DON BOSCO'S MADONNA HE NEVER TOLD ME HE LOVED ME… · January 2016 2 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 3 Don Bosco’s Madonna Fr. Ian Doulton sdb From The Editor's Desk: He Never

2 3January 2016 Don Bosco’s Madonna Don Bosco’s MadonnaJanuary 2016Fr. Ian Doulton sdb

From The Editor's Desk: He NeverTold Me He Loved Me............3

The Art of Giving- Fr. Erasto Fernandez. SSS...4

Youth on the Move:The Church of Tomorrow - Giuliano Palizzi......7

Vocation Story: Fr. Aldo Marchesini......10

Salesian Saint: Bl Magdalene Morano...11

Witnesses In And For Our Times:St Severinus of Noricum..........12

Lectio Divina: In Search of A Treasure- Cl. Ian Pinto, sdb...............16

Quietspaces: Without Mary Jesus CannotBe Understood - Pope Francis.....18

As A Tree Falls- Fr. Ian Doulton's Collection...20

Don Bocso’s Identity:Don Bosco’s Tenacity (10)

- Fr. Elias Dias, SDB..................24

Reflecting on Mary: Among the doctors in the Temple - Bernardina do Nascimento...28

Newsbits...............................................31

In a Cheerful Mood.....................15The Devotion of

the Three Hail Marys............33Loving Children to their

Loving Mother.......................34They Are Grateful to

Our Lady & Don Bosco.........34Thanks to Dear

St. Dominic Savio..................35

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS

DON BOSCO'S MADONNA Mumbai JANUARY 2016 vol.17 No. 9

HE NEVER TOLD ME HE LOVED ME!Here at the Shrine I see interesting things. I see parents interacting

with their kids – fathers babysitting their babies while mothersspend a few moments in prayer. I notice elderly parents beinglovingly led to their pews by caring sons or daughters. Those gesturessometimes tear me up and warm my heart. I often say to myself,that I’ve got to be really insensitive if that doesn’t make meemotional. That’s what family-love is all about, isn’t it?

Strange that another memory came back to me as I was lookingdown one Sunday morning from the choir loft at the shrine where Itake my perch: years ago, in the course of a chat, someonecomplained to me that his father had never told him that he lovedhim. He didn’t really doubt that his father did love him; it was onlythat he wished he had said it. He admitted that nowadays parentsdo feel embarrassed to say it. It seems unnecessary. Even so, nowthat he has grown up and gotten married, he decided that he wouldtell his son that he loved him - only, he feared the boy would saythat this was mush!

The opportunity came sooner than he expected. On a wet day hecollected the lad from school and after the father parked the car hetook the risk and told his son that he loved him. Well the boy didn’tsay it in so many words, but kept looking out of the window…hisface grew beet red with embarrassment, obviously the boy thoughtit was mush, of course, but still the father was glad he had said it;now his son would always know that he was loved.

That father was not the only one to want his child to know that heloved him. God had thought of it long ago. That is what baptism isall about. God the Father did not miss the opportunity to say so athis Son’s baptism. He let the Spirit descend on Jesus and told Jesusthat he loved him (his beloved Son). You miss the point if you do notrealise that this applies to you too! A preface used in Mass puts itthis way: that God the Father sees and loves in us what he sees and lovesin Christ. That’s why you’ve got to take the hint!

Maybe it is because the world is always telling us that you getnothing for nothing, that it’s so tough to get our minds around thefact that God gives us his love even before we could possibly deserveit, or even after we have offended him – oh so many times at that. Ifwe can’t feel the need for our parents to tell us they love us andrepeat it again and again, it is probably not surprising that we canforget that we are loved by God with an unconditional love.

Think of the father of the Prodigal Son - he did not even wait forhis son to say he was sorry, he was already hugging him. And mindyou, you don’t have to be a father to say it…everyone at homedeserves to be told they are loved…and mean it when you say it…oh,how we’re waiting to hear it...and know it’s true!

O God, whose eternal Wordadorns the faceof the heavens

yet accepted fromthe Virgin Mary

the frailty of our flesh,grant, we pray,

that he who appearedamong us as the splendour

of truthmay go forth in the fullness

of powerfor the redemption

of the world.Who lives and reigns with

you in the unityof the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.Opening Prayer

Tuesday after Epiphany

4 5January 2016 Don Bosco’s Madonna Don Bosco’s MadonnaJanuary 2016

CEL SERIESCEL SERIESCEL SERIESCEL SERIESCEL SERIES

THE RITUAL OF COFFEE DRINKING!THE RITUAL OF COFFEE DRINKING!THE RITUAL OF COFFEE DRINKING!THE RITUAL OF COFFEE DRINKING!THE RITUAL OF COFFEE DRINKING!Fr. Erasto Fernandez, sss

Not long after the war stop-ped in the Balkans, Fr. Mar-

kovic of the now beleagueredand battered city, Sarajevo, visit-ed his home village. Occupyingthe house in which his brotherused to live was now a fierceMuslim woman. He had beenwarned by relatives and friendsnot to go there because she bran-dished a rifle to protect her new-gained house. He went anyway.As he approached the house, hesaw the fierce looking womanwaiting for him, cigarette in hermouth and rifle cocked. Sheliterally barked as he neared thefront door, “Go away or I’ll shootyou.” “No, you won’t shoot me,”said Fr. Markovic in a gentle butfirm voice, “you’ll make me acup of coffee!” In utter disbelief,she stared at him for a while,then with trembling hands she

slowly put the rifle down andedged towards the kitchen.

The Age-old Coffee Ritual

Reappearing with two cups ofcoffee a while later, the two erst-while deadly enemies began totalk as they shared in theancient ritual of hospitality,drinking coffee together. Shehesitantly yet fearlessly told himof her deep sense of loneliness,of the house she had lost, of theonly son who never returnedfrom the battlefield. He listenedwith rapt attention as shepoured out her woes, enteringinto her feelings as humanely ashe could. And after sharing theircup of coffee and the stories oftheir lives, they parted on a noteof strange yet deep friendliness.

When Fr. Markovic returned amonth later she was waiting forhim with a broad smile and shetold him, “I rejoice at seeing youas much as if my son had retur-ned home.” Several meetingsfollowed during all of whichthey never spoke a word aboutforgiveness – and, as a matter offact, it did not matter at all! He,the victim, came to her asking forher hospitality in his brother’shouse which she unlawfully pos-

sessed… and she responded.Even though she at first greetedhim with a rifle, she gave him agift and soon came to rejoice athis presence.

These humble tenuous begin-nings of a perilous journey to-wards an eventual loving emb-race were enacted through a rit-ual of coffee drinking. If the jour-ney continues, it will ultimatelylead through the treacherousterrain of forgiveness towardsthe meaningful communion ofgenuine covenantal love. Itdoesn’t call for much spiritual-ity to see in this simple story theoutlines of God’s humbleapproach to sinful humanityasking for a gracious and lovingacceptance through a piece ofbroken bread and a sip of sharedwine!

God’s Love StoryEstranged after aeons of sepa-

ration following on Adam’s hei-nous sin, from “long ago Godspoke to our ancestors in manyand various ways by the prop-hets, but in these last days he hasspoken to us through a Son,whom he appointed heir of allthings... He is the reflection of

God’s glory and the exact im-print of God’s very being…”(Hebr 1:1-3) and he came tomankind unarmed except withthe total helplessness of a newborn child. He came seekingshelter. “He was in the world,and the world came into beingthrough him; yet the world didnot know him. He came to whatwas his own, and his own peopledid not accept him. But to allwho received him, who believedin his name, he gave power tobecome children of God, whowere born, not of blood or of thewill of the flesh or of the will ofman, but of God. And the Wordbecame flesh and moved intothe neighbourhood, and we haveseen his glory, the glory as of afather’s only son, full of graceand truth” (Jn 1:10-14).

In this simple beginning werecognize the pattern God al-ways followed since then in Hisdealings with humankind. It isHe who takes the first steps to-wards us, no matter how oftenand how tragically we strayedfrom His love. He comes, Hecomes, He ever comes …begging for our loving accept-ance of His compassionatepresence. The few times wegraciously offer Him our humblehospitality, we are the ones whogain the most.

Comes Always to GiveBut God is always a giver and

so instead of mankind offeringHim hospitality, He offers us anew birth into God’s own family,inviting us to celebrate our Cove-nant with broken Bread and sha-red Cup. And miracle ofmiracles, what prophets couldnot attain over the past so manyFr Ivo Markovic


centuries, Jesus achieved in hisown unique manner. And todayit is He who invites you and meto be His extension, His handsand lips taking this invitation toevery single person, butespecially to those woundeddeep in their hearts so severelythat the only language theyknow now is that of violence andhatred. Yet underneath all thatexterior bravado and arrogance,there lie hearts that are brokenand torn by hatred, lives ofsimple loving people stripped ofevery shred of human dignity –waiting, wanting to berecognized in their God-givendestiny and invited to sim-pleordinary human rituals likesharing a cup of coffee or a meal.

Sunday Eucharist – More Thana Ritual

If our Sunday Eucharist is tobecome more than a hurried per-functory, commercialized ritual,a mere fulfilling of an imper-sonal canonical obligation, wewould need first of all to be intouch with the deep wounds allof us have sustained in ourdealings with one another. Manyof these are real and continuedown the ages from generationto generation, but some of themat least, could be merely subjecti-vely perceived or largely imag-ined and exaggerated! What-ever be their origin, if we are tobe free of their strangleholdwhich brings us only personalmisery and further animositytowards others, we would needto listen to the gentle yet firmvoice of the Father calling out tous, “Come back to me, with allyour heart… don’t let fear keepus apart! Long have I waited for

your coming back to me andliving deeply our new life ag-ain!” In the person of the woun-ded neighbour, it is really theLord himself who awaits ourresponse to his generous invita-tion and welcome back into ourlong lost home!

Yet, hearing the Father call,generally through other humansaround us, is not enough in itself.We would somehow need to setaside the fear that tightly enve-lops us as in a cocoon and takethe giant step towards preciselythe ones we fear most – only todiscover that reality is quitedifferent from what we imagi-ned it to be. For the step we willhave taken was not in order toreceive (be it hurt or even ablessing) but paradoxically inorder to give! And that too, togive every bit of the little that wehave! In these encounters, we aredared to be like the Widow ofZarephath whom by prophetElijah challenged, “Do not be af-raid; go and do as you have said;but first make me a little cake ofit and bring it to me, and after-wards make something for your-self and your son. For the LORDthe God of Israel says: ‘The jarof meal will not be emptied andthe jug of oil will not fail un-tilthe day that the LORD sendsrain on the earth’.”

And as we set out to complyjoyously with the request - thatis precisely when the great mir-acle occurs: what we had set outto give becomes God’s own giftto us of Himself in an embraceof infinite love. The lost son re-turns to his Father’s bosom, thetorn down house expands intothe entire universe, enemies be-come friends and life becomesnew and worth living all overagain!

Rare Occurrence or DailyExperience?

Most Christians would ima-gine that such miracles cannot orwill not be a daily phenomenonfor especially when the chips arereally down, God seems to hidehis face, or at times to oversleepwhile his beloved people sufferatrocities. And yet, “we knowthat God causes everything towork together for the good ofthose who love God and are cal-led according to his purpose forthem” (Rom 8:28). We are sureto make progress if we consci-ously come to see the Eucharistmore as a training ground wherewe learn the techniques of rela-ting to God who comes to us inhuman form. What needs to fol-

low is that we put into practicewhat we have learnt and consis-tently follow the path He pointsout to us.That is when we willsee these miracles occurring ona regular basis.

No Looking BackOne of the hazards we often

face while traversing this pathof eventual reconciliation is thatwe tend to recall the past hurtsand brood over them. This kindof reliving will only make usrevert to square one; rather,what we would benefit from is apositive attitude and approachto life deciding that even ifothers falter along the way, wewill not swerve from thebeckoning track of forgivinglove. This will ensure thateventually we would all ex-perience the full blessings of theforgiveness that the Father Him-self offers us in His great gener-osity. “‘See, I am coming soon,and my reward is with me, to re-pay all according to their deeds.I am the Alpha and the Omega,the First and the Last, the Begin-ning and the End.” Blessed arethose who wash their robes sothey can enter through the gatesof the city and eat the fruit fromthe tree of life… The Spirit andthe bride say, ‘Come.’ Let eachone who hears them say, ‘Come.’Let the thirsty ones come - any-one who wants to, come and bereplenished! Let them come anddrink the water of life withoutcharge” (Rev 22:12-17). Howmany Eucharistic celebrationsup to now have truly broughtyou back home to enjoy the Fat-her’s love in your neighbour?


THE CHURCH OF TOMORROWTHE CHURCH OF TOMORROWTHE CHURCH OF TOMORROWTHE CHURCH OF TOMORROWTHE CHURCH OF TOMORROWGiuliano Palizzi

TO ENTER PARADISEA man went to Paradise. As he

reached the pearly gates he metSaint Peter who said to him:“You’ve got to have 1000 pointsto enter. The good works you’vedone will determine your points.”The man replied: “Apart from thefew times I was sick, I went toMass everyday and sang in thechoir.” “That’s 50 points,” saidSaint Peter. “I always set aside atidy sum to put into the collectionplate at Mass.” “That’s 25 points,”said Saint Peter. The poor manseeing that he’d only managed 75points began to get desperate. Hewent on: “On Sundays I attendedCatechism class, I think thatcounts for something, certainly.”“Yes,” said Saint Peter, “that’s 25points.” The man was silent forsome time, and then he added: “Ifwe go on like this, it will only bethe grace of God that will get meinto Paradise.” Saint Peter smiled:“That’s 900 points. Get in!”

CHRIST, THE CORNERSTONEThere’s no Church without

Christ. He is the “cornerstone” onwhich every part of the Church isformed and built. The Church willnot collapse because He is itsfoundation. It is only the Grace of

God that will save the Church andus with it; not the popes or thebishops, nor its great works, orbeautiful cathedrals, not Catech-ism classes that you attended orthe sacraments that you receivedor the alms you gave or the foreignmissions that you adopted andsponsored. They are all good andholy things but in doing them weare focusing on ourselves and onour good works like some kind ofa passport that would ensure usplace. Remember the scene of thePharisee in front of the altarenumerating all his good actions,his badges of honour? They wereno use. The tax collector stood atthe back and beathis breast. He wassaved because heleaned on Christ.To build upthe Churchis to be builton Christ.“Come tohim, thel iv ingstone,rejec-t e d

by men but chosen and preciousto God, You too, as living stonesare built into a spiritual house.”(1 Pt 2,4-5). This famous textstresses the close relation betweenChrist “the living stone” on whomwe are all built as “living stones,”of the holy temple of God.

THE CHURCH IS NOT MINE BUT THE LORD’S

The day before he stepped downBenedict XVI said: “The Church,the diocese, the parish isn’t ours:it belongs to the Lord’s. Youmust experience the Church asa place of freedom and love,proximity and closeness. It is aplace where people can find ahome where they can breathefreely and come back to live andwork as a family; a place wherethey can commit themselvessocially and to easily live lives ofcharity with love and hope.”This happens only if the Churchand its parishes are not“padlocked” but has its doorsalways open to everyone. TheLord loves the neighbouringparish as much as he loves ours!We are journeying togetherserving people… We’ve got tolet the Church that has been builtby Christ be a “spirit-ual house.”A spiritual house has to be builtas a “temple” of “living stones.”Stones are inert materials, oftenshapeless, rough. They need tobe shaped, smoothened anddressed in a particular waybecause each one has a place inthe great cath-edral. To buildthis great Church with well-fitting living stones, that can bearthe load, can form slendercolumns, pillars to sup-portstatues, with decorations andspires, it is important that each

one finds his own vocation andfits into place like a symphonyof communion. It is God’scommon enterprise that needsto lean continually on Christ asits foundation. The Church oftomorrow will not survive as thework of a single artist but as asymphonic chorus. So it needs abishop.

ABOVE ALL SIMPLY HOLY PEOPLE

Mons Tonino Bello speaking toyoungsters in 1990 said: “Aboveall, be men right to the end.Because being men of thatcalibre means being holy. Don’tstop half way for half measuresbecause holiness doesn’t standfor half measures. In addition, allof you must be experts in activeChristianity, that is, capable ofworking together to be provo-cative missionaries all over theplanet - “to the ends of theearth,” prophets of justice andpeace. And, rather than beingmembers, be people spreadingkindness, gratitude, willing topay with your life the price forthat unity for which Jesus Christin his amazing love gave his life:“I dream of a church full of menand women of the highestcalibre, not half cooked cookieshanging around the parishpriest, passing on theirresponsibilities to others, livingby repeating rituals and walkingin processions, thinking ofthemselves. They will be realmen. That is why I dream of aChurch of tomorrow, a cor-nerstone and many livingstones! Both at home and in thevicinity of your school!


I NEVER STOP THANKING GOD Fr Aldo Marchesini - SCJ - Dehonian Fathers

VOCATION PROMOTION SALESIANSALESIANSALESIANSALESIANSALESIANSAINTSSAINTSSAINTSSAINTSSAINTS

MADDALENAMADDALENAMADDALENAMADDALENAMADDALENAMORANOMORANOMORANOMORANOMORANO

1847 - 19081847 - 19081847 - 19081847 - 19081847 - 1908

Maddalena Caterina Moranowas born in Chieri, in the

province of Turin, on 15thNovember 1847. Her father Fran-cis died when she was eight andshe began to help her mother withher work. Thanks to her uncle, apriest, she was able to resume herstudies. Meanwhile she met DonBosco for the first time, whilewalking to Buttigliera d’Asti.

When she was 19 she beganteaching at Montaldo Torinese:She did this with diligence andcompetence for fourteen years.Finally, Maddalena took herspiritual director's advice shewent to speak to Don Bosco, whodirected her towards Mornese,where Mother Mazzarello hap-pily welcomed her.

She immediately began teach-ing. In 1880 she consecrated her-self to God through perpetualvows, and asked the Lord for thegrace "of staying alive until shebecame a saint". In 1881, at the re-quest of the archbishop of Cata-nia, Maddalena was invited todirect the new work at Trecasta-gni. For four years she was incharge, taught, washed, cooked,was catechist but was especiallya witness to the point where thegirls were always calling, asking:we want to be like her!

After a pause of a year in Turin,where she was in charge of theFMA community at Valdocco, she

was sent to Sicily as Visitor, dir-ectress and novice mistress.Constantly with "one glance toearth and ten to heaven", sheopened schools, oratories, hostels,workshops everywhere.

Numerous vocations came,attracted by her zeal and thecommunity spirit she createdaround her. At Catania theygave her all the catechetics tolook after, the foundation of neworatories and the Teacher'sCollege.

She was very devoted to SaintJoseph and Mary Help of Chris-tians, who guided her in foundingnew works, and she was success-ful in spreading Don Bosco's char-ism and the Preventive System.

Suffering from a tumour, SrMorano died at Catania on 26thMarch 1908. In the city where shedied, John Paul II proclaimed herBlessed on 5th November 1994.Her remains are venerated at AlìTerme (Messina).

Father Aldo Marchesini aged 74 isa medical surgeon, a missionarypriest of the Dehonian Fathers. Heworks and trains young surgeons.In 2003 he was discovered to haveHIV and he decided to remain inthe missions. On June 12, 2014 hewas given the United Nations WorldPopulation Award because he haddedicated his life to treat themothers of Mozambique of one ofthe most discriminatory infirmitiesof their culture: uterine fistulaswhich resulted in complicateddeliveries. At the award ceremonyhe said: “I think working for thepoor is one of the best opportunitiesI’ve ever had.”

Doctor and Priest: How was thischoice made?

I heard the Lord’s call at the endof my high school year. I told myparents about it and my fatherasked me to do a year of collegebefore making a choice: “You’reonly 19 years old; you’re too youngto make a serious decision.” Istarted medicine and fell in love.

At the end of the year I went tothe novitiate of the Fathers of theSacred Heart (The Dehonians -SCJ). Two weeks before the end ofmy novitiate the superior told methat the provincial council haddecided that I should continuemedicine and after that proceedfor theology. So I did and then theyasked me to go to Mozambiquewhere our Fathers were workingin the diocese of Quelimane,where the bishop was alreadyplanning to open a missionaryhospital.

Why is Mozambique so special?They are very affectionate and

simple people who are friendlyand sociable who accept theirdifficulties, sufferings and depri-vations. There was great serenityin sickness and simplicity andfearlessness in the face of death.

What indelible memory do youhave?

The first patient to die in myarms was a child with pertussis.She had a coughing fit till shepassed away being unable tobreathe. Her elder sister who hadbrought her to the hospital waspresent to the very end. Withoutsaying a word she carried the bodyon her back and weeping silentlywalked to her village.

What message do you have foryoungsters?

Missionary life is a vocation thatrequires grace, strength and thegenerosity that opens your heart.When you arrive at a mission yourealize that you receive more thanwhat you give. It is a specialvocation for which you never stopthanking God.


ST SEVERIN OF NORICUM(JANUARY 8)

From his life, by Eugippius his disciple, who was present at his death. SeeTillemont, T. 16. p. 168. Lambecius Bibl. Vend. T. 1. p. 28. and Bollandus,p. 497.He died in 482

PROFILES

W e know nothing of thebirth or country of this

saint. From the purity of hisLatin, he was generally supposedto be a Roman; and his care toconceal what he was accordingto the world, was taken for aproof of his humility, and apresumption that he was aperson of birth. He spent the firstpart of his life in the deserts ofthe East; but inflamed with anardent zeal for the glory of God,he left his retreat to preach thegospel in the North.

At first he came to Astures,now Stokeraw, situated aboveVienna; but finding the peoplehardened in vice, he foretold thepunishment God had preparedfor them, and repaired toComagenes, now Haynburg onthe Danube, eight leagueswestward of Vienna. It was notlong before his prophecy wasverified for, Astures was laidwaste, and the inhabitantsdestroyed by the sword of theHuns, soon after the death of

Attila. St. Severinus’s ancienthost with great danger made hisescape to him at Comagenes. Bythe accomplishment of thisprophecy, and by severalmiracles he wrought, the nameof the saint became famous.Favianes, a city on the Danube,twenty leagues from Vienna,distressed by a terrible famine,

implored his assistance.

Saint Severinus preachedpenance among them with greatfruit, and he so effectuallythreatened with the divinevengeance a certain rich woman,who had hoarded up a greatquantity of provisions, that shedistributed all her storesamongst the poor. Soon after hisarrival, the ice of the Danube andthe Ins-breaking, the countrywas abundantly supplied bybarges up the rivers. Anothertime by his prayers he chasedaway the locusts, which by theirswarms had threatened withdevastation the whole produceof the year. He wrought manymiracles; yet never healed thesore eyes of Bonosus, the dearestto him of his disciples, who spentforty years in almost continualprayer, without any abatementof his fervour. The holy mannever ceased to exhort all torepentance and piety; heredeemed captives, relieved theoppressed, was a father to thepoor, cured the sick, mitigated,or averted public calamities, andbrought a blessing wherever hecame. Many cities desired himfor their bishop, but he withstoodtheir importunities by urging,that it was sufficient he hadrelinquished his dear solitude fortheir instruction and comfort.

He established manymonasteries, of which the mostconsiderable was one on thebanks of the Danube, nearVienna; but he made none ofthem the place of his constantabode, often shutting himself upin an hermitage four leaguesfrom his community, where hewholly devoted himself to

contemplation. He never ate tillafter sunset, unless on greatfestivals. In Lent he ate only oncea week. His bed was sackclothspread on the floor in his oratory.He always walked barefoot, evenwhen the Danube was frozen.Many kings and princes of theBarbarians came to visit him, andamong them Odoacer, king ofthe Heruli, then on his march forItaly. The saint’s cell was so lowthat Odoacer could not standupright in it. St. Severinus toldhim that the kingdom he wasgoing to conquer would shortlybe his; and Odoacer seeinghimself, soon after master ofItaly, sent honorable letters tothe saint, promising him all hewas pleased to ask; but Severinusonly desired of him therestoration of a certain banishedman. Having foretold his deathlong before it happened, he fellill of pleurisy on the 5th ofJanuary, and on the fourth dayof his illness, having received theviaticum, and arming his wholebody with the sign of the cross,and repeating that verse of thepsalmist, Let every spirit praise theLord, (Psalm 150) he closed hiseyes and expired in the year 482.

Six years after, his disciples,obliged by the incursions of

Postage Stamp of theSaint circa 1982

Basilica of St Severinin Cologne


IN A CHEERFUL MOODWhat a promotion!

During the noon time recrea-tional activities, the president ofthe corporation mounted theplatform accompanied by anoverall-clad man off theassembly line, and made thisspeech:

“Ladies and gentlemen, youare about to see how Americanindustry rewards those who areconscientious and hard-working.This man standing beside me hasbeen with the company less thana year, during which time hisunusual qualities have earnedhim salary increases in excess ofone hundred dollars a week. Ihave watched him closely,observed with great pleasure themanner in which he has pitchedin and gotten things done.Therefore, I am pleased to anno-unce that starting this very after-noon he gets out of his workclothes, comes into the executivebranch, and takes over an officewith the title of Executive VicePresident in Charge of Policy atan annual wage of eighty thous-and dollars. Congratulations toyou, Sir.”

The workman shook theextended hand and said: “Gee,thanks Dad!”

The right choice“For this job,” said the

manager, “we want someonewho is responsible.”

“That’s for me, Sir. Every-

where I’ve worked, wheneversomething went wrong, I wasalways responsible.”

Quite honestlyOn the job application form

was the question, “Have youever been arrested?” Theapplicant put down, “No.”The next question was “Why?” -meant for those who had beenarrested.The applicant put down, “Neverbeen caught.”

More work, more payThe Smithsons went away for

their summer vacation and gavetheir maid, Jane, a month’s wagesbefore leaving. On their returnfour weeks later, Jane demandedhigher wages, or she would leave.Mrs Smithson was horrified.“Look, dear,” she exclaimed“you’ve only just had a monthoff with full pay. You should con-sider yourself very fortunate.”“That’s just it,” she replied.“You paid me all that money fordoing nothing, so how can youexpect me to do all this work nowfor the same wages?”

CaughtPompous speaker: “There are

100 jails in this state and I’mproud to say that no members ofmy family have ever been in oneof them.”

Voice from the rear: “Andwhich one is that?”

Barbarians, retired with his relicsinto Italy, and deposited them atLuculano, near Naples, where agreat monastery was built, ofwhich Eugippius, his disciple,and author of his life, was soonafter made the second abbot. Inthe year 910 they were trans-lated to Naples, where to thisday they are honoured in a Bene-dictine abbey, which bears hisname. The Roman and otherMartyrologies place his festivalon this day, because it was theday on which he died.

A perfect spirit of sincerehumility is the spirit of the mostsublime and heroic degree ofChristian virtue and perfection.As the great work of thesanctification of our souls is tobe begun by humility, so must itbe completed by the same.Humility invites the Holy Ghostinto the soul and prepares her toreceive his graces. From the mostperfect charity, which he infu-ses, she derives a new interiorlight, and an experiential know-ledge of God and herself, withan infused humility far clearer inthe light of the understanding, inwhich she sees God’s infinite

greatness, and her own totalinsufficiency, baseness, andnothingness, after quite a newmanner; and in which she con-ceives a relish of contempt andhumiliations as her due, feels asecret sentiment of joy in suf-fering them, she sincerely lovesher own abjection, dependence,and correction, dreads the es-teem and praises of others, assnares by which a mortal poisonmay imperceptibly insinuateitself into her affections, anddeprive her of the divine grace;is so far from preferring herselfto any one, that she always pla-ces herself below all creatures, isalmost sunk in the deep abyss ofher own nothingness, neverspeaks of herself to her own ad-vantage, or affects a show ofmodesty in order to appearhumble before men; in all good,gives the entire glory to Godalone, and as to herself, gloriesonly in her infirmities, pleasingherself in her own weakness andnothingness, rejoicing that Godis the great all in her and in allcreatures. (The grammar and thelanguage is archaic, hence thelength of the sentences. ed.)


IN SEARCH OF A TREASURECl. Ian Pinto, sdb

A Disconcerting BirthA child opens the door to new

life. The situation of the parentsundergoes a radical change. Theyassume new responsibilities andmust make deliberate choices inaccord with the new arrival. Theparents prepare themselves andtheir home to welcome the child.After birth, the relatives flock tolay their eyes on the latest additionto the family and welcome it withgifts. The child, at this point is notreally aware of all that is going onaround it but can definitely sensethe atmosphere of love, care andsecurity.

Jesus, the Messiah and Son ofGod, was born in accordance withthe prophecies made by the pro-phets of old. The immediate ev-ents surrounding his birth, as nar-rated in the Bible, possess an airof mystery and wonder aboutthem. Mary was a fairly youngmaiden when the angel appearedto her bearing God’s invitation.She was in the first stage of hercommitment to Joseph, just get-ting the feel of being in a relatio-nship. Joseph likewise, was on the

threshold of his vocational com-mitment to Mary. They were bet-rothed to one another, which inJewish terms means, a recognizedrelationship lacking only the rel-igious ritual. In the midst of thisdelicate situation, God intervenesand Mary becomes pregnant. Onecan imagine the consternation ofboth the parties! Nonetheless, theycarry on in faith, trusting in God’splan for them and their enigmaticchild.

The Attentiveness of the MagiThe Gospel tells us that ‘when

Jesus was born in Bethlehem...wise men from the East arrived inJerusalem. They asked, “Where isthe newborn King of the Jews? Wesaw his star in the East and havecome to honour him” (Mt 2:1-2).It is amazing how the magitravelled such a great distance tovenerate the King of the Jews,while the Jews themselves, rem-ained unaware of the birth despitesharing the same soil with thenewborn king. The magi disp-layed extraordinary attentivenessto the sign foretelling a majestic

event. They were probably well-versed with the prophecies lin-king the appearance of a parti-cular star with the birth of anextraordinary king. On the otherhand, Herod and the Jews wereignorant of the impending birthand blind to the sign indicating itsoccurrence. They were caught upin their petty issues and werewaiting for an apocalyptic releasefrom foreign domination by a kingwho would come in pomp andglory. Little did they expect sucha king to be born in a humblemanger! The magi harboured noprejudices against the newbornking and honoured him despitehis unadorned conditions.

The magi’s attitude of attentive-ness is worthy of imitation. Theywere on the lookout for a signindicating the fulfillment of aprophecy. Jesus has promised ushis Spirit above and beyond otherthings. Are we waiting attentivelyfor his coming or have we growncomplacent like the Jews? Are wewaiting for a supernatural inter-vention or are we living in the aw-areness of God’s continuous acti-vity even in the mundane eventsof life?

Diametric Approaches to JesusHerod grew disturbed on

hearing the news of the birth of anew king in his territory (Mt 2:3).Thus far, he was leading a com-fortable life. He hardly had anymajor worries. His job was that ofa middle-man or mediatorbetween the aristocratic Romansand the Jews. He was perhaps notas powerful as he would haveliked to be but he had nothing tocomplain about. He had his fairshare of power, wealth andmajesty.

What was it about this newbornking that set him on pins? Nobodyin his kingdom had made mentionof the birth of another king, buthere on his doorstep were wisemen who had travelled a greatdistance in order to pay homageto this king. One can easily ima-gine his embarrassment and con-fusion at the wise men’s inquiry.Taken aback and in a desperateattempt to avoid further embar-rassment, he ‘called a meeting ofall high-ranking priests andscribes, and asked them where theMessiah was to be born’ (Mt 2:4).On receiving the news that he wasto be born in Bethlehem, he feignsinterest and sends the wise menbefore him to locate the child andreport back to him.

The wise men were honestseekers. They put their trust in thestar and set out on the capriciousbelief that the star would leadthem to the foretold king. Theywere probably keenly awaiting thefulfillment of the prophecy and setout with gusto at the reappear-ance of the star. They probablythought that many others andespecially the Jews would beexcited at the fulfillment of theprophecy. But to their dismay,nobody seemed to bother. Imaginethem eagerly asking aroundJerusalem where the newbornking was born and meeting withnonchalant shrugs, questioningeyes and apathetic smirks. Theymust have felt discouraged. Couldthey have been mistaken? Didthey come all this way for noth-ing? Despite their setbacks, theydid not simply give up and turnback. They persisted in theirsearch and were finally rewardedwith an encounter with the baby.

Continued on pg 30


WITHOUT MARY JESUS CANNOT BE UNDERSTOODWITHOUT MARY JESUS CANNOT BE UNDERSTOODWITHOUT MARY JESUS CANNOT BE UNDERSTOODWITHOUT MARY JESUS CANNOT BE UNDERSTOODWITHOUT MARY JESUS CANNOT BE UNDERSTOOD

Today we are reminded of the words of blessing which Elizabethspoke to the Virgin Mary: “Blessed are you among women, and

blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why has this happened to me,that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” (Lk 1:42-43).

In celebrating the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy, the Holy Mother ofGod, the Church reminds us that Mary, more than anyone else, receivedthis blessing. In her the blessing finds fulfilment, for no other creaturehas ever seen God’s face shine upon it as did Mary. She gave a humanface to the eternal Word, so that all of us can contemplate him.

In addition to contemplating God’s face, we can also praise him andglorify him, like the shepherds who came away from Bethlehem with asong of thanksgiving after seeing the Child and his young mother (cf.Lk 2:16). The two were together, just as they were together at Calvary,because Christ and his mother are inseparable: there is a very closerelationship between them, as there is between every child and his orher mother. The flesh (caro) of Christ – which, as Tertullian says, is thehinge (cardo) of our salvation – was knit together in the womb of Mary(cf. Ps 139:13). This inseparability is also clear from the fact that Mary,chosen beforehand to be the Mother of the Redeemer, shared intimatelyin his entire mission, remaining at her Son’s side to the end on Calvary.

Mary is so closely united to Jesus because she received from him theknowledge of the heart, the knowledge of faith, nourished by herexperience as a mother and by her close relationship with herSon. The Blessed Virgin is the woman of faith who made roomfor God in her heart and in her plans; she is the believercapable of perceiving in the gift of her Son the coming of that“fullness of time”(Gal 4:4) in which God, by choosing thehumble path of human existence, entered personally into thehistory of salvation. That is why Jesus cannot be understoodwithout his Mother.

Likewise inseparable are Christ and the Church – becausethe Church and Mary are always together and this is preciselythe mystery of womanhood in the ecclesial community – andthe salvation accomplished by Jesus cannot be understoodwithout appreciating the motherhood of the Church. To separateJesus from the Church would introduce an “absurd dichotomy”,as Blessed Paul VI wrote (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 16). It is notpossible “to love Christ but without the Church, to listen toChrist but not the Church, to belong to Christ but outside theChurch” (ibid.). For the Church is herself God’s great family,which brings Christ to us. Our faith is not an abstract doctrine

or philosophy, but a vital and full relationship with a person: Jesus Christ,the only-begotten Son of God who became man, was put to death, rosefrom the dead to save us, and is now living in our midst. Where can weencounter him? We encounter him in the Church, in our hierarchical, HolyMother Church. It is the Church which says today: “Behold the Lamb ofGod”; it is the Church, which proclaims him; it is in the Church thatJesus continues to accomplish his acts of grace which are the sacraments.

Dear brothers and sisters! Jesus Christ is the blessing for every manand woman, and for all of humanity. The Church, in giving us Jesus, offersus the fullness of the Lord’s blessing. This is precisely the mission of thepeople of God: to spread to all peoples God’s blessing made flesh in JesusChrist. And Mary, the first and most perfect disciple of Jesus, the first andmost perfect believer, the model of the pilgrim Church, is the one whoopens the way to the Church’s motherhood and constantly sustains hermaternal mission to all mankind. Mary’s tactful maternal witness hasaccompanied the Church from the beginning. She, the Mother of God, isalso the Mother of the Church, and through the Church, the mother of allmen and women, and of every people.

May this gentle and loving Mother obtain for us the Lord’s blessingupon the entire human family. On this, the World Day of Peace, weespecially implore her intercession that the Lord may grant peace in ourday; peace in hearts, peace in families, peace among the nations. The

message for the Day of Peace this year is “No Longer Slaves,but Brothers and Sisters”. All of us are called to be free, all arecalled to be sons and daughters, and each, according to his orher own responsibilities, is called to combat modern forms ofenslavement. From every people, culture and religion, let usjoin our forces. May he guide and sustain us, who, in order tomake us all brothers and sisters, became our servant.

Let us look to Mary, let us contemplate the Holy Mother ofGod. I suggest that you all greet her together, just like thosecourageous people of Ephesus, who cried out before theirpastors when they entered Church: “Holy Mother of God!”What a beautiful greeting for our Mother. There is a story – Ido not know if it is true – that some among those people hadclubs in their hands, perhaps to make the Bishops understandwhat would happen if they did not have the courage toproclaim Mary “Mother of God”! I invite all of you, withoutclubs, to stand up and to greet her three times with thisgreeting of the early Church: “Holy Mother of God!”

On the morning of January 1, 2015, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and theWorld Day of Peace, the Holy Father celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The followingis the edited English text of the Pope’s homily which was delivered in Italian.


AS THE TREE FALLSAS THE TREE FALLSAS THE TREE FALLSAS THE TREE FALLSAS THE TREE FALLSFrom Fr. Ian Doulton's collection of stories

The most wonderful thing wehave in life is life. It’s the most

important thing too, because eachof us has only one. Life is a giftfrom God and it is meant to belived according to the regulationshe has laid down. All the ‘do’s’and ‘don’t’s’ boil down to this: “Dogood and avoid evil.” It soundssimple and maybe it would be,except that we are human, we’reweak and we fail. We hurt oursel-ves and other people. God knowsour weakness and all through lifehe gives us chance after chance toclean the slate and start overagain. He’ll let us use our lastbreath to say: “I’m sorry, I won’tdo it again and I’ll try to make upfor it.” But there is something wehave to do: turn our wanderingwills back to God.

All this came home to me earlyin life when I was a young priestin charge of my first parish. It wasin a little town, the kind of placewhere everybody knows every-body else and all about them. Thefirst person I got acquainted withwas the town doctor. It was justfour days after I arrived.

I came down with, what Iconsidered was the beginning ofpneumonia. So I went to Dr. Jor-dan’s office. He was an elderlygentleman with a little clinic onthe only street running throughour town. He was practically shut-ting shop for the day when I wentin. As he finished giving me acheck-up he smiled and said:“There’s nothing the matter withyou, Fr Lee except a good old fash-ioned cold. I’ll give you a prescri-

ption that will keep you on yourfeet,” And as he yawned lookingrather tired, I told him that whathe needed was a good night’ssleep. That was when he got talk-ing about what kept him awakethese days. It was old Mrs Stoner.She had a large rundown house abit outside the town. She’d haveher daughter Ellen call the poordoctor at all hours of the day ornight and he would faithfullydrive up there. He sat down towrite the prescription and lookingup at me, he shook his head andwent on: “If that Mrs Stoner does-n’t die or get better pretty soon,she’s going to have both me andthat poor daughter of hers in thegrave... I’ve been up three nightsstraight!” What was wrong withher? That was what had confusedthe doctor. He just couldn’t makea diagnosis. At her age it could beany number of things.

I had not yet met her and so hegave me a quick rundown on herand her condition. She hadn’tstepped into the church for thirtyyears because the previous parishpriest had blessed the wedding ofher son Edward to a country girlfrom some way out village forwhich she was furious with theChurch and hated her daughter-in-law because the bride was a girlof no means at all. According toDr Jordan, her husband, MrStoner was lucky: “He had beendead five years when all this hap-pened… Poor old Ted Stoner! Shebroke that man’s heart, dragginghim off the farm he loved andmade him run a grocery store. Hehad to build her a big house on the

edge of town. Then the tired doc-tor commented, as if to himself:“Nothing kills a man sooner thattrying to satisfy a demandingwoman.”

Ellen was her only child left athome and she made that child’slife miserable. That girl was anatural-born musician, a pianist.She had a wonderful chance to goto the big city and to study at aconservatory but Mrs Stoner wasset on Ellen being a school teacherjust because she always wanted tobe one herself and never got achance. Poor Ellen ended up beinga book-keeper for a lumber yard.The little old piano that her fatherlovingly presented her was soldand that truly broke Ellen’s heart.That was what really took the lifeout of her. She just dragged aroundever since.

Hearing all this I was moredetermined than ever to go andsee Mrs Stoner. But in the next fewdays I realized that the doctorwasn’t the only one who gave anunfavourable report on MrsStoner. I kept hearing the samekind of things from other people.Even if I discounted seventy-fivepercent for gossip, the evidencepiled up pretty black against her.And the first day I got any freetime I went out to see her.

The afternoon was breathless,not a leaf shook as often happensbefore an impending storm. Allthe way down the long dirt road Imarshaled up every argument Ihad heard for bringing home straysheep. The sky was inky black andthunder was rolling in the dist-ance before I found a huge housesprawling in weed-tangled yard.I knocked and I presumed it wasEllen who opened the door. Shewas frightened but shy too. I in-

troduced myself: “I’m Fr Lee. I’mthe new pastor at St Mary’s. Iheard your mother was quite ill.”Ellen didn’t know what to say…she kept looking over her shoulderand whispered: “She didn’t sendfor you, did she?” But I told herthat no one had asked me to comeover but since she was sick Ithought I needed to visit her. Ellenwas afraid because she knew hermother didn’t like visitors. But Ipleaded and said I wouldn’t takemore than a few minutes. I lookedinto Ellen’s face, there were darkrings around her eyes; the poorgirl had been on her toes for thelast three months as her mother’scondition began deteriorating.

I suggested: “Don’t you think itwould be a good idea if I talked toher?” Ellen was afraid of her mot-her’s temper because she took itall out on the poor girl. She herselfregretted that she couldn’t go tochurch since her mother expectedher to be at her beck and call allthe time or she’d create a tantrum.

All of a sudden there was aninterruption: “Ellen? Who’re youtalking to?” It was Mrs Stoner.That was when Ellen gently nud-ged me towards the door as sheopened it: “Go on in.” I turnedand thanked her.

The room was dark save for alittle bedside lamp which glowedin the dark and all I saw was theprofile of a lady with snow whitehair, her head on the pillow andeyes half shut but her voice assharp as ever: “Who are you?”

I told her that I was the newparish priest at the parish of StMary’s. She immediately wantedto know if Ellen had sent for meand I said that I was there on myown and since I was new and Icame to know she was ill, I


decided to pay her a sick call.With half a smile the old lady

went on: “I suppose you’ve hearda lot of other things too. I supposethey’ve told you I haven’t set footinside your church in thirtyyears.” I had to remind her that itwas not my church. It was the peo-ple’s church, it was her churchand everyone was free to come inat any time. To this she shot back:“I’ll come back when I get goodand ready.” The word ready ranga bell, like an alarm. I thought thiswas as good a time as any. I rem-inded her: “Well, it’s good to beready all the time, you know. Wenever know when the clock isgoing to stop. All of us have thingsto straighten up before we go,don’t we? Sometimes there’sharm we need to undo, good th-ings we’ve left undone…” I couldsee she seemed very bitter. Onecould sense that in her voice everytime she made a comment like:“Most people act like a pack ofborn fools.” I had to remind herthat thankfully God was not asunforgiving as we are. If he was,we’d never get a second chance tomake up for our mistakes. Then Ireminded her: “But he’s good andhe wants to be merciful and the-re’s only one mistake that we canmake while going out of life:hating God.” I could see that shewas listening though her face wasturned away from me by nowbecause she immediately repliedin a rather pugnacious tone:“Who said I hated God?” She wasreally tough and stubborn.

She couldn’t admit that shehated so many people. I kept tryingto discreetly get her to admit herdeep-seated bitterness but she al-most raised her voice: “You don’thave to beat around the bush with

me, Father. I know what you’redriving at: You want me to go toconfession. You want me to tellEdward it’s alright that he mar-ried a chicken village girl. Getdown on my knees to her, I sup-pose.” I knew where this conver-sation was leading but I kepttrying harder…and behind it all Iwas praying that the mercy of Godwould crack open that bitter heart:“Oh, no, no, I’m not asking any-thing of you, Mrs Stoner. I’m justtelling you the change that Godrequires.” The old lady was nowdetermined to stick to her positi-on. There were other people whohad hurt her deeply and they werethe ones who should ask for herforgiveness she thought.

At that point, I don’t knowwhat got into me, was it impati-ence, or was it the Spirit of Godbut I said with some determina-tion: “Don’t worry, God will takecare of them, Mrs Stoner. Justthink of your own soul now. Noneof us can ever tell when the clockis going to stop. Death comes likea thief in the night, you know. Wenever know how we’re going todie, or how it’s going to happen,or when…”

I had hardly finished before shetold me that she knew exactlywhen she was going to die becausethe doctor had told her it wouldtake about three weeks. I was sur-prised that she was so confidentand yet I knew that any sickness,however predictable the progno-sis, there was quite an element ofuncertainty. Yet she assured methat she would be ready in abouttwo weeks. That sounded ratherfoolish and I was getting ratherimpatient. I think it was beginningto show in the edginess in myvoice. So I told her: “It would be

so easy now, I’m right here. Thenyou’d be completely at peace. Aw,you don’t know how happy you’dfeel.”

I could see she wouldn’t bepushed. Then she mentioned thatthat was what she didn’t like aboutFr Kerry, my predecessor. Accord-ing to her he treated her like anignorant old woman.

By now her temper was risingthough she didn’t want to showit. I warned her one last time: “MrsStoner, please, please don’t triflewith the mercy of God.” Thistouched a raw nerve and she sc-reamed: “Ellen, Father’s going…”With that Ellen opened the dooras if on cue and showed me out.With feigned concern the old ladyadded “That storm’s blowing upfast…if you don’t get going…you’ll end up stuck in the mud.”Then she seemed relieved and toldme to drive carefully home andnot to worry about her.

I was very sad, I had failed. Isimply bid her farewell throughEllen and mumbled to Ellen as shesaw me to the car under her um-brella: “Boy, I guess I didn’t do avery good job, Ellen. Just can’tmake your mother realise thatshe’s in terrible danger.”

But even Ellen seemed to thinkthat her mother was in control ofthe situation because she said:“She’ll make her peace at the lastminute. She’ll get her own way,even with God.”

The whole sky was black nowand forked lightning flashedagainst the clouds. But instead ofracing the storm, I drove homeslowly. I remember that I felt str-angely exhausted and depressed.I had heard people resisting grace,but this was the first time I had

actually watched anyone thrustaway the hand of God. And I keptwondering, how much of it wasmy fault. What should I havesaid?

I tried to concentrate on prayingfor Mrs Stoner. After all, she hadpromised. Here I was practicallygiving her up as a lost cause.

The storm must have brokenwhile I was asleep because Iawoke exactly at 1.15 to the drum-ming of rain the flaring of lightn-ing and the phone. Ellen was call-ing and her voice seemed ratherearnest. I guessed something hadhappened. I drove as fast as I dar-ed through the wall of rain. Twicethe car got stuck in the mud andonce I had to take a long detourbecause of a washed out bridge.Nearly two hours had passedbefore I reached the Stoner house.Ellen came to the door before Iknocked and opened it. Sheshowed me where she found thebody…a few feet from the bed.That was surprising. I could onlyexclaim: “It’s always a terribleshock.” Then Ellen told me thatshe had been struck by a bolt oflightning through her windowand thrown out of her bed.

I have knelt beside the bed ofmany a dying person since thatday. I have seen many a lifetimeof evil wiped out by one momentof sincere repentance. But no onehas a right to expect a favour likethat after a lifetime away fromGod. If he refuses the offer ofmercy at the time it is made, whocan tell if the door to salvation willnot be shut again, never to bereopened? It was said long agoand it remains as the secret of lifeand death: as the tree falls, soshall it lie.


DON BOSCO’SDON BOSCO’SDON BOSCO’SDON BOSCO’SDON BOSCO’STENACITYTENACITYTENACITYTENACITYTENACITY

1010101010by Fr. Elias Dias

In the autumn of the year 1820John Bosco went with his mot-

her to Capriglio. One night some-one began to spin a tale aboutweird sounds in the house whichthey attributed to the devil. In factall of a sudden there was a strangesound in the attic. They were allafraid and considered it a “Haun-ted Room”. Nobody dared to enterthe room for fear of the ghost.Little John with a lamp and a stickproceeded into the room while allthe others were waiting outsidewith sticks and weapons. Theysoon realized that it was not aghost but a hen that was trappedunder a basket.

Don Bosco lived in an era ofchange and of conflicting inter-ests, well thought out heresies,political upheavals and laxreligious life. At this point DonBosco stood up as a wise servantof the Church and society with thevirtues of boldness and fortitude.

Fortitude is a virtue that streng-

thens the soul in the pursuit ofarduous good, without allowing itto be deterred by fear ofdifficulties or dangers, even thatof death. It always calls for a cer-tain overcoming of human weak-nesses and particularly of fear.The virtue of fortitude surpassesexcessive fear and controls reck-lessness. However it does notallow oneself to be unduly affectedeither in prosperity or adversity.

Again fortitude leads to virtuemunificence by which one isready to incur great expense innecessary external works i.e., inbuilding churches, schools,hospitals. This great virtue alsoprompts the virtue of longevitywhich disposes the soul to bearpatiently the hardships whicharise from the postponement ofthe expected good things. Finally,the virtue of fortitude helps us topersevere in our quest till the end.It is a virtue that helps us to sacri-fice everything for the salvation

of soul.Fr. Cerruti remarked: “His

heroic fortitude was shown evenmore admirably in the moral andphysical suffering which afflictedhim periodically through life. Wemarvelled and were strengthenedto see him tranquil as ever, smi-ling in his deepest grief, his bitter-est humiliation, his most exhaus-ting labour. Ever undaunted; hestood steadfast even when Godsubmitted him to unexpectedtrials or when public charityseemed to fail him.”

His childhood was full of diffi-culties and struggle. He wasbarely two years old when he losthis father at the young age ofthirty four, leaving his young wifeof 28 the burden of the family ofthree sons and her mother-in law.They lived a poor life without thebread winner and had to settlemany debts. At that time (1816-1817) a severe famine devastatedthe land. People died of starvation;diseases and epidemics broke outand thousands met an early grave.Amidst all this Mamma Margaretcontinued to feed her family aslong as she was able. Finally sheentrusted a sum of money to aneighbour Bernard Cavallo topurchase some food. Nobody wasready to part with the little foodthey had. Overcoming her dis-appointment, Margaret gatheredher family and prayed; for herhusband before dying told her tohave faith in God. After the prayershe rose and said, “Extreme casesrequire extreme remedies.” Toge-ther with Cavallo she went to thestable, slaughtered the only calfshe had in the stable and fed thefamily. She always trusted DivineProvidence.

In 1829 John met an elderly

priest Fr. John Melchior Calossoon his way back from the missionheld at Buttigliera. Fr. Calossowas impressed by the prodigiousmemory and seeing the desire ofthe lad to become a priest, decidedto help him to achieve his goal.Unfortunately the holy priest diedleaving a big sum of money forJohn’s studies for the priesthood.Some relatives, who were presentduring the priest’s last hours, saidto John “The key he gave you be-longs to his strongbox. The moneyinside is yours, take it.” Othersobjected that in conscience he wasnot entitled to it, since the moneyhad not been left to him in anylegal way. John was in seriousdoubt. After pondering thematter, he said: “Why risk myeternal salvation because ofmoney! I don’t want it!” He boldlyand willingly parted with themoney trusting in God.

In spite of all these problemsJohn kept up his hope of becominga priest. As we hear him tellingold Joseph Turco at his vineyardat Renenta, he was worried be-cause of his financial position andother problems. Joseph’s fatherDominic often encouraged him inhis pursuits. One day they un-expectedly saw him very happy.He told them that he had a dreamwherein he saw an assurance thatthe material resources needed toshelter and to feed countlessyoungsters would not be wanting.John Bosco not only dreamt butwas also convinced that all hisdifficulties would be overcome.

The road travelled by John inquest for education, proved to bea bumpy one marked by frequentturns and twists and occasionallystalled by unforeseen roadblocks,but despite these disheartening


setbacks, John maintained stronghope that his pursuit of educationwould meet with success and thathis frustrations would not prevail.His schooling with Fr JosephLacqua abruptly came to an endbecause of his home situation.

In 1830 John was admitted tothe public school at Castelnuovo.He managed to get lodging witha tailor named Roberto. His firstprofessor Fr. Virano helped him inhis studies. However, he could notcontinue his schooling because ofthe harassment suffered at thehands of the next professor andhis school mates who consideredhim a dolt. In his memoirs hewrites: “One who incapable ofkeeping discipline almost scatter-ed to the winds all that Fr. Viranohad taught me in the precedingmonths.”

Margaret, distressed over thefact that John had already lost somuch time from school, decidedto send him to Chieri to attend thepublic school in the next academicyear. Faced with difficulties, Johnwent begging at every door ofMorialdo, submitting himself tohumiliation.

He joined the public school atChieri and as he was poor heboarded in the house of LucyMatta, tutoring her son Joseph.Just to subsist he took up a job inthe restaurant of John Pianta,enduring the hardships of life,dividing his time between hisstudies and the menial tasks ofwaiter. Such sacrifices did notfrighten him, because he was ableto go to school, buy books heneeded, and care for his basicneeds. His schoolmates suppliedhim as best as they could, fromtime to time with food to help ekeout his meagre fare. A certain

Joseph Blanchard helped Johnmore frequently than the othersdid and with his mother’s per-mission gave him things to helptill the end of his life.

To become a priest, John joinedas a resident seminarian at Chieri.He was in a position to pay hisfees. Financial help came from MrSpirito Sartoris, Mr. Pescarmona,Frs. Cinzanno and Guala. Heaccepted willingly the service asa sacristan during his second yearof theology and a dormitoryassistant in the final year thatbrought him some financial help.He was never ashamed of the factthat he was poor and neededothers. By using all the help andusing his own creativity, heachieved his dream and wasordained priest on June 5, 1841.

With his talents he could be-come a famous parish priest or atutor in one of the richest housesof Piedmont. With his shrewd-ness he would have made a goodpolitician. And, yet he chose to bea humble priest. Foregoing othercareers, he chose to be a father andfriend of the young especially thepoor and abandoned who did nothave any one to care for them.Years ago, John confided inFilippello on their way to Chieri“My dear Filippello, I have nointention of becoming a pastor! Iwant to study because I want togive my whole life to the care ofyoung boys.”

During his fourth year of highschool in 1835, John realized thatthe time was drawing near whenhe must make an importantdecision about his vocation. Hehad a great desire to become apriest, but now he was filled withreverential awe at the thought ofthe sublime character of the

priestly call. The crisis was over-come with the help of God andother spiritual directors. In 1844,when he finished his studies at theConvitto, he again had a crisis ofhis vocation and decided to jointhe Oblates of Mary and go to theForeign mission. Fr. Cafasso saidto him “There are three posts openfor you; curate at Butigliera, d’Asti,tutor of moral theology at Con-vitto and the director at the littlehospice at Refuge.” Don Boscosaid: “My inclination is to workfor young people”.” He boldlyentrusted himself in the hands ofCafasso who sent him to Refugeof Marchioness Barolo.

He did not find the Refuge aproper ambience for his poor boysand he boldly decided to leave theplace. Thus began the wanderingOratory. Till finally Don Boscoshifted the oratory to the grassyfields of the Filippi brothers. TheFilippi brothers served notice toDon Bosco to leave the place. Hetook a bold decision to remainfaithful to his vocation in spite ofcomplete hopelessness.

Vicar Michele Cavour. Hewanted Don Bosco to stop gather-ing boys in politically troubledTurin. He saw him as a potentialrevolutionary. Fr Borel suspectedthat Don Bosco was mentally ill:“Poor Don Bosco,” he sighed,“truly his mind is gone with deepsorrow in his heart; he walkedaway with tears in his eyes.”

At the Convitto, Father Cafassoinspired Don Bosco to take care ofpoor young lads who were aban-doned by society. Writing aboutthe young of that time and theircondition Don Bosco said: “Thisprecious segment of human soc-iety, upon whom all hopes of ahappy future are founded, is not

of itself of a bad disposition. Takenaway from their parents’ neglect,their idleness and bad compan-ions, it becomes very easy to instilinto their tender hearts principlesof order, good habits, respect andreligion. If at times these youngs-ters truly need a helping hand totake care of them and to leadthem away from evil.“

The authorities of that time didnot have the experience and faithin such an apostolate. In spite ofoppositions and hostilities, DonBosco inspired by God venturedin a new apostolate on behalf ofthe young. Don Bosco started hisapostolate with BartholomewGarelli in the Church of St. FrancisAssisi on the Feast Day of theImmaculate Conception onDecember 8, 1841. Thereaftercrowds of boys joined him and asthe time rolled by, the Oratory ofDon Bosco grew immensely.

He was a poor priest, yet he putup big works like the Oratory ofSt. Francis de Sales.

During the period of the Risorgi-mento Don Bosco dared to start anew congregation, with a newvision of religious life. In spite ofall difficulties and humiliations hewent on to fulfil God’s mission forthe salvation of souls. He sentmissionary expeditions to anunknown land of South America.

Don Bosco succeeded in all theseventures with great fortitude andprudence. God had gifted himwith great virtues; he collaboratedwith God throughout his life. Henever used these gifts to stifleothers but used them always withthe desire to please God. Heundertook certain works afterconsultation with the appropriateauthorities and with courage andthe help of prayers.


AMONG THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLEAMONG THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLEAMONG THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLEAMONG THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLEAMONG THE DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLEby Bernardina do Nascimento

We know nothing about thechildhood of Jesus but for

that telegraphic information weget from Saint Luke: Joseph, Maryand Jesus “returned to Galilee, totheir own town of Nazareth. Thechild grew and became strong,filled with wisdom and the graceof God was upon him” (Lk 2,39).There is a kind of extreme evangel-istic reserve regarding the entirechildhood of Jesus; not a word, nota hint, a total information black-out. The silence gets filled withvery improbable even awkwardand unlikely events that are dish-ed up for us in the usual apocry-phal writings among which wefind the infancy gospel of Thomas.

PRAYER AT NAZARETHIn the humdrum of daily life in

that unknown, remote village inGalilee the Lord learns respect forthe traditions of his ancestors andabove all the importance of pray-ing to God. The heart of prayer forevery good Jew is the annual pil-grimage to Jerusalem for the feastof Passover. The Pentateuch des-cribes three annual pilgrimages,for reasons of expediency thoseliving in Galilee made just one.

This was the case with all Galile-ans. In those days travel was veryuncomfortable and dangerous be-cause the route was bandit infes-ted, especially Samaria and thedesert regions. Trips were organi-zed only by putting together largecaravans. Even the people ofNazareth headed for Jerusalem ina group not one group but dividedinto two: men in front and womenfollowing with the children mov-ing from one group to the other.So families travelled rigorouslyseparate with the risk, at times, oflosing sight of one another. On theoccasion of the Passover festivala crowd of a hundred thousandfaithful gathered in a great crowdaround the Temple, creating agreat crush and huge problems foraccommodation. Confusion rei-gned supreme when a naïve littleyoungster got lost, unnoticed anddetached from his own group.When they came to Jerusalemthey usually stayed for a week du-ring which time they prayed andoffered sacrifices in the Temple.The pilgrimage ended with thesacrifice of the Passover lambwhich was consumed with unlea-vened bread and bitter herbs. It

was to be eaten standing up inremembrance of the Exodus of thepeople of Israel from Egypt. Whenthe formal requirements werecompleted the luggage was load-ed, the animals were harnessedand the journey home began.

JESUS REVEALS A FREE SPIRITJesus was just twelve years old.

He has just reached the age of barmitzvah which marks his officialentrance into adulthood. This usu-ally occurs around the age of four-teen. He was intelligent and want-ed to explore some aspects of hisfaith. It was customary, as attest-ed by Josephus Flavius in his auto-biography (2,9), that the doctors ofthe Law in the Temple madethemselves available even to chil-dren. This little Nazarene couldnot let the occasion slip by and heforgot his pilgrim party. How wasit possible in such a cultural con-text that completely stressed theimportance of the family and filialobedience? Any such transgres-sion would not be tolerated andwould bring on a severe pun-ishment. It was absolutely impos-sible that a youngster would leavehis parents for three days, and

without permission at that. Itwould have been scandalous,something unheard of. Was Lukegiving us a historical account or didthe account have some deeper theo-logical significance? Could thethree days that the little boy stay-ed away prefigure the three daysof his Passion and Resurrection?The question: “Why were you look-ing for me? Did you not know that Imust be in my Father’s house?” (Lk2,49) could be read as an indicationthat Jesus had already gained anawareness of his divine nature.Why did Mary and Joseph notunderstand this even though theywere aware of the virginal con-ception of the child? Why did Jesus,while being conscious of his divinenature, start living in Nazareth,obedient to his parents? Theolog-ians and exegetes squabble piou-sly trying to answer these ques-tions. Perhaps, rather than argu-ing uselessly, it would be wise onour part to follow the example ofMary, as described by Luke: “Hismother kept all these things in herheart.” For us, too in the silence ofour hearts we may find in thepassage of the Finding in the Templemany points for our meditation.


NEWSBITS

BANGLADESHCardinal Fernando Filoni, the

prefect of the Congregation for theEvangelization of Peoples, is visit-ing Rajshahi, a city of 840,000 inwestern Bangladesh where theCatholic faith has spread amongthe adivasi (aboriginal) popu-lation.

The Fides news agency reportedthat the “first presence” of Catho-lics in the city occurred less than40 years ago, when three religioussisters travelled there to care forthe sick and planted “the firstseeds of faith in a rather hostilecontext.”

The Diocese of Rajshahi wasestablished in 1990, and todaythere are 64,000 Catholics and 19parishes, each with a primaryschool. (CNA)

SYRIA

As a tall, lanky redhead born andraised in Colorado, 34 year-oldBrother David Johnson definitelysticks out in Syria, the Middle Eas-tern country where he serves with

the St. James the PersianCarmelite Monastery in Qara.

He originally came as a studentto study the language, but deci-ded to stay after he fell in lovewith the country and felt God’scall to the religious life there.

That love for language and forGod would one day save BrotherJohnson’s life. At a recent prayerbreakfast in Denver, BrotherJohnson recalled the story of Eas-ter Monday, three years ago. Hewas up in the monastery tower,and, in typical, friendly Coloradofashion, waved hello to someSyrian military men he saw in thehills in the distance.

Immediately the army becamesuspicious and turned theirconvoy toward the monastery.When they arrived, they demand-ed to know who waved at them,and kidnapped Brother Johnsonwhen they found out he wasAmerican, thinking him a spy.

“They said what is he doinghere, he’s probably just playinglike he’s a monk,” Brother John-son told CNA. His brothersimmediately started praying.

“My community, instead ofpanicking, they immediatelywent to the church, began the lit-urgy, began praying, beganMass,” he said, “and I was inGod’s hands, I felt no fear.”

Strangely at peace, joyful even,Brother Johnson began to singsongs of Jesus’ resurrection to hiscaptors in their native language.At first they were taken aback, butthen Brother Johnson realizedtheir hearts were softening.

“They said ‘I’ve never heard

Here, we have two differentapproaches to Jesus. The first isthat of Herod. He was living insnug comfort and wassurrounded by his self-erectedwalls of pride, pleasure andgreed. News of the newborn kingjolted him out of his cozy nicheand brought him face-to-facewith a challenger to his position,power and status. Therefore, hewas antagonistic to thischallenger and looked for waysto eliminate him. We too, likeHerod, could get so snug in ourparticular way of life that Jesus’presence and teachings couldbecome a threat to us. Forexample, if I have a habit ofretaliating and justifying myselfsaying “that’s how the worldworks”, then Jesus’ teaching onlove and turning the other cheek(Mt 5:39,43) would pose adifficult challenge to me, and Iwould probably look for a wayaround it. We must be aware andavoid becoming self-righteousand sit in judgment over Herod.We would act in a similar way.If someone poses a threat to meeither directly or indirectly, Iwill try different means toeliminate the threat. On theother hand, the wise men soughtJesus with sincerity and purehearts. They did not give updespite the difficulties andindifference they faced along theway. They stuck steadfastly totheir quest. Jesus invites each ofus to follow him (Mt 4:19). Whatis our approach to him? Is he athreat or a treasure?

An Enriching EncounterThe anguish of the magi was

turned once again into joy at thereappearance of the star whichhitherto had guided them. Uponlaying their eyes on the One theyhad long pursued, they werewonderstruck and fell on theirknees to worship him (Mt 2:11).Before them was the One whomthe prophets had prophesiedabout, the Great Leader whowould shepherd Israel (Mt 2:6).The ancient oracles had pointedto him and his birth symbolizedthe dawn of a new age. Yet, therewas nothing ostentatious abouthim (cf. Is 53:2) except asupernatural mystique. They‘offered him their gifts of gold,incense and myrrh’ (Mt 2:11).These gifts may appearunpretentious to us but theywere perhaps of great valuethen.

The magi had set out from theirhomelands oblivious of theirdestination and what they wouldfind. They trusted in the oraclesand set forth with purposefully.Their faith and determinationwere blessed with the opportunityto see the One many longed to seebut did not see (Mt 13:17). Uponencountering Jesus, they offeredhim the best they had. They didnot hold back anything becausethe child did not meet theirprevious expectations. Jesusbrought out the best in them. Aftertheir encounter, they travelledback on a different road – sym-bolic of conversion. An encounterwith Jesus can never leave us thesame. The Gospels are full of suchexamples. Like the magi, if wetrust in God’s plan and perseverein following him, he will bring outthe best in us and change uscompletely. Are we willing to letJesus enrich us?

Treasure, from pg.18


THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS

The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS isa very simple yet most efficacious devotion.Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding theinvocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me frommortal sin." Many people recite the Three HailMarys as part of their morning and night prayers.To practise this devotion in time of danger, stress,special need or temptation, is a sure means toobtain Our Lady's help.I prayed for a wart that was on my neck and I pleadedfor the Precious Blood of Jesus to cover me and

heal me of the pepper-sized wart and after nearly four months of hotfermentation, I was able to squeeze it all out. I also prayed the 3 HailMary's together with the intercession and now want to thank my MotherMary who interceded for me at a time such as this. I am at a loss forwords to thank our Lord Jesus Christ and His Mother who is also myMother. Maureen de Zilwa, Sri LankaThanks for helping me secure a job immediately after I lost the previousone through the powerful 3 Hail Marys. Precilla Quadros, Mira RoadI have been reciting the 3 Hail Marys for a long, long time now andour dear Mother has blessed me with several favours. I am gratefuland I entrust my entire family, especially my daughter and grandsonto her care. Please bless my daughter-in-law with a good job. Mr Keith Mascarenhas, MangaloreMy daughter Chriselle was influenced by the so-called Believers. Beinga famous singer they thought that they could get her into their foldand through her they could get to the family. Our faith in Mary Help ofChristians is so strong that I knew that our Blessed Mother wouldnever desert me and my family and that she would protect my daughterand my family. Now Chriselle has travelled back home and our familybond has grown ever stronger. So has our faith in our Blessed Motherand her Son Jesus. Our grateful thanks to Mother Mary who hasalways been there in our midst. Maggie & Clement Mendonca, MumbaiMy sincere and grateful thanks to Jesus and Mother Mary for all thegraces and numerous favours received through the faithful recitationof the 3 Hail Marys. Mother Mary, keep us always under yourprotection. Mrs. M. D’Cunha, MumbaiThank you Jesus and Mother Mary for all the favours received andfor helping us during our difficult times. Let your blessing always bethere on your children. Cardoz, VasaiThank you dear Mother Mary for granting me a permanent residentvisa for Australia and for getting me a good job immediately. Keepyour blessing on me. Mario, Rin, Adelaide, Australia

that before, why don’t you singthat again,’” Brother Johnson re-called one of the soldiers saying.“So I sang again, ‘Christ is risenfrom the dead, trampling downdeath by death, and upon those inthe tombs bestowing life.’”

The soldiers started laughingand clapping along, and decidedthey would take him back to themonastery unharmed. But first,they had to show their friends thesinging American brother.

“They opened the doors (totheir camp) and had me sing thesesongs of the resurrection to acrowd of soldiers, and they allwere clapping! I thought I wasdreaming! I thought I had enteredinto an alternate reality!” BrotherJohnson said.

While Brother Johnson is surethat his ability to speak in thesoldier’s native language helpedin his immediate release, he saidhe is convinced that the prayersof his Brothers and the name ofJesus in the songs he sang is whatsaved his life that day. That’s whyhis advice to all who are con-cerned about the Islamic terroristsin the Middle East is to pray.

“Pray, pray, pray,” he said,“And put all your trust in Hiswisdom.” (CNA)

AFRICAIf you haven’t seen this

powerful video of hope andforgiveness, you should.

SAT-7, a Christian TV channelthat broadcasts in the Middle Eastand Africa, interviewed a younggirl named Myriam, who fledfrom Qaraqosh, which up untillast year was the largest Christiancity in Iraq. Militants from theIslamic State overtook the city inAugust last year.

Myriam tells the local reporterabout her experience in recentmonths.

“We used to have a house to livein but not now. However, thankGod, He provides for us,” theyoung girl says. “God loves us anddid not let ISIS kill us.”

The reporter then asks Myriamhow she feels towards themembers of the Islamic State. Sheresponds, “I wouldn’t doanything to them, I only ask Godto forgive them.”

“You forgive them?” he asks,and the girl replies withouthesitation, “Yes.”

The whole video is worthwatching, but the part aboutforgiveness comes just after the1:00 minute mark: https://w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m /watch?v=Wsxw_x4HIC4 (CNA)

POLANDAt a recent Mass in Warsaw,

Poland, president-elect AndrzejSebastian Duda noticed a hostthat had fallen – possiblyknocked by a gust of wind? – andwas rolling along the ground.Without hesitating, he rushedover to rescue it, and returned itto the celebrant. What abeautiful show of reverence anddevotion from a public official!:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm4eNLiexKU (CNA)


APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYERJANUARY 2016

THANKS TO DEARST. DOMINIC SAVIO

LOVING CHILDREN TOTHEIR LOVING MOTHER

THEY ARE GRATEFUL TOOUR LADY AND DON BOSCO

Thank you darling Mamma Mary for helping my brother clear hisbanking exams. Do continue to watch over my family and friends. Rini Aranha, MumbaiThank you Our Lady of Carmel for hearing my prayer. Ms.JosephWe say a big ‘Thank You’ to sweet Jesus and Mother Mary for allthe love and the blessings showered on us, our dear parents,cousins, friends, Nana Colleen and Surekha. Keep us under yourmantle of blue. Yohan and Simone Traynor, Navi MumbaiI am writing to inform you that I had prayed to Our Lady for mygrandson Johnatan Hopper, aged 13 who resides in London. Lastyear he had 2 or 3 attacks of epilepsy. He was and is still undermedication. Since then under Mother Mary’s protection, he hashad no attack. Please keep him under your protection. Flavia D’Souza, LondonMy sincere thanks to Mother Mary for blessing my son anddaughter-in-law with the green card, granting my son an incrementand promotion and for the improvement brought about in one ofmy family members. Do continue to intercede for us to transformhim completely and fill him with your Holy Spirit. J.G. Mangalore

Universal: Interreligious DialogueThat sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths mayproduce the fruits of peace and justice.

Evangelization: Christian UnityThat by means of dialogue and fraternal charity and with the grace ofthe Holy Spirit, Christians may overcome divisions.

Our sincere thanks to the Infant Jesus,Mary Help of Christians and St DominicSavio for blessing our daughter-in-law,Susan with a safe and normal delivery ofa healthy baby boy. Please do continueto bless and protect them always. Louis and Sophie Nogueira, MumbaiMy sincere thanks to Mary Help ofChristians, Don Bosco and DominicSavio for all the favours granted,especially for helping my son secure agood job. Mr A. de Souza, GoaAt a routine ultrasound the doctor founda cystic leison on my left ovary. I

entrusted myself to the protection of St. Dominic Savio and prayed toour Immaculate Mother her favourite prayer, the Rosary. The cysticleison was benign. I am immensely grateful for their intercession.Several years ago I had profuse bleeding from my uterus. I prayed toSt Dominic Savio and the bleeding stopped just before the intendedsurgery. Mrs Annie D. D’Souza, GoaOur sincere thanks to St Dominic Savio through his intercession, mydaughter was blessed with the gift of a baby boy and a safe normaldelivery. She wore the scapular of Dominic Savio throughout herpregnancy. Thank you Jesus, Mother Mary and St Dominic Savio. Mr & Mrs Kenny Rodrigues, MumbaiOur grateful thanks to God the Father, Jesus, Mary Help of Christians,Don Bosco and St. Dominic Savio for blessing my daughter with a joband several other favours. Dear Mother Mary please guide and protectus all. A Devotee, PuneOur sincere thanks to St Dominic Savio for a safe and normal deliveryof a healthy baby boy and for your protection throughout the nine-month pregnancy. Grenville and Kimberly D’Mello, Chembur

In 2004, I was operated for a lump in the middle of my chest andwas told that it may occur again. Ten years later it started paining,I kept praying to Mother Mary and her apparitions, with all myfaith. In 2015, it became unbearable, and started to blacken, but Ikept praying continuously and was firm in my faith in our BlessedMOther and her grace. She healed me slowly and completely. Iam grateful to Mother Mary and her apparition, the holy familyand the assistance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and all the saints.

Mrs Porphela Rebello, MumbaiOur sincere thanks to Our Lady and Don Bosco for the successof my daughter in her SSC examination and for the visa that afamily friend received. L. D’Souza, MumbaiThank you Saint John Bosco for the gift of a job and many otherfavours received. Milton N. D’Cruz, MumbaiMy grateful thanks to Mother Mary, St. Dominic Savio and St.John Bosco for giving me my lost or misplaced document. Mrs P. D’Mello, GoaMy special thanks to the Holy Trinity, Our Lady, Don Bosco andDominic Savio. I had complications during my pregnancy andafter the delivery of a baby who had a hole in her heart but nowthat she has been operated she is doing well. Thank you Jesusand Mother Mary. Monica Evan,Goa

36January 2016 Don Bosco’s Madonna

Regd RNI no. 9360/57;Postal Regn. MH/MR/North East/089/2012-2014posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office

on 1st & 2nd of every monthSubs: (one copy Rs. 20/-); Inland Rs. 200p.a; Airmail: Rs 500 p.a.

MARY WAS THERE

Don Bosco's Madonna, has developed to its present form from a folder published in 1937,by late Fr Aurelius Maschio, on behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Bombay.

The magazine is sent to all who ask for it, even though there is a fixed subscription(Rs 200/- India & Rs 400/- Airmail)). We trust in the generosity of our readers/benefactors.Whatever you send us will help cover the expenses of printing and mailing; the surplus ifany, is devoted to the support of orphans and poor boys in our schools and apostolic

centres.To help a poor lad to reach the priesthood, is a privilege

You can help by establishing a Perpetual Burse with:Rs 5000/-, 10,000/-, 15,000/- for a boy studying for the priesthood;But any amount, however small, will be gratefully received.

Send your offerings by Payee cheque or Draft on Mumbai banks;MO/PO/INTL MO/BPO/Bequests, Wills, Perpetual Burses, all favouring Don Bosco'sMadonna or Bombay Salesian Society or Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, (Trustee).Please address all correspondence to:

Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, sdb.,SHRINE OF DON BOSCO'S MADONNA,Matunga - MUMBAI - 400 019 - INDIA

Phone/Fax: 91-22- 2414 6320, email: [email protected]

Over the years, my husband hasbeen exploited of his finances by hisfamily. In the year 2012, we had beendeserted by his side of the family.We were undergoing a hugefinancial crisis and had no where togo. The stress level was so much thatit affected our health. I intercededwith Mama Mary by ferventlypraying the 3 Hail Marys and theinvocation “O Mary my mother,keep us from mortal sin.” In a fewmonths time I was blessed with ajob and my husband with a promo-tion. Mama Mary also blessed uswith a roof over our heads. I amvery grateful to Mama Mary and wecontinue praying to her to intercedewith her Son for a special favour.Mrs Andrea Rodrigues e Da Silva,

Margao, Goa

DON BOSCO'S MADONNA HE NEVER TOLD ME HE LOVED ME… · January 2016 2 Don Bosco’s Madonna January 2016 3 Don Bosco’s Madonna Fr. Ian Doulton sdb From The Editor's Desk: He Never

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