 53 novices. Jim studied
philosophy and theology, and taught at Shrigley and
finally at Blaisdon where he was ordained in 1950, the
Holy Year.
His first appointment was to Salesian College, Chertsey.
Jim always said that he lost his heart to Chertsey. He
promised himself never to get attached to any place ever
again. He lamented his leaving and took ages to settle in
his new home, at Thornleigh, Bolton.
Jim spent thirty-two years of his priestly ministry at
Thornleigh. At times, it seemed, as if he had always been
there. In his role as form teacher of 1 Beta, and later
head of First Year, he became an institution that
welcomed, supported, encouraged and educated
generations of youngsters. Tutored by Jim, they grew up
to read and appreciate poetry and the literature he loved.
Jim delighted in the well-turned phrase, the poetic
sparkle and the depth of feeling of poets and
playwrights. He insisted on the highest standards of
spelling, punctuation and expression. These were, for
him, the delicacy of human sensitivity. His other great
love was for nature, his extraordinary knowledge of
birds; a hobby that gave Jim, and his pupils, endless joy.
Jim’s vocation as a priest and particularly as a confessor
was a fundamental aspect of his Christian life. He always
welcomed his penitents warmly, always made them feel
he appreciated and understood their difficulties and
problems.
In his last five years at Bolton, Jim was asked to take on
the unenviable task of being the Rector of Thornleigh, at
a time of turbulence and change. He found this a difficult
task, but his kindliness was much appreciated by his
community. After five years as Rector, Jim began a totally
different stage of his life. After the stability of Bolton for
32 years, he suddenly took up 20 years of itinerant
ministry. This ranged from Ushaw to Dublin, Glasgow to
Battersea, helping with the student community. The
highlight of these years was the time he spent as
assistant priest in a tiny country parish in Byermoor, Co
Durham. In this ex-mining village, Jim loved to spend
some time each morning in the Primary School.
Jim’s last sustained period of ministry, 1996 – 2003, took
place in Chertsey, his first love. Here, once again, his
gentle humour and identification with the poor came to
the fore.
For Jim, the triumphant moment of his latter years was
the wonderful celebration his family held at the church
where he had said his first mass in 1950. His Jubilee
Mass, accompanied by a piper, was a veritable triumph.
He loved it and genuinely appreciated the time and
trouble and all the love of his family that this celebration
represented.
Jim suffered from progressive ill health over his last
years. Finally he had a massive brain haemorrhage. I
had the privilege of being by his bedside, when he
breathed his last. May he rest in peace.
John Dickson SDB
Fr James Conway SDB
1921- 2005
DON BOSCO TODAY
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Discounts available for bookshops and repositories. Please allow extra for posting Eire or overseas
ORDER FORM - SPRING 2005
I would like to order:- price p&p qty sub total
DVD ROSIE GOES TO CHURCH 8.00 1.00
BOOK ROSIE GOES TO CHURCH 3.99 1.00
OFFER DVD ROSIE & BOOK ROSIE 10.00 1.25
A TIME FOR COMPASSION 6.00 1.25
DON BOSCO 3.99 1.00
DON BOSCO’S GOSPEL WAY 6.00 1.25
DON’T ORGANISE MY TEARS 9.25 1.00
GOD OF MANY FACES 2.50 .50p
GOOD NEWS IN THE FAMILY 4.99 1.25
MEMORY GAME 5.00 2.00
MOVING ON 5.00 1.00
OUR COLOURFUL CHURCH YEAR 4.50 1.25
ORDINARY WAYS 4.50 1.00
PRAYERS TO CLOSE THE DAY 3.50 1.00
PRAYERS TO START THE DAY 3.00 1.00
SEAN DEVEREUX 6.00 1.00
SERVING THE YOUNG 5.00 1.00
TEACHER, TEACH US TO PRAY 4.50 1.00
THE WITNESSES 2.99 .80p
TRUST THE ROAD 4.50 1.00
VIA LUCIS 9.99 1.25
101 SAINTS AND SPECIAL PEOPLE 10.00 3.36
WITHIN & WITHOUT 6.00 1.25
2006 CALENDAR 1.85 .66p
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New for Christmas
IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
The DVD of ‘Rosie Goes to Church’ £8 plus p&p £1.
A delightful DVD, in 9 languages, based on the book ‘Rosie Goes to
Church’ making the images and scenes from the book come to life for
young people, and telling the story in a simple and informative way.
CHRISTMAS OFFER
The DVD of ‘Rosie Goes to Church’ + the book ‘Rosie Goes to Church’
for £10 + p&p £1.25
CALENDAR FOR 2006 price £1.85 plus p&p 66p per Calendar
Order more copies for your friends and family or send their addresses to us and let
us post them out for you.
Schools Why not order a Calendar for each of your classrooms?
Special rates apply for ten or more copies. Contact Joan or Joyce on 01204 308811.
101 SAINTS AND
SPECIAL PEOPLE
Kathleen Pearce
A fresh and
interesting look at
the lives of special
people. 144 pages
95 beautiful
illustrations.
Hardback – fully illustrated in
colour.
Don Bosco Publications
www.don-bosco-publications.co.uk
OUR COLOURFUL
CHURCH YEAR
Kathleen Pearce
Written especially for
young children, and
beautifully illustrated,
this delightful book,
look at events in the church and in
the family and how they are
celebrated.
Hardback, coloured illustrations
throughout.
GOOD NEWS IN
THE FAMILY
Kathleen Pearce.
This book tells the
story of Jesus from
the Annunciation to
the coming of the
Holy Spirit in an
interesting and informative way. An
excellent resource for both the
school and the home.
Hardback – fully illustrated in
colour.
SAINT JOHN
BOSCO
Kathleen Pearce
The friend of
children & young
people. This is a
beautiful story that
even adults will find
inspirational.
Hardback – fully illustrated in
colour.
A TIME FOR
COMPASSION
Fr Michael
Cunningham SDB
This is a book any
thinking Catholic will
enjoy. God calls
people from a fear-
based religion of rules and
regulations to a love-based religion,
in which a profoundly relational
God invites all humanity into union
and communion. Paperback
MEMORY
GAME
REMEMBER
YOUR SAINTS &
SPECIAL PEOPLE
An exciting memory game to learn
about and to remember Saints &
Special People.
TEACHER,
TEACH US TO
PRAY
Winifred Acred FMA
This book aims to
help primary school
teachers to make
classroom worship a
special moment for everyone.
Paperback.
ORDINARY WAYS
David O’Malley
SDB
The book is for
anyone who is in
touch with youth,
either as a teacher,
social worker or parent.
Paperback illustrated.
VIA LUCIS
David O’Malley
SDB
A book to help us
recognise the
guidance and
leadership of the
Risen Lord, through the events of
our lives. Hardback – fully
illustrated in colour.
DON BOSCO’S
GOSPEL WAY
M T Winstanley
SDB
A fascinating
exploration of the
scriptural
background which underpins Don
Bosco’s Way.
Paperback
WITHIN &
WITHOUT
Michael
Cunningham SDB
God is present in all
aspects of our
human experience,
good and bad. This book will help
all of us make sense of the
challenges facing us today.
Paperback.
THE WITNESSES
Winifred Acred
FMA.
A pack consisting of
a leader’s sheet and
7 A4 cards. A new
way of retelling the
Passion Story. Ideal for children’s
liturgy in Parish or School.
DON’T
ORGANISE MY
TEARS
Tony Bailey SDB
A beautifully
produced book of
reflections written to
help people cope with
bereavement.
Paperback fully illustrated.
GOD OF MANY
FACES
M Renshaw FMA
Reflective verses.
Paperback
MOVING ON
Margaret Joan
Cooke
These poems are
as varied in the
topics they address
as they vary in style
from the sombrely thoughtful to
the playful.
Hardback
PRAYERS TO
CLOSE THE DAY
David O’Malley
SDB
A new form of
evening prayer for
use in groups or as
a personal bed-side prayer book.
Paperback.
Moving On
Margaret Joan Cooke
TRUST THE
ROAD
David O’Malley SDB
A book for
teenagers leaving
school and starting
life’s journey.
Paperback
SERVING THE
YOUNG
Jim Gallagher SDB
Focuses on aspects
of the religious
dimension of
education in a
Catholic School.
Paperback
SEAN
DEVEREUX
Michael Delmer
SDB
A story of a young
man of generosity
and compassion
who gave his life for Africa.
Paperback with 8 coloured
illustrations.
PRAYERS TO
START THE DAY
David O’Malley
SDB
This book offers a
simple form of
prayer for individual
or communal use at the start of
the day.
Paperback.
Serving the Young
Our CatholicSchools Today
Jim Gallagher SDB
DON BOSCO PUBLICATIONS
Michael Delmer SDB
SEAN DEVEREUXA L i f e G i v e n f o r A f r i c a 1 9 6 4 – 1 9 9 3
NEW Special Offer
Order both
together for
just £10
+p&p
ROSIE GOES TO CHURCH Kathleen Pearce.
A children’s guide to the church. Suitable as a gift
for Christening and First Communion as well as a
story to be watched by and read to young children.
DVD in 9 languages and hardback book.
