to my young friends


to my young friends

1 Pages 1-10

▲back to top

1.1 Page 1

▲back to top
I
m
am
y
yworuitinngg
to
f
ryioue.n..ds’
1
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

1.2 Page 2

▲back to top
2005 Editrice ELLEDICI
10096 Leumann (Torino)
ISBN 88-01-03168-8
Translated and adapted from Italian
by Ian Doulton sdb
2
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

1.3 Page 3

▲back to top
ALDO GIRAUDO
I am writing
to you...
My
Young
Friends!
Salesian Spirituality
for
Youngsters
3
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

1.4 Page 4

▲back to top
Don Bosco has written much
He wrote, above all, for youngsters. His words
and his style were typical of his time.
Today his texts have an old-world flavour but
they are not outdated. We can read them as if they
were meant for us today, because he writes from the
depths of his heart, very sincerely. Because he’s such
an expert in the use of evocative language, his words
leave a lasting impression on his readers. Since he is
an excellent communicator he tells us the story of his
life, his joys and his search for meaning. He stresses
some important points like the inner yearnings of the
human spirit and we realise that what he says rings
so true for us even today. It seems as if he were writ-
ing exclusively to us.
In his letters we find a fascinating combination
of various elements: his clarity, warmth, freedom and
determination, his joy and his magnanimity. What
he writes is charmingly real and suitable for every-
one.
Don Bosco writes to you…
He writes about his adventures, relationships,
affections, freedom, joys and commitments. He al-
most seems to want to seduce you.
What would your life be like if you fearlessly
surrendered it to God who is calling you?
You cannot imagine what unutterable joy you
4
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

1.5 Page 5

▲back to top
would feel if you freed yourself from the shackles
that confined you and you decided to unburden your-
self of all the clutter that you have accumulated
within you over all this time?
Don’t you think that it’s a simple and easy step
to take? Doesn’t God’s Spirit have the power to knock
down the walls and blast his way into you heart and
turn your desolate deserts into verdant oases?
So many youngsters have had confidence in Don
Bosco. Even today, there are so many who are truly
very happy only because they listened to his advice.
What about you? It all depends on whether you
have the ability to listen and reflect on all that’s deep
in your heart.
A spiritual journey
Every letter, every book, every word of Don
Bosco was aimed at awakening the best possibilities
that God has placed in the heart of every youngster.
He is not content to just thrill and inspire you. He
wants you to raise your sights beyond the uncertain-
ties of the present life to unchartered horizons of the
future. He wants to give you all the essential infor-
mation necessary for this spiritual journey.
Give him a hearing, open your heart. Don Bosco
will speak to you about human freedom and the
Christian life. He will teach you how beautiful and
how simple it is to live the Gospel of Jesus in all its
5
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

1.6 Page 6

▲back to top
fullness.
“I’m writing to you youngsters…”
Imagine that Don Bosco himself is writing you
a letter in response to some fundamental questions
you may have him.
What is the interior life?
How does one begin and sustain a spiritual jour-
ney? What are some of the unique suggestions that
you would propose to the youth of today?
His answers may surprise you.
Some may seem a bit far-fetched and not in
keeping with the sensibilities of today’s culture.
But the flavour of the Gospel values, their charm
and fruitfulness, the educative tips, some of the val-
ues he proposes are typical to his region and his times
and he invites you to read them and reflect on his
words.
6
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

1.7 Page 7

▲back to top
My dear boys’
I lo ve you with all my h eart and it is
enough for m e to know you’re you ng for m e to
lo ve you very much. I can assure you th at you
will find suggestions by people far more virtuous
and far more learned th an myself but you will
h ardly ever find anyone wh o lo ves you as much as
I do in Ch rist Jesus and wh o wants noth ing but
your tru e happiness.
May th e Lord be with you and I am sure
th at by practicing th ese suggestions you will reach
th e h eigh ts of sanctity, th e salvation of your soul
and give glory to God. That is th e sole purpose of
th is booklet.
Be very h appy and th e Lord be with you.
Most affectionately in Jesus Christ,
Fr. Joh n Bosco.
7
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

1.8 Page 8

▲back to top
1
MADE FOR GOD
You ask me: what is the spiritual life? We embark
on the spiritual life when we begin to realize that
our relationship with God is something that is really
important to us.
I wanted all youngsters, even those on the
streets during the early days of the Oratory, to un-
derstand this. I wanted to invite them to see their
lives from a spiritual perspective. I tried to elevate
their thoughts so that they could become aware that
religion ought to be first and foremost a joyful rela-
tionship with God.
It was precisely for them that I wrote a book
of meditations and prayers called The Companion of
Youth – in which I sought to lay out the essential steps
of the spiritual life simply and meaningfully so that
it may transform their lives and they may begin to
become aware of themselves.
To take their first steps on this spiritual jour-
ney it was first necessary to shake off the lethargy of
8
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

1.9 Page 9

▲back to top
an inherited faith that is sometimes superficial or
vague. You must open your eyes, look around and
learn to perceive beyond mere appearances. Look
around in order to discover the profound beauty that
exists. When you do this you will want to make some
progress, you will want to grow.
I told the boys: “Raise your eyes and see all
that exists in the skies above and on the earth be-
low.” If you raise your eyes, you will become aware
of the reality that is within you and around you. If
you look beyond all that is superficial you will find
that everything speaks to you about God and about
his great love for you. Everything speaks to you of
your profound dignity. The entire universe was created
for you and you are made for God. You are made in or-
der to enter into a relationship of intimacy and friend-
ship with him not only in the eternity to come but
already here and now, at every moment of your day
even as you are about to venture on this adventure
called life.
On the one hand, it is not easy to grasp all
this if you constantly stop at external things, feelings,
appearances and you don’t learn to go beneath the
surface. On the other hand, when you begin to con-
template and meditate on the Word of God, you
gradually come out of this hibernation and these dis-
tractions and you enter more deeply into this aware-
ness.
9
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

1.10 Page 10

▲back to top
Become aware of God’s love for you and the
great plans he has for you. Begin to chat with him
and respond to his promptings. Your life will have
new horizons and you will be touched and guided
by His Spirit.
Certainly, you will first need to overcome a
series of prejudices.
Above all let’s get rid of the idea that the spiri-
tual life is sad and boring. That’s not true! I taught
young Christians that the Christian life is cheerful
and active. I told them several times: Serve the Lord
and you will always be happy. Serve the Lord with
gladness. (Ps. 100: 2)
The one who takes care of his interior life at-
tains deep peace, joy and a love for life that he will
never find anywhere else.
Another common fallacy is the hope that you will
live a long life: “We are young, so let’s have fun. We
will repent when we’re old!” History teaches us that
several of those who had such thoughts have been
ruined. I know for a fact, how true that saying of
Scripture is: “Teach a youngster how he should live and
he will remember it all his life” (Proverbs 22, 6). That
means: if you start living well while you are young,
when you have grown old you will continue to grow
in virtue and the interior life. Conversely, if you ac-
cumulate bad habits while you are young they will
continue to dominate your entire life till the day you
10
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

2 Pages 11-20

▲back to top

2.1 Page 11

▲back to top
die.
I am convinced that it is very easy to be happy,
to realize your full potential and to succeed in being
loved and respected by everyone but first you need
to trust someone to guide you wisely, someone who
will teach you to reflect, to become aware of your-
self, to help you go into the depths of your heart and
to listen to its yearnings. This process takes daily and
faithful practice.
Without a careful and profound perception,
without a desire and a determination to improve you
will remain incomplete and unable to attain the
heights to which you aspire.
Courage! My dear friend, give yourself the
opportunity to grow in virtue and I assure you that
you will always be happy and come to realize how
good it is to serve the Lord.
Points for Reflection and Discussion
’’
To begin a lively “spiritual” journey is to pass from a
sleepy faith to the awareness of being a child of God.
• What habits and experiences do you think will help you
to take this step?
• Do you want to begin this adventure with God?
• Does your heart really want this?
11
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

2.2 Page 12

▲back to top
2 A TASTE
FOR
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
My life’s story has some important events that
marked my entry and my progress in the spiritual
life.
Even as a child I was prepared with great
fervour to meet Jesus in Confession and Holy Com-
munion. For an adult as also for a youngster it means
creating the ideal conditions: there needs to be an
atmosphere of recollection; one needs to be aware of
what is happening around him, to put himeself de-
liberately into the presence of the God who is gives
himself completely to us.
When one is young the role of parents and
educators is essential. Later, our ability to reflect de-
pends entirely on us.
I remember how my mother prepared me for
my First Confession. She taught me to pass from a
sense of shame (a psychological fact) to the sense of sin
(a spiritual and Christian point of view). She took
12
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

2.3 Page 13

▲back to top
me to church. She went to Confession herself and
then introduced me to the confessor. Later she helped
with my thanksgiving. She continued to do this till
she judged me capable of managing on my own.
I will never forget the great care and atten-
tion that she took to prepare me for my First Com-
munion. I was eleven. Even on the day of my First
Communion I was in the midst of a crowd of chil-
dren and it was easy to get distracted but my mother
followed me carefully.
During the season of Lent she took me thrice
for Confession. Several times she whispered words
that served to help me realize the importance of a
deep relationship with God, “My dear John, God is pre-
paring a great gift for you. Strive to prepare yourself well.
Make a good Confession. Be truly sorry and don’t hold
anything back from the priest. Promise God that you will
try to be better in the future.” Her dedicated assistance
really helped me. At home she made me spend time
in prayer, reading a good book and she gave me some
good advice.
On the morning of the feast she did not allow
me to speak to anyone. She walked with me to the
altar. She helped me with my preparation and my
thanksgiving. On that day she created a special at-
mosphere at home, with moments of meditation,
reading and prayer. Finally she said some words that
would remain in my heart forever: “My dear son, this
13
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

2.4 Page 14

▲back to top
was a great day for you. I am convinced that God has truly
taken possession of your heart. Now promise him that you
will remain good throughout your life…”
That intense spiritual experience had a posi-
tive effect on me and helped me mature. I became
aware of many things and I was able to evaluate many
things around me. There was a visible improvement
in my behaviour and my relationships.
But the defining moment of my interior life took
place when I was almost fifteen years old. It happened
when I had the good fortune to meet a great teacher
who opened my mind: Fr. Giovanni Calosso.
It is to him that I owe my movement from a
generic and superficial faith to a serious spiritual life.
That good priest generously agreed to take me under
his tutelage and help me to solve the problems I faced
with my studies. I felt his love for me and which en-
couraged me to trust him.
It was a new and intense adventure. I realized
what it means to have a good friend a loving father
who was deeply spiritual. Therefore I put myself into
his hands. I told him everything about myself, every
thought, word and action. That was how he was able
to teach and guide me.
He first introduced me to an unexpected dimen-
sion of my life. He made me encounter the Lord in the
inner chamber of my soul. From then on I began to savour
the spiritual life. Earlier I was inclined to act impulsively,
like a machine without any thought or reason.
14
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

2.5 Page 15

▲back to top
I experienced a stable and faithful friend
meant for my soul. Before this I had none. Fr. Calosso
not only corrected some of the defects in my way of
thinking but he also encouraged me to make good and
regular Confessions. He instructed me to approach the
holy Eucharist profitably and joyfully.
He taught me to dedicate a little time every
day in meditation with the help of some spiritual read-
ing. I would visit him often and spend several hours
in his company. Meditation, reading the Word of God,
the works of the spiritual masters and conversations
with Fr. Calosso opened my eyes and increased my
awareness. He introduced me to a deeper understand-
ing of things. He taught me to research things, to iden-
tify the roots of evil in my mind and to get rid of them
in order to experience an inner freedom. This was a
thrilling and decisive experience.
Points for Reflection and Discussion’
The boy Johnny Bosco moved from a superficial faith
to the spiritual life thanks to Fr. Calosso, his guide.
• Have you had some “powerful” spiritual experiences in
your life?
•Who is the one who influences, or has influenced your
spiritual growth?
• What do you think the expression “to experience the
spiritual life” means?
15
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

2.6 Page 16

▲back to top
3
THE NEED
OF
A GUIDE
As you make progress in your spiritual life you need
a guide. This is a fact of which I am convinced. Even
if you are lucky enough to be educated and well in-
formed, should you want to reach a higher spiritual
level you need this special personal relationship.
In my life I have realised that without any
sense of spiritual direction you will never achieve
anything good. I have tested this with the best young-
sters that God placed in my charge.
When I spoke to Dominic Savio for the very
first time I sensed that he was a boy who had been
endowed with the Spirit of the Lord and I was sur-
prised by the way grace had already worked in him
at such a tender age. He had wonderful parents, great
teachers. He grew up in a healthy environment. He
also displayed a maturity of judgment and reflection
beyond his years.
16
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

2.7 Page 17

▲back to top
He immersed himself enthusiastically into the
community of the Oratory and its activities. These
positive stimuli were given a fertile environment in
which to blossom.
Reading and meditating on the Word of God
had refined his interior life until one day he heard
some words in a sermon that touched him deeply
and fanned into flame his love for God. This was an
overwhelming inner experience that was intense and
truly spiritual. He felt compelled to surrender every-
thing to God forever.
Yet, despite this deeply spiritual experience,
he would have made little progress without a spiri-
tual guide.
Spiritual direction helped Dominic to achieve
a balance between interiority and a life of action, between
prayer and service, between love for God and love for his
companions, between contemplation and action. It was
thus that he became a model that would motivate so
many youngsters, becoming an important point of
reference for the spirituality of young apostles and
leaders.
Perhaps you will tell me that it is not easy to
find a spiritual director. That’s true. But I don’t be-
lieve that you need to be sure about the results in
order to know how good a guide is. It is your inner
attitude of humility, trust, docility and obedience that
allows the Holy Spirit to work effectively in you.
17
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

2.8 Page 18

▲back to top
Along with this you need a strong desire and a firm
determination to embark on this spiritual journey.
That was how it was for Dominic Savio. He
confided entirely in me from the first time we met. It
was the same for Francis Besucco, the simple shep-
herd boy from in the mountains of Cuneo, who came
to join the community of the Oratory. He came to me
and said: “Since I want to put my soul into your
hands, I would like to tell you all that is on my con-
science so that you may know me better and will be
able to give me the best advice to save my soul.”
This confidence and obedience, this humble
disclosure, according to the great spiritual masters is
an essential prerequisite for spiritual progress.
In fact, when there are such attitudes, the
Holy Spirit, who is the real architect of our interior
life, also uses persons who are simple and humble to
give us just the right advice.
I myself have had this experience. While
studying in the public schools of Chieri, I was really
helped by my confessor to avoid some humiliating
experiences and grow spiritually. But I received
much more valuable advice from a companion who
was younger than I, his name was Louis Comollo.
His habits and his Christian conviction were more
effective than any sermon. I learned from him how
to live as a Christian. Thanks to his advice I was able
18
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

2.9 Page 19

▲back to top
to overcome all the doubts I had about my vocation.
Subsequently, in my work as an educator I
often collaborated in helping to care for youngsters
by assisting them and personally guiding some of their
dissipated companions. I chose some bright youngsters
who were openly Christian in their behaviour. They
were generous, attentive and careful to avoid com-
promise and mediocrity and they were veritable spiri-
tual guides, achieving results that I would have
thought impossible for me.
Points for Reflection and Discussion’
• Don Bosco says it is indispensible to find a guide in
order to progress in the spiritual life; what do you
think? Why should one possess the attitudes of
humility, trust, openness, transparency along with
the strong desire to progress spiritually?
•
Do you have a spiritual director? Have you looked
for one?
•
Will you pray that the Lord helps you to meet a
“spiritual director?”
19
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

2.10 Page 20

▲back to top
4
CONDITIONS
FOR BEGINNING
THE PROCESS
I realized much later how right my mother was
when she said at my First Communion: “I am con-
vinced that God has taken hold of your heart.”
At the age of eleven I was old enough to un-
derstand the step I would be taking and so I began to
prepare myself to receive the the Holy Sacrament.
Above all, I learned how I ought to correspond to
the grace of God. I would make a good Confession
and sincerely repent of all my sins. I was determined
to improve myself by subduing my pride which was
one of my dominant defects.
I took this first step in my spiritual life be-
cause I opened my heart to God. In fact, it was only
when I opened my heart that he could enter and clean
its interior in order to take possession of it. His grace
began to work within me. I seemed to experience an
improvement especially in the practice of obedience
and docility. That was the first thing people noticed.
20
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

3 Pages 21-30

▲back to top

3.1 Page 21

▲back to top
Before this they disliked me because of my pride.
The very yearning for the spiritual life that I
experienced between the ages of fourteen and fifteen
while I was under the guidance of Fr. Calosso came
because of my decision to let God play a greater role in
my life, to trust him more fully and to obey my spiri-
tual director more completely.
Both these (my first Confession and Commun-
ion) were very important events in my spiritual life.
These changes took place in different ways
at different stages of my life. My experience taught
me that these changes can happen to very young girls
or boys, youngsters, adolescents, and even to adults.
I think it is one of the most beautiful adventures that
you can experience as a youngster. It is something
very personal. It can happen suddenly, like God in-
terrupting your life, but that is rare. Usually this in-
tervention occurs gradually like the process of gradual
maturation or a kind of progressive inner enlighten-
ment for someone who intends to take his Christian
life more seriously.
Fidelity to daily prayer, meditation on the Word
of God, the daily examination of conscience in order to
help control one’s weaknesses, regular Confession, the de-
liberate effort to avoid sin, a continued work on oneself in
order to develop Christian attitudes and virtues, contact
and insertion into a happy and healthy community, one
that is animated by charity, active participation in Church
21
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

3.2 Page 22

▲back to top
services and retreats, friendship with exciting and exem-
plary individuals, spiritual direction and an eagerness to
be of service in the family and the neighbourhood … These
are all useful means to help prepare the ground.
Gradually, these elements, this climate of
commitment, this fervent lifestyle, kindles a desire
to strengthen one’s interior life and increases one’s
real love for God and for those around us. These traits
will bring joy and a sense of inner security in the
midst of the difficulties and pitfalls that will now no
longer disturb you.
At this point it is necessary to respond to
God’s call without fear, to listen to the promptings
of his Spirit and to follow the path he is gradually
revealing to you.
However, not all paths are the same.
For Dominic Savio, who, from his early child-
hood had been trained to a certain way of life, an
attitude of dedication and a taste for the interior life
were conditions that created in him habits of a com-
mitment to regular daily duties, prayer and service
towards his companions. It was in such a state of re-
finement of these virtues, that Dominic was stirred
by a powerful sermon that he heard. It was a mysti-
cal experience and his heart instantly felt drawn ir-
resistibly by the love of God.
Michael Magone, on the other hand, was a
simple and lively boy. He grew up in the company
22
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

3.3 Page 23

▲back to top
of street urchins and those rough and ill-mannered
companions were familiar with vice. But he was
deeply touched by grace as he entered the ambient
of the Oratory. He willingly accepted its basic rules
and soon made friends with boys who had very dif-
ferent habits. He soon realized his own mediocrity
and his attachment to bad habits. It was a shocking
realization which triggered within him a crisis that
discouraged him except for the fact that he was
helped out of this situation very constructively.
Points for Reflection’and Discussion
• Your spiritual journey begins when you create favourable
conditions, those that you think are most useful
for your personal growth.
23
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

3.4 Page 24

▲back to top
5 BEGIN WITH
A CONVERSION
OF HEART
Each step towards inner conversion requires a re-
sponse, a gift given in love to the God who has first
loved us. Since the Lord loves us so much should it
not be our firm intention to try to do all we can to
avoid whatever might displease him?
This process is a movement in two stages:
conversion and surrender to God. At the end of the
meditations on the meaning of life and death I al-
ways invited the boys of the Oratory to turn to God
and to tell him fervently and from the depths of their
hearts: “From this moment, my Lord, I am turning my
life over to you. I love you and I want to serve you with joy
to the end of my days. Holy Virgin, my Mother, help me
always to be faithful.”
First of all, we must truthfully reflect on our-
selves. This may happen at various times and may
take various forms.
For me, it took place very clearly and effec-
24
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

3.5 Page 25

▲back to top
tively when I was twenty years old. I must admit that
before that time I was rather dissipated, boastful,
given in to fun and games, busy entertaining myself
with other things that cheered me up for the moment
but nothing that really satisfied me deeply. Basically,
I was very self-centred as happens to most young
people.
It was only at the end of my high school that
I seriously got to grips with questions about my fu-
ture. I realized that the dreams I had cultivated thus
far were very vague. It was true that I felt a certain
inclination towards the priesthood so that I could take
care of young people, but I had also to be realistic.
My way of life, certain habits that I possessed and a
total lack of the virtues necessary to become a priest
made it difficult for me to decide. I had to spend more
time in reflection. At first I tried to do this by myself.
I began reading spiritual books and visiting some re-
ligious communities around Chieri. I felt called to
the contemplative way of life. I even thought of en-
tering a monastery with the hope that it would help
to quell my passions, especially my pride that was
deeply rooted in my heart.
But I was trying to build a future based on
my limited view and my own fears without taking
into account the plans God had for me. Although I
had been accepted by the Franciscans my plans ran
aground. I was then advised by Comollo my most
25
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

3.6 Page 26

▲back to top
trusted friend. He made me understand what state
of mind I needed to be in: a complete willingness to
do the Lord’s will - an unconditional surrender. I had
to trust God completely with utmost confidence and
without any fear.
After all, every Christian vocation is not sim-
ply the result of a decision that one makes to give
oneself completely to God. It begins from a radical
change of heart. Therefore one should be able to say
like the young Samuel: “Speak Lord, your servant is
listening,” or like Mary: “Behold the handmaid of the
Lord, be it done to me according to your word.”
I prayed a lot, I began a novena that was pre-
ceded by a good Confession and in the meantime
Louis had written a letter to his uncle priest – who
already knew me – and he explained to him my prob-
lem.
On the last day of the novena I made my Con-
fession again, attended Holy Mass and received Com-
munion. Finally, I was now willing to do whatever
the Lord wanted of me because I had decided to give
God everything I was and possessed. Nothing else
remained in my heart except to be a good Christian,
at God’s service wherever he calls me. I realized later
my conversion was true and final.
That very same day I received a reply from
Louis’ uncle. He advised me to drop my previous
choice and he invited me to join the seminary be-
26
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

3.7 Page 27

▲back to top
cause during the course of my studies I would better
understand God’s plans. I should not be afraid of
making a mistake if I kept a watch over my heart,
practiced recollection and prayer because these
would help me overcome all my difficulties.
I did what he suggested. I applied myself se-
riously to prepare for that step. I went home for the
holidays, I stopped doing acrobatics (how vain and
proud I was, yearning for the praise of the audience
through those shows!). I read some good books,
which hitherto I had neglected. I continued to take
care of youngsters, telling them stories, spending time
with them in their games and singing. Many of them
were totally ignorant about the truths of the faith. I
tried to teach them the truths of the Faith and intro-
duce them to prayer.
Points for Reflection and Discussion
• What elements of conversion can you identify in this
section?
• Why are conversion and the surrender of oneself to God
complementary aspects of the same spiritual
disposition?
27
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

3.8 Page 28

▲back to top
6
TOTAL
SURRENDER
TO GOD
I reached the spiritual summit of my youth the
day when I was given the clerical habit. That sum-
mer I prepared myself with a strong inner determi-
nation. I asked my friends to pray for me. True, it
was a formal ceremony, but I wanted it to be a de-
finitive shift from one style of life to another.
It was as if on that day I knowingly and
wholeheartedly renewed my baptismal vows.
The parish priest who presided over the func-
tion asked me to remove my jacket saying the words
that Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “The Lord removes
the old man and his deeds.” And so from the bottom
of my heart I said very sincerely: “Oh, how much
old stuff there is to remove! My God, destroy all the bad
habits that are in me.” Then, handing me the clerical
collar he continued: “The Lord invests you with the new
man, created according to the image of God in justice and
in the righteousness of truth.” I was quite moved and I
28
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

3.9 Page 29

▲back to top
added to myself with great determination, “Yes, O
my God, make me, at this moment a new man like
this habit. That is, I want to begin a new life from now
on, according to your will and in justice and holiness. Let
it be the constant object of my thoughts words and deeds,
Amen. O Mary, help me.” It was such a well-prepared
and intense event and so it marked a turning point
in my life. I finally had the courage to “give my-
self” to God! Within myself, I felt that I could no
longer live in a coarse and superficial manner.
I knew myself, and I knew that I would find
it difficult to keep these promises, so I made a
programme of life, just so that I would not forget. I
wrote down the resolutions, keeping in mind my
character and lifestyle. To have these sentiments en-
graved deep within me I went to an image of the
Madonna and read them out and after a prayer I
made a formal promise to observe them at the cost of
any sacrifice.
You might think this is meant only for those
who intend to embrace a special vocation. Let me tell
you that this is the attitude required of every Chris-
tian: faith implies the gift of oneself to God, the conver-
sion of one’s heart to him, embracing joyfully the de-
mands of a life of a disciple of the risen Christ. That
is what Baptism actually means.
St. Francis de Sales taught this to all the laity,
29
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

3.10 Page 30

▲back to top
plunged into the vortex of daily commitments and
business. It is possible to live the life of a Christian
with joyful dedication in any life situation, at any
age, once you absolutely and generously surrender
yourself to God after a careful process of purifica-
tion of the heart. Only by effectively distancing your
heart from sin and evil and keeping away from any
selfish desires can you think of making any progress
in the spiritual life.
In my work as an educator and a priest, I have
tried to lead young people and children along this
same path. I have always believed that everyone,
even the smallest and the poorest among us are called
to be good Christians and saints: it is possible and it
is easy. I have seen such results, such generosity, such
enthusiasm and joy when a young man decides to
follow God completely. It is not important if the past
has been mediocre or worse, strewn with negative
experiences... When one turns to God, the powerful
grace of Christ works wonders and makes him into a
new creature.
It is simply a question of putting into prac-
tice the first commandment: to place God at the cen-
tre, above all things and to love him with all of our-
selves. To experience his deep and effective grace is
a deep need in all of us.
30
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

4 Pages 31-40

▲back to top

4.1 Page 31

▲back to top
Points for Reflection and Discussion
• “Giving oneself totally to God” - what inner reactions
arise in you when you hear this expression of Don
Bosco?
• What do you think are the most common obstacles and
difficulties that you would encounter as you try
to launch out on this adventure?
31
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

4.2 Page 32

▲back to top
7
DAILY
TRANSFIGURATION
Once we open our hearts to the love of God, our
whole being lights up from within. Because of the
power of the Spirit we are born anew.
I want to tell you what happened to Michael
Magone. After his “conversion” he appeared to be
completely transformed.
One day his teacher confided to me: “I am pro-
foundly amazed at the total change, both in his physical
and moral behaviour. He has become a mature young man
without losing his sense of serenity and joy and the irre-
pressible vitality that is so typical of him. His aspect and
his face reveal an interior disposition that has been mas-
tered. His behaviour has become exemplary in every as-
pect. I could point him out as a model of virtue to his com-
panions. I believe that this external change comes from a
spiritual transformation.”
I followed him through his crisis and I was
aware of this transformation. When he was accepted
32
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

4.3 Page 33

▲back to top
into our setting he did not seem to have a propensity
for anything except recreation. Singing, shouting,
running, jumping and cackling were the only things
that seemed to assuage his fiery and lively tempera-
ment. But when the companion who had been placed
to look after him told him: “Michael, the bell is call-
ing us to study, to school…prayer…”, giving one for-
lorn look at the fun he was having, without any dif-
ficulty he would make his way to where duty called
him. In fact, he was preoccupied about doing every-
thing perfectly. But it was great fun to see him when
the bell announced the break for the recreation! He
seemed to emerge out of the mouth of a cannon. He
flew to all the corners of the playground all at once.
Every kind of physical sport or activity seemed to
delight him. Barrarotta was his favourite game. His
days were spent merging scholastic and recreational
activities.
After positively overcoming his interior crisis he
changed the way in which he saw things. Everything
acquired a new significance for Michael. If at first he
seemed like an unbridled horse who was unable to
withstand the daily grind, intolerant towards any
kind of discipline, restless at church services, now
he seemed to enter a new dimension. Because of his
very affectionate nature, his fiery temperament and
his uncontrolled imagination he naturally tended to
be more enthusiastic. However, in due course, he
33
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

4.4 Page 34

▲back to top
began to restrain himself. Recreation was still his first
love but as soon as he heard the bell he would break
away from his games and make his way to study or
school, to rest, to the dining hall or to the church. He
would first do his duty.
What had happened to him? His life had a new
unifying centre and a new sense of purpose that was fu-
eled by an inner flame of faith in God – it was a faith that
introduced him to transcendence and freedom.
He was determined to imitate Jesus and ac-
cept with great love all the experiences that he en-
countered and also to accept his companions with
their various moods and characteristics. He saw ev-
erything in the the light of God’s Divine Will and he
fulfilled his daily duties and accepted the daily
rhythms of life with great love. He directed all his
actions to a higher purpose.
I am deeply convinced that an authentic spiri-
tual life makes us free and fervent in whatever we
do: we become more diligent in our studies, more
attentive at class, more obedient to our parents and
superiors. We become stronger and happier to be able
to endure all the hassles of life and we are able to
overcome the regular frustrations of everyday, ac-
cepting them for the love of God.
I have always recommended a strict perfor-
mance of one’s daily duties, not as a religious direc-
tive, but as an expression of a sense of responsibility,
34
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

4.5 Page 35

▲back to top
as we read in the life of the incarnate Son of God
who emptied himself, taking a form of a slave out of
love for us.
Points for Reflection and Discussion
• Don Bosco inextricably links the spiritual life to
everyday life: why?
• What do you understand by the term “Daily Transfigu-
ration”?
35
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

4.6 Page 36

▲back to top
8
ATTENTIVELY
WORKING
ON YOURSELF
Enthusiasm easily runs out in youngsters. It is there-
fore necessary to translate these impulses into per-
manent attitudes and intentions in the form of ac-
quired virtues.
Those who wish to grow spiritually should
carefully keep an eye on exercising their interior dis-
positions with much effort. In fact, it is difficult to
get rid of our shortcomings once and for all; they tend
to resurface periodically. The heart must be purified,
the will strengthened to control the passions, assist-
ing in the growth of virtue in a spirit of charity.
Don’t try and fool yourself. Effectively but
gently, be very demanding with yourself. Jesus
taught us that the road to life is narrow and difficult.
The one who wishes to be his disciple should em-
brace his cross and follow him with love.
Every athlete knows he can not achieve suc-
36
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

4.7 Page 37

▲back to top
cess without daily exercise and discipline. But the
goals toward which he aspires will not be achieved
unless he battles his fatigue, pain and sense of sacri-
fice with joy and determination.
The attractiveness of the goal to which you
aspire, the awareness of what you are called to be,
what you really can become and the firm resolve with
which you embrace the Christian life with all your
heart, are enough to support your commitment.
It is not a burden, but a joy to live the Chris-
tian life when it is fuelled by the love of God.
After I had received the clerical habit I had to
struggle to subdue my restless nature.
I had to liberate my heart, purify it of any-
thing that would deter me from directing everything
towards God. Reading the Memoirs of the Oratory
some might be surprised and even think that I exag-
gerated my ascetical practices during my seminary
years when I completely renounced all kinds of en-
tertainment.
I assure you, that I needed to radically reform
my life. It was rather late, but I reached complete free-
dom of spirit and the ability to align my will to that
of God. It would help me immensely in my mission
with youngsters, helping me to achieve the goals of
educating and training them. You cannot imagine
how pastorally effective games, sports, hikes, walks,
gatherings, feasts, music, theatre, art, science and lit-
37
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

4.8 Page 38

▲back to top
erature are when they take place with a superior mo-
tive and are mentally and emotionally devoid of any
consumerist attitude. It is then that they work towards
a more profound assimilation and enhancement of
one’s Christian life.
There are several means for a clarification
and growth in these areas.
I have drawn much benefit from a daily ex-
amination of conscience, from systematically taking
resolutions to overcome certain unruly passions, by
frequent and regular confessions, from spiritual di-
rection and from fraternal correction. I have been
sustained by daily prayer both in community and
personally, by meditation, the Eucharist and the ado-
ration of the Blessed Sacrament, by Marian devotion,
monthly and annual retreats. I was spurred on by
good friends, by good and wholesome reading...
I later taught youngsters to do the same, each
according to their own particular sensibilities, incli-
nations and personal needs. Above all, I insisted that
they keep in check their senses, face with fortitude
their daily difficulties and remain faithful to the reso-
lutions they have taken to celebrate the sacraments
of Penance and the Eucharist. I urged them that, in
addition to the usual morning and night prayers, they
get into the habit of reading some spiritual authors
but especially the Word of God on which they should
lovingly meditate.
38
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

4.9 Page 39

▲back to top
To avoid the risk of confusing a psychologi-
cal state of mind with an authentic spiritual life, I
tried to suggest to each one to draw up a personal-
ized programme of life.
To Michael Magone I proposed regularity in
prayer and in the performance his daily duties. I
urged him to be vigilant about his irrepressible sen-
suality by guarding his senses, especially his eyes and
his appetite. He should develop a certain austerity
of life and take care to avoid reading, entertainment
and company that could be frivolous or dangerous.
But I wanted to encourage an assiduous commitment
towards loving his companions, being attentive to-
wards them and daily helping everyone around him.
With Francis Besucco, who was more timid
and shy, I insisted that he participate more cheer-
fully in the recreations with his companions, care-
fully nurture his relations with them. He was to use
his study time more carefully and assiduously fulfill
his daily duties. These he should perform diligently
and prayerfully. I invited him to overcome any anxi-
ety he might have and serenely trust in God.
To Dominic Savio, who was overwhelmed
with an aspiration to holiness, the need for recollec-
tion and greater heights of sanctity, I had to check
his excesses in fervour. I asked him to maintain a
moderate and balanced sense of joy and cheerfulness,
39
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

4.10 Page 40

▲back to top
to persevere in his daily duties, to always actively
participate in the recreations with his companions. I
proposed to him that he should become an apostle
among his companions, seeking out and accompa-
nying those who were distracted. I asked him to ani-
mate a group and urge them to improve the quality
of their lives, in short, to be a positive influence among
his companions. I urged him to actively participate in
the educative and pastoral mission of the Oratory.
Points for Reflection and Discussion
• Can we say that asceticism and vigilance are necessary
for the Christian life even today? What would be
the objectives of a commitment to asceticism and
self-control?
• What would be the most suitable means for you to do
this work of purification and growth?
• Why do you think it is necessary to draw up a
customized spiritual programme?
40
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

5 Pages 41-50

▲back to top

5.1 Page 41

▲back to top
9
A FERVENT
AND
INTENSE LIFE
The saints always believed that obedience and hu-
mility are virtues that identify them most closely with
our Lord and Master. I too have the same opinion.
Perhaps the most deeply rooted passions in us are
pride and arrogance. They are the source of several
bad habits, particularly presumption, discord, abuse
and the inability to reason correctly.
In The Companion of Youth, a book on spiritu-
ality for the youngsters of the Oratory, I wrote that
obedience is the first virtue that a youngster should
develop. I mentioned the example of Jesus who,
though omnipotent, learned to obey in everything
and was submissive in all things to his mother Mary
and St. Joseph. He worked as a carpenter and then in
obedience to his heavenly Father he died a painful
death on the cross.
I thank my mother who taught me a gener-
ous and loving obedience that was always sustained
41
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

5.2 Page 42

▲back to top
with reason and faith. This made me submissive to
the will of God because of which I was able to make
wise decisions. I was able to grow in the virtues that
characterized my personality.
In the dream I had when I was nine I was
urged to prepare myself for my mission of teaching
and saving youngsters by leading them along the
same path. “By obedience you will achieve knowledge,”
the mysterious personage said. I then became aware
that my vocation was under the guidance of Mary,
my teacher of the Christian life and the model of ev-
ery vocation. I received a clearly defined programme
from her which I was invited to follow: “Make your-
self humble, strong and robust.”
Years later I was able to verify the efficacy of
that first admonition. I wish everyone understood
that subduing oneself, guarding one’s heart and commit-
ting oneself to an ascetical discipline - which I mentioned
above - are a prerequisite of a pattern of life that is excit-
ing, dynamic and daring. I was able to accomplish noth-
ing without these pillars. Still less would I have been
able to forge a strong personality that was balanced,
loving and capable of fervent faith and courageous
hope.
That was the same programme that I pro-
posed to the youngsters of my Oratory. As good
Christians and honest citizens that I wanted them to
cultivate within themselves virtues characterized by
42
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

5.3 Page 43

▲back to top
loyalty and consistent hard work that is fuelled by
an inner vitality and a brilliant and lively spirit of
joy. I have never liked cynics, pessimists, the lazy or
the pedantic.
I dream of fervent women and men who are
enthusiastic, positive and constructive, competent
and creative. The Oratory that I founded was a vol-
cano of novelty and activity, a workshop for creative
expression, an environment of joy and optimism, a
place to form a lively and remarkable personality. I
wanted to create within it a micro-climate that would
be ideal to nurture a fresh generation of youngsters
who were courageous and strong, open to collabora-
tion and cordiality, prompt and generous to meet the
needs of society in these present times.
I dreamed of a world in which the joyful
Christian would be able to bring to the problems of
the moment the yeast of transformation. I was culti-
vating a utopia driven by new persons who live in
the Spirit.
This goal of the interior life that I have out-
lined is very demanding. That is why I always en-
courage young people to look up and beyond. I en-
courage them to hope and to work with courage and
daring.
Keeping this in mind I warned them against
mediocrity and sin; it is the worm that destroys
fervour, mortification, depletes the spirit, obscures
43
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

5.4 Page 44

▲back to top
the mind, coarsens the heart and finally imprisons
the soul.
Whoever does not grasp the vastness of my
model of an ideal human being and Christian is un-
able to understand and share my insistence on these
passive virtues: humility, obedience and the mortifi-
cation of the senses.
Above all, one needs to see the importance
that I have placed on the virtue of chastity. I love to
call it “the beautiful virtue”, the “queen of the virtues,”
because I wanted you to notice how radiant it looks.
I never presented it simply as continence or the abil-
ity to control or orientate one’s sexuality. I have lived
it and so I proposed it as a as a free and enlightened
life entirely directed towards God, animated by a
love that is generous and joyful, like a synthesis and
an amalgamation of all the other virtues. I have
sought to illustrate its transforming effects on the
souls of youngsters alluding to the fascination that
youngsters have to be successful and chaste person-
alities.
It is not easy to speak of this, but I do not cease
to present it to youngsters. Dominic Savio summa-
rized this way of life thus, when he told a compan-
ion: “Do you know? Here we make holiness consist in
being very cheerful. The only thing we worry about is how
to avoid sin because that is the greatest enemy that robs us
of the grace of God and our peace of soul. We try to fulfill
44
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

5.5 Page 45

▲back to top
our daily duties to the best of our ability and pray fer-
vently. Begin already today to do your duties well and
pray fervently. Begin already now to note down and re-
member: “Serve the Lord with holy joy”
Points for Reflection and Discussion
• Why does Don Bosco propose obedience, humility, the
subduing of the self and the custody of the senses
(the passive virtues) in order to live an exciting,
industrious and cheerful life?
• What kind of ideals and models did Don Bosco have in
mind when he proposed them as ideals of the
virtue of Chastity?
• Are you willing to fight against mediocrity and sin?
45
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

5.6 Page 46

▲back to top
10
A FRIENDLY
CHAT
WITH GOD
I am convinced that prayer is indispensable for
a Christian. When we cut ourselves off from the sources
of the spiritual life we become easy prey to dissipation and
temptation.
How should one pray? To pray is to raise
your heart to God. It means spending time with him
through holy thoughts and emotions. So, every
thought of God and any gaze in his direction is
prayer.
Those who meditate on the Lord or on his in-
finite perfection and through these thoughts experi-
ence great love, joy, reverence or admiration - they
pray. Those who consider the many graces and gifts
received from the Creator and so are brimming over
with gratitude, they pray. Anyone who is in danger,
aware of his weakness and implores the Lord for his
help, he prays. Finally, those who, in repentance, turn
to God recalling how they have insulted the Father
46
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

5.7 Page 47

▲back to top
himself and how they have lost the greatest good and
now beg forgiveness and earnestly seek to make
amends, they pray.
Prayer is such an easy thing. Anyone can pray
anywhere and at any time by raising his heart to
God.
Thinking of prayer in this way is what the
tradition of the Church taught. It is a very simple spiri-
tuality, but very intense, requiring continuous effort
to let it pervade one’s thinking and behaving. Those
who can “sense God” are able to see not only them-
selves, their lives, their destiny, their daily work, their
affections and relationships, their desires and their
problems but also their sins and their shortcomings
under the loving gaze of God.
When, with a little daily effort, we get used
to the idea of being personally loved by God, there
opens a wide horizon within us that leads us to live
in freedom, purity and peace. In fact, we are led to
“transcend” and always go beyond ourselves to un-
derstand that there is a supernatural vision and mean-
ing for our lives. When thoughts and feelings are di-
rected towards God then we seek him even in the
smallest things.
I have witnessed in my own life, in the lives
of my boys and in the people I have encountered,
the efficacy of prayer. It is not just getting what we need,
it is moving into a realm of spiritual transformation.
47
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

5.8 Page 48

▲back to top
Among the gifts with which God endowed
Dominic Savio, the most preeminent was his fervour
in prayer. He was so accustomed to converse with
God, that wherever he was, even in the midst of the
hustle and bustle of the playground he could recol-
lect his thoughts and emotions and lift his heart to
God.
To achieve this requires a spiritual journey
beginning from the purification of one’s mind so that
one is able to experience a habitual union with God
that allows one easily to recollect oneself in prayer.
- First, one should cultivate a control of oneself,
purifying one’s thoughts and sentiments, shaking off the
mentality of “this world,” so heavy and cumber-
some with its affections and passions or else it will
not be possible to grow in one’s intimacy with God.
- It is necessary to rectify one’s affections, one’s intentions
and the motives for which one’s decisions are made in
the way we relate and communicate with people. The
heart must be educated, evangelized, “raised to God.”
The result is prayer that is primarily internal,
not formal, cold or intellectual but fervent, warm,
with a yearning to “see God” and sense his presence,
of doing everything for him and seeing everything
with reference to living consciously in his presence.
“God sees you” is an expression that I heard
several times as a child from the lips of my mother.
48
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

5.9 Page 49

▲back to top
I’ve often repeated this to the boys, I even had it
painted onto placards and hung around the Oratory
in Valdocco.
It was not intended only to warn them but so
that, at all times, their conduct may be worthy of the
presence of God who is at the same time a merciful
but a just father. I wanted to help them to cultivate
an awareness of God’s divine love that constantly
surrounds us. We exist because God thinks of loving
us. We live because we are sustained by his grace
and mercy and we are called to realize the fulfilment
of our personal vocation to holiness.
The thought of God encourages us and
strengthens us in difficulty. It heaves us out of our mo-
ments of weakness and laziness. It defends us in moments
of temptation, helps us to find our way back when we are
lost, elevates us from the banality and the restlessness of
everyday life raising us up to broader and brighter hori-
zons to which we can direct our aspirations.
When this thought becomes familiar and
spontaneous we make our way to a steady and inti-
mate relationship with the Lord, a more intimate con-
versation with him. We begin moving into a totally
spiritual climate, a state that is constantly fervent.
Therefore, every moment can be consciously
lived in Him, with him and for Him. The intentions with
which we act, feel, think deeply and whatever we
49
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

5.10 Page 50

▲back to top
say, cannot but be done continually in the presence
of God. All this is constantly purified and rectified
by him and so we are spurred on to grow in virtue,
in perfection and holiness which allows us to go out
of ourselves in generous and selfless charity.
The little mountaineer Francis Besucco, in the
simplicity of his fourteen years, had already reached
a fairly mature spiritual life. He was so fond of prayer
and so accustomed to it that whenever he seemed to
be unoccupied even for a few moments, he would
immediately begin a conversation with the Lord. At
the same time during recreation he would often be-
gin to pray as if by some involuntary behaviour pat-
tern. He would say the name of some game or whis-
per some ejaculation. While on the one hand, these
things were a source of laughter among his friends,
on the other hand, it demonstrated what joy he de-
rived from prayer and how he had mastered the art
of being recollected in prayer in order to raise his
mind to the Lord. According to the spiritual masters,
this behaviour reveals a high degree of perfection
rarely achieved except by people of great virtue.
Points for Reflection and Discussion
• Prayer that was lived and taught by Don Bosco meant
50
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

6 Pages 51-60

▲back to top

6.1 Page 51

▲back to top
raising one’s thoughts and affections to God. It
meant cultivating an awareness of the presence of
the God of life: What would this mean for your
personal and community prayer?
• How can you revolutionize the vision of yourself and
the world through this type of prayer?
51
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

6.2 Page 52

▲back to top
11
WITH
MARY’S
HELP
I taught young people that the Mother of Jesus
has a crucial role to play in one’s spiritual life and
true devotion to Mary is expressed mainly by living
a virtuous life. “If you remain devoted to her” I wrote
to the boys in The Companion of Youth, “not only will
she bless you in this world but you will be with her
in Paradise.”
Mary is our model of being a believer. She
is our teacher in the art of listening and putting into
practice the Word of God, remaining in union with
Jesus and growing to be perfectly like him.
From her we learn to be sensitive to the needs
and sensitivities of others, of humble and practical ser-
vice, fidelity to our duty, fortitude in difficulty, trust and
hope in God even in the sufferings of Calvary.
The Mother of Jesus invites us to open our
minds, without any hesitation to the sanctifying ac-
tion of the Holy Spirit.
52
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

6.3 Page 53

▲back to top
She encourages us to persevere steadfastly in
our vocation as believers and witnesses of the Gos-
pel, actively spreading the faith and combating
within and without all kinds of evil, to love the
Church and to work in its service.
Mary was a felt presence in my life, loving,
active and stimulating. I felt her close to me. I en-
trusted myself to her. I let her direct, guide and encourage
me along the path of my vocation, in my mission and
to assist me in striving for holiness. Without her I
would have been unable to do anything.
I have always believed that there is a close
link between Marian devotion, union with God, spiri-
tual fervour, a virtuous life, active charity, educative
and pastoral zeal and apostolic fruitfulness.
I liked to suggest to my friends this prayer in
the form of a rhyme:
At the thought of God,
May our lips, hearts and minds,
Virtuously follow you,
O great Virgin Mary, mother mine!
To follow the way of virtue, to live the full-
ness of your human and Christian vocation, I encour-
age you to go to the school of her wisdom, invoke
her with faith and entrust yourself to her. Mary is an
example of total dedication to the Lord, of solicitude
53
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

6.4 Page 54

▲back to top
for the needy, fidelity at the moment of the cross, of
spiritual joy, of courage and service towards others.
I beg you to have a devotion to her that is
childlike and strong, that is founded on prayer and
strives to imitate her with conviction.
The spiritual heights that have been achieved
by my best youngsters are in direct relation to their
love for Mary. It was not sentimentality, despite the
romantic tendency of the period in which they lived.
On the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate
Conception in 1854, Dominic Savio went to the altar
of Mary and renewed the promises that he made at
his First Communion and then over and over again
he repeated these precise words: “Mary, I give you
my heart, make it completely yours. Jesus and Mary al-
ways be my friends. For pity’s sake never let me have the
misfortune of committing a single sin.” That is how you
should make Mary the mainstay of your spiritual life.
Dominic’s moral conduct appeared to be so edifying
and infused with such acts of virtue, that ever since I
began to notice them I could never get them out of
my mind.
The Virgin Mary has, in fact, been given to us
by Jesus while he was dying on the cross and she is
very active in our lives. She accompanies us, sustains
us, guides us and inspires us along our spiritual jour-
ney.
Let me repeat to you what I was told in the
54
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

6.5 Page 55

▲back to top
dream at the age of nine: “I will give you a teacher,
under whose guidance you will become wise and without
whom all wisdom is folly.”
Points for Reflection and Discussion
• Who is Mary for you? What place does she have in your
life as a believer?
• What were the real consequences that came out of the
Marian devotion that Don Bosco had?
• Why does he deem it essential for the Christian life?
55
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

6.6 Page 56

▲back to top
12
REVERENCE
AND LOVE
FOR THE EUCHARIST
I insisted very much that young people learn to
participate in the Eucharist with faith, attention and
much love. At Valdocco we put in place all the means
possible to make our Masses beautiful and fruitful:
an atmosphere of recollection and active participa-
tion, hymns and prayers, preoccupation about the
atmosphere and the organization of the liturgy.
I made sure above all that each one was aware
of what was happening and was able to participate
actively in the Eucharistic celebration, bringing his
entire life to the table of the Word and the Bread of
Life.
I wanted them to sense that the Eucharist was
the Heart and the Source of the Oratory family. Ev-
eryone should feel that Communion with the body
and the blood of Jesus, received in faith, was suffi-
cient to allow the Holy Spirit to build an atmosphere
of love and communion within the hearts and minds
56
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

6.7 Page 57

▲back to top
of all those present.
I invited the boys to open their hearts com-
pletely to the presence of Jesus, Master and obedient
Servant out of love. I encouraged them to ask for his
help in freeing them from all their sins and from ev-
ery evil and so that they remain faithful to God’s law.
I encouraged them to respond to the love of the Fa-
ther by offering themselves with total surrender. To
overcome the difficulty understanding the rite com-
pletely (because at that time everything was in Latin),
I drew up an outline that allowed them to participate
in the praise, offertory and the Communion in the
prayer book of the boys,. Every part of the Mass was
described, its meaning explained and translated into
prayer so that everyone could completely understand
each part and with much concentration and actively
participate in the Mass. In particular, I tried to help
them to listen fruitfully to the proclamation and the
explanation of the Word of God. I suggested that
they prepare themselves for the first reading with
the invocation: “Inflame O Lord, my heart with your
holy Love so that I may love and serve you all the days of
my life.” Before the proclamation of the Gospel I pro-
posed this prayer: “I am ready, O Lord, to witness to my
faith in the Gospel at the cost of my life, professing the
great truths that they contain. Give me the grace and the
strength to do your Holy Will and to flee from occasions of
sin.” I believe that this is the appropriate response to
57
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

6.8 Page 58

▲back to top
make us fruitful of listeners of the Word.
I wanted, above all, that Holy Communion be
not a formal action or worse a sacrilege. I educated the
boys, including the children, to cultivate an ardent
desire to receive Jesus into their hearts by a life that is
exemplary and dignified. In this connection, I invited them
to follow a path of inner purification through the sac-
rament of penance received regularly. This would help
them to commit themselves to a life of growth in vir-
tue.
I was not afraid of stirring up their emotions
and affections.
While preparing themselves for Communion
I proposed to them: “Stop for a moment and consider
who you are receiving: Jesus Christ, the God of infinite
greatness, majesty and mercy. He is coming to us, poor
creatures, sinners and he comes to be our father, brother,
friend and the spouse of our souls. He wants to be our
physician, teacher and our food.”
For their thanksgiving and adoration I sug-
gested sentiments and thoughts that would unite their
participation in the Eucharist with a better Christian
life: “My dear and good Jesus, I thank you so very much for
such a great gift. I praise you, I bless you from the depths of
my being. Henceforth you will always be my hope and my
comfort. I wish I could give you all the praise and glory that
the saints give you in heaven. Since I cannot do as much, I
offer you myself: my will that wants no one else but you. I
58
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

6.9 Page 59

▲back to top
offer you my hands, my feet, my eyes, my tongue, my mouth,
my mind, and my heart. I offer them all to you. Guard me
because every thought and every action should have no other
objective but to live in your friendship and fulfil your plans
of love.”
With the help of these suggestions many
youngsters effectively learned to build their person-
alities and drew closer to Jesus and reached the sum-
mit of the Christian life.
- This was the source of the inner joy that shone
in all the actions of Dominic Savio and others
who were able to correspond with love to the
gift of the Eucharist.
- It was from here that they drew all the help
they needed. That was why they were often
found rapt in adoration before the tabernacle.
- Here were also born many generous and cou
rageous vocations that carried the gospel of
salvation all over the world and sanctified many
youngsters.
Points for Reflection and Discussion
• Don Bosco points out some terms and conditions for an
active and fruitful participation in the Eucharist:
Do you think they are possible today?
• Why does he closely link Eucharistic Communion with
a certain way of life?
59
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

6.10 Page 60

▲back to top
“I’M WAITING
FOR YOU
IN PARADISE”
My dear youngsters, the Lord calls you to friend-
ship and a perfect communion of love with him. I
want you to share in the fullness of his joy now and
throughout eternity.
Each day we walk in the joyful hope of de-
finitively encountering Him. This thought will en-
lighten and sustain all our choices, making us faith-
ful in our duties and following him fervently and
with perseverance, so that we may be able to build
up his kingdom day by day.
You know that you are free and responsible:
the world and its history, your life and the life of your
brothers, human relations and social justice, the arts,
the sciences, and the progress of thought, nature and
environmental resources, cultures and values ... God
has put all this into your hands because he trusts you.
It's up to you to accept this responsibility
generously and intelligently, with commitment and
60
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

7 Pages 61-70

▲back to top

7.1 Page 61

▲back to top
integrity. You will be judged by God for this. There
is a possibility that you could be scared by all this
but be strong and step out with courage. Trust and
look up towards ever wider horizons.
I invite you to always be good Christians,
honest, useful and honourable citizens. Work with
commitment in the civil society and in the Church to
be builders of a new world by educating and train-
ing the younger generations. Avoid unnecessary gos-
sip and despise discord and selfishness. Strive to
build a community of peace in joy and optimism.
Look up. Be vigilant with your loins girded
and your lamps burning. The future quality of life of
humanity depends on you: listen to the Lord’s call.
Discern carefully his will for your vocation
today and for the cause of history.
Take up the specific mission that has been re-
served for you.
Be generous and strong: learn to take risks
for these great ideals. The grace of the Lord will make
you strong in faith, in charity so that you can give
yourself to Him and to others. Mary, Help of Chris-
tians will accompany you on your journey. You will
see wonderful things.
Many educators have shared my convictions and
two out of three youngsters at least once in their lives de-
sired to devote themselves completely to God.
Christian vocations are many and fascinating.
61
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a

7.2 Page 62

▲back to top
Open the doors of your heart to Christ who is calling
you. Let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit. Hurry
to the vineyard of the Lord and bring in his harvest.
We will meet in Paradise, hands full of fruit,
along with several of our beloved brothers and sis-
ters whom we have taught, rescued and saved. We
will stand before the Father with Jesus and Mary and
the saints in joy without end!
Points to Reflection and Discussion
• We are called to the “blessed hope” of Paradise, says
Don Bosco, and he encourages us to this historic
commitment in the light of God’s judgment. What
do we need to do to achieve self-fulfillment and
our own vocation in area of responsibility?
• Have you ever thought about your specific vocation as a
worker in the vineyard of the Lord?
•
What reasons and fears leave you uncertain?
62
my dear you ng friends, You’ are always in my

7.3 Page 63

▲back to top
Th is booklet offers som e aspects of Don
Bosco’s spirituality. I ha ve som etim es
used h is own words, reconstructing and
interpreting h is th ough t th ough each
interpretation risks being arbitrary at
tim es. I h a ve imagined Don Bosco
speaking to us personally. He has a
ch arm ing personality wh ich is d eeply
spiritual, complete, rich and varied. It
would be presumptuous to pretend to lock
h im up in th ese few pages.
I th ough t it useful to sh are with you
som eth ing of wh at I u nd erstood from
reading h is most personal writings. It
sh ould arouse in you th e desire to get to
know h im more intimately and to follow h is
spiritual suggestions in your educative and
pastoral m inistry at th is trou bled yet
fascinating period of h istory.
63
y th ough ts...my dear you ng friends, You’ are a