Young and

Holy...possible?
ur readers might not be wrong to think that the magazine has
O gone 'Youth Savvy'. In fact the presence of Don Bosco in India will
soon complete 100 years! That is no mean achievement. Of course
Don Bosco in other parts of the world have completed 100 years. We
in India are having a three year preparation period. This year our
theme is 'Journeying with the Young'. The beautiful calendar that Fr.
Edwin sent you is our reminder that Don Bosco is not 100 years old
but 100 years young!
The Witnesses that we have chosen are all youngsters too. We take
our cue from the 50th Anniversary of the canonization of Dominic Savio
and the 100th Anniversary of the death of Bl. Laura Vicuna. A young
boy and a young girl on their way to the altar...so it's not only alright
to be young and be holy...it's possible.
Don Bosco, in fact, wanted all of us to look at the youngsters of the
21st Century with hope. They are already examples of holiness to us
who may be someway over the hill.
As this issue goes to press, Our Rector Major reminds us that Holiness
is not just the monopoly of religious and adults but laity and
youngsters as well. It is so easy to be holy...all that is needed is true
love for Jesus Christ, real joy that surges from a heart that is pure
and an unquenchable energy that goes out to one's neighbour. I think
that that with this programme Fr. Pascual Chavez has shown us that
Salesians working for the young also indicate to parents that their
homes are places of worship and breeding grounds of holiness. The
example of parents and elders who are worth emulating will show
young people that neither the flashing neon lights on night clubs nor
the throb of hip-hop music need necessarily be the only places for
young people to hear the Lord speak to them.
As we end the month of February we shall be ushered into the season
of Lent...a good time for some spring cleaning...a clarion call to
refurbish our life of prayer and to a conversion of our lives.
May our Blessed Mother, the Help of Christians who has always been
there for you and for me...help us live our lives in holiness...and we
will find that happiness will not be far behind.
Don Bosco told his youngsters it is enough for you to do your duty well
for you to become a saint. If that is not the pinnacle of holiness then
what is?
St. Peter says: You are God's chosen...be holy as he who called you is
holy! (1 Peter 1:13-15)
Fr. Ian Doulton sdb

February 2004 3 Don Bosco's Madonna

 THE EUCHARIST
INTRODUCTION TO THE EUCHARIST
Fr. Erasto Fernandes SSS.
(This should have just been an intro- Eucharistic Congress that was held
duction...but I need to 'introduce the in Bombay. Those who are in the
introduction'. Fr. Erasto has been forefront of Church affairs today
so kind as to 'go the extra mile' and would possibly not even remember
write this special series for our the event – yet this anniversary is
magazine. Even though his introd- a God-given opportunity for us to
uction to the series follows I do review just what that Eucharistic
already have his articles for the Congress did for the Catholic life
coming months. Thank You! Fr of our city.
Erasto for this service in love. - Ed.) Coming soon after the Vatican
II, the Congress sought to place
Dear Readers, before us Catholics of India the
2004 marks the fortieth anniver- new teaching of the Council
sary of the 38th International especially with regard to the

February 2004 4 Don Bosco's Madonna

Sacraments. Thus, each day of the its influence felt is ever wider
Congress cel-ebrated one circles. However, we seem to be
sacrament – in the way the Vatican still far from experiencing this kind
Council indicated. As we look back of effect with regard to the Eucha-
to the event, it would be valuable rist in our Christian living in Bom-
to pick out and savour the new bay. What could be the reason for
elements that featured in that this?
Congress: that is what we seek to One author, J. Haughey ventu-
do in our new series of articles. res an opinion as follows: “I am
For about eight years now, our convinced that Christianity is an
articles have focused on the explosion still to go off, a revolu-
practical implications of living the tionary idea still to be comprehen-
Eucharist in our daily circumstan- ded, a banquet in time and history
ces. Taking real life stories, we that has been barely nibbled at, and
attempted to spell out the key a source of social change the di-
results that should flow from a mensions of which are not even
meaningful celebration of Eucha- being dreamed of These poten-
rist. For this year we shall go back tialities remain stuck in the still-to-
to the Eucharist itself. We want to be status because of the way we
highlight some of the new orien- go about Eucharist – what we bring
tations that Vatican II introduced to it, what we bring from it. For
and see how much these are really that reason I think Christianity’s
part of our lives. From that pers- potentiality will move to actuality
pective, the articles in this series only if the Eucharist is celebrated
may appear somewhat heavy and in a different way and with a diff-
perhaps even less attractive or erent perspective (emphasis mine)
appealing than those of preceding than it ordinarily is today. What we
years. Nevertheless, we invite our need is not to devise alternative
readers to spare some time and forms of worship, but to worship
thought to what is outlined here, according to the alternative we
so that their personal understan- have become in Christ.”
ding of the Eucharist gets deepen- Would you be interested in being
ed. This effort will also help in among those who help to make this
understanding and cooperating great explosion go off? Instead of
with some of the initiatives under- being a ‘suicide-bomber’ you’d
taken in 2004 by the Archdiocese become a ‘life-bomber’ bringing to
as part of its celebration of the our Archdiocese that fullness of life
40th anniversary. that Jesus came to give you and
The Eucharist has been des- everyone you meet. And just how
cribed as “the source and summit” could you do this? One simple way
of the life of the Church, and we would be to read these articles
have been told that all our devo- appearing every month and then
tions and even apostolate must decide what you are going to do
either flow from the celebration of about the topic outlined. Practical
the Eucharist or should tend to- suggestions will be offered, but
wards it. In this way, the Eucharist they will remain only on paper
would become truly a source of unless someone decides to do
renewal of Church and Society, a something concrete about it.
real leaven in the dough, making You could, for example, discuss

February 2004 5 Don Bosco's Madonna

and practice some of these sugges- tle of the Eucharist together with
tions within the family circle. Per- St. Peter Julian who was the first
haps this is where you would meet to found a Congregation set apart
with the greatest opposition – for totally for the spread of knowledge
as Jesus told us, ‘no one is a pro- and love of the Eucharist. And even
phet in his own land!’ Just ten to today, the Blessed Sacrament
fifteen minutes before dinner each Congregation is the only religious
night would suffice, for a start. You body that is only to name the year
could also discuss and try out some primarily and exclusively dedicated
of these suggestions among your to the Eucharist. Our aim is to
friends and colleagues at your ourselves understand the Eucharist
place of work – at the risk, of better and better, to celebrate it
course, of being dubbed a ‘holy each time more meaningfully and
Joe.’ Long arduous train journeys to live it out courageously. And
to and from work each day could then we go out and do the same
be lightened with a lively discussion with regard to the people we meet.
on some of these ideas and sugg- Experience has shown us that right
estions. Prayer meetings, Night from the highest level to that even
vigils, and other similar events of school children and first-
where people meet to share about communicants, correct and
their faith, could also be the occa- inspiring knowledge about the
sion for spirited discussions on Eucharist is somewhat rare.
these topics. You will have noticed Hence, the tremendous scope and
that what we are suggesting is that importance of a venture like ours
it is not enough only to name the – to make the Eucharist better
year as “Year of the Eucharist.” If known and loved! Should you be
it is to be truly a Eucharistic Year, inspired to join us in this energetic
then the Eucharist must become a effort, you are welcome to get in
‘passion’, almost an obsession, for touch. q
us. Our objective would be to catch “Come to the Table of the Lord,
up with all that we have missed in my friend.”
the past forty years with regard to
the Eucharist. We could of course,
sit back and blame every Tom,
Dick and Harry within sight for our
lack of knowledge and enthusiasm
regarding the central event of our
faith. Or, we can decide to get off
our haunches and set the ball
rolling.
As you begin to take a lively int-
erest in the subject, there will
undoubted be a lot of questions
that crop up – which you find diffi-
cult to answer. Do write to us about
these questions and we shall set
aside an issue or two to answer
them as lucidly as is possible. Du-
ring this eventful year, be an apos-

February 2004 6 Don Bosco's Madonna

 News
of
DON BOSCO IN THE WORLD
Perù - 500 young people gathered Council. The new vice province
together on 14 December at the comprises 80 Salesians, 40 of
Don Bosco College in Piura. They whom are perpetually professed
were there to give their impressions exaptriate members and 40 local
about the effect the formation (including 5 priests) with 10
programme “Valientes para Amar” novices. They are spread amongst
(Courageous in Love) had had on 7 canonically erected communit-
their lives. The meeting was ies all with at least 5 confreres to
organised by Fr Casimiro Iraola the community. It is expected that
from the parish team of Mary Help the vice province office will be in
of Christians, the Bosconia Centre Ghana. The new Vice Province will
and the Don Bosco College. Other officially commence on 5th
schools such as “Domingo Savio”, January 2004.
“La Pontificia”, the “José María
Escrivá de Balaguer” National Mauritius - Port-Louis - It is not
School and a section of the “César easy to get the youngsters in the
Vallejos” University were also northern suburbs of Port Louis (the
involved in the occasion. The capital of Mauritius),but the
College played several orchestral Collége Technique Saint Gabriel
pieces and these were followed by (Sainte Croix) has succeeded.
some stage productions about Between 17 November and 6
AIDS and self esteem. Then there December. The colours of the nat-
was the distribution of the ional flag showed their diversity
certificates for those completing and the programme showed them
the programme “Valiente par Amar”. unity. On the programme there
were the following topics: courage
Ghana - In a decision taken 11th and trust; humility and truth;
December, the Rector Major and solidarity and respect. Mgr.
his Council established the new Maurice Piat, bishop of Port-Louis,
Vice Province of Africa West (AFW) Fr Jean-Claude Veder, in charge of
inlcuding the four nations of Ghana, Youth Ministy, Fr Alain Romaine,
Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, in charge of Catechesis, and other
and appointed Fr. Richard religious and civil leaders visited
Castellino as its first Superior. For the holiday camp. The event conc-
the first time, Bl. Artemides Zatti luded with a celebration that in-
has been chosen as Patron of a cluded the parents. The youngs-
new juridical circumscription, ters asked the Salesians to con-
indicating in this case particularly, tinue the idea. The Salesians ans-
the early flowering of Brother wer was: “We shall keep the Don
vocations. Fr. Castellano is the first Bosco Oratory going every day.”
provincial appointed by the current There has never been anything like
winter session of the General it before in Mauritius! q

February 2004 7 Don Bosco's Madonna

 LOVE YOUR FAMILIES
by
Juliet Bromley-Martin

W hen Mother Teresa was

awarded the Nobel Prize,
someone asked her, ‘What, can
we do to promote world
peace?” She replied, “Go
home and love your family.”
How often do we reflect on what
it means to love? Have we
really taken on board our
Lord’s command?
He does not call every one of
us into the gutters of Calcutta.
But He does call every one of
us to love those He has put near
us. What a practical philosophy,
to love one’s neighbour! If we
all obeyed His command, every
single person in the world would
know love.
But how can we manage this
in practise? Despite all our best
intentions we often seem to fall
at the first fence. However,
there is a sacrament that can
teach us a lot about how to put
this love into practice. It is not
one that we have all been
brought up to know, but
something that South
Americans recognise as a
sacrament. This is el sacramento
del momenta presente - the
sacrament of the present moment. with the future (“Do not worry
The celebration of this sacrament about tomorrow, for tomorrow will
is the key to living out our Lord’s worry about itself” -Matthew 6:34).
command to love our neighbour. The present moment is an
Every day we are faced with a invitation to serve God; it is a gift
thousand opportunities to love our from God and it is all we have -
neighbour and a thousand ways to who knows if we will be alive,
love God. They are of the utmost healthy, free tomorrow?
importance. Why? Because But it is all too easy to miss the
opportunities, though many, come present moment. We can become
but once. Furthermore, we have so engrossed in our concerns that
been told not to concern ourselves we fail to notice Jesus right there

February 2004 8 Don Bosco's Madonna

in front of us - be it in the disguise give a very different message to
of a friend, colleague, family the people who I may only pass
member, house mate. Even the once in a lifetime.
worthiest of worries can distract us It is only by slowing down, by
away from God’s call. taking time to be aware of what is
How much time do we spend in happening in the world around us,
our own little world, oblivious to the that we can wake up to the
people around us? In this time we present. And it is in waking up to
hurry past people, maybe pushing the present that we are able to
through them. Bang! We have lost realise our daily vocation to love
about twenty opportunities to offer our neighbours.
someone the attention God is Our lives can be frustrating,
asking us to give them. worrying, stressful. But that is not
It may only be that we need to necessarily because we are stuck
give someone a smile, or to bear in the wrong place with the wrong
witness to a calmer lifestyle, a less people. It is because our vocation

anxious expression, a greater to love our neighbours is difficult.

celebration of life, for life’s sake. But it is always my vocation, it is
And it is these little things of life always your vocation. We have
that make such a difference to us no(been asked to go far to do this,
all. But in order to see the little nor have we been asked to plan a
things, to celebrate the gift of the solution for future generations to
present moment, we have to slow be loved.
down. That is the key. If I weren’t God simply asks us to love the
in such a hurry on my way home person He puts in front of us every
from work, if concerns weren’t day.
buzzing so madly in my head, then And that means practicing an
I would give a very different awareness of those around us, it
message to the people I pass every means celebrating the sacrament
day. More importantly, I would of the present moment. q

February 2004 9 Don Bosco's Madonna

 NEWSBITS
who suggested a new law
threatening the seal of confession.
Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adel-
aide said he wants to speak with
Nick Xenophon, a state legislator
who proposed legislation that
would require priests to inform civil
authorities about child abuse, even
if they learned about the offense
through a penitent’s confession.
Archbishop Wilson said that he
hoped to explain the Church
Archbishop Pius Neube of policy to Xenophon. “We don’t
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has want to step away from carrying
criticized President Robert out our responsibilities for the
Mugabe for recruiting young protection of children,” he said;
people into violent militia
‘but at the same time in the
ZIMBABWE Catholic Church there is an
Zimbabwe’s authoritarian govern- absolute ban on priests saying
ment is recruiting young people anything that they have heard in
into militia groups to suppress confession.”
political opponents, an ecumenical
Christian group has charged. The VENEZUELA
Solidarity Peace Trust, composed Venezuela’s President Hugo
of Church leaders from Zimbabwe Chavez has renewed his public
and South Africa, has released a attacks on his country’s Catholic
report saying that the regime led bishops, calling them a group of
by President Robert Mugabe trains “liars” and charging that they were
young soldiers-including children- to involved in an attempted coup in
use force and even torture against 2002.
political opponents. Archbishop Chavez said that several members
Pius Neube of Bulawayo,the of the hierarchy participated in
chairman of the Solidarity Peace the April 2002 coup that removed
Trust, said that the militia him from power for 48 hours, until
recruitment is designed to promote loyal troop restored him to power.
“blatantly anti-democratic, racist, “There are bishops from the
and xenophobic attitudes.” Since Catholic Church who knew a coup
many militia members are under was on the way and they used
the age of 18, he added, their church installations to bring coup
involvement in what are essentially plotters together,” Chavez said.
military operations constitutes “a He called the bishops “immoral”
crime against humanity.” and “spokesmen for the
opposition.”
AUSTRALIA Archbishop Baltazar Porras of
An Australian bishop is asking for Merida, president o the bishops’
a personal meeting with a legislator conference, replied that Chavez

February 2004 10 Don Bosco's Madonna

was lashing out at the Church to Nobel Committee made its
divert attention from the real announcement, said that Pope John
problem s affecting the country Paul was seriously considered
and to prevent a recall vote. because of his opposition to the
war in Iraq. However, the sources
GREAT BRITAIN added, some members of the
Archbishop Vincent Nichols of selection committee were hostile
Birmingham has launched an to the Pope because of his defense
unprecedented attach on the of traditional moral principles on
British Broadcasting Corporation issues such as contraception and
(BBC). abortion. The announcement on
Archbishop Nichols had directed October 3, 2003 brought a sense
his anger toward a new investiga- of disappointment to the Vatican,
tive series called “Kenyon where some officials had indicated
Confronts”, which spotlights child- in advance that the pontiff would
abuse charges in the Birmingham accept the prize, and even make
archdiocese. But he went on to cite an effort to travel to Oslo for the
several other examples of the BBC awards ceremony.
showing anti-Catholic bias. The
archbishop admitted that Church
leaders had made mistakes in their
handling of child abise cases but
said the Kenyon investigation was
“absolutely offensive” and showed
“either malice toward the Church
or a total lack of judgment.” He
stressed that the Church had now
introduced tough new guidelines to
prevent future lapses.

IRAN
An Iranian human Pope John Paul visited the
rights lawyer, Pompeii shrine fulfilling a vow
Shirin Ebadi, recei- he had made for the Year of
ved the Nobel the Rosary. This was the
peace prize for Pope's 143rd trip inside Italy in
2003. The suprise the course of his pontificate - to
announcement of the cause of world peace.
Ebadi’s selection IRELAND
brought an end to Only half of the Catholics in Ireland
widespread specu- attend Mass weekly, and even in
lation that Pope rural areas only 60 per cent attend
John Paul II would have received weekly, according to a poll
the honour. Ebadi, a former judge released last year by Ireland's state
has clashed frequently with Islamic broadcaster RTE.
authorities in Iran, was honoured The poll of adults 18 and older
for her work in favour of children’s found 10 percent fewer Catholics
rights. overall attended Mass since the
Sources in Norway, where the last poll in 1998. q

February 2004 11 Don Bosco's Madonna

 S
FILE
PRO

Pier Luigi ROGGLA

The Young man who
met Jesus an upright Christian life. Whatever

A n illustrious family of “Gothic”

descent lived in Genoa, the
Röggla family. The head of the
he set his hand to he gave it his best.
When he was only 13 years old
his father was killed in a road acci-
household, Signor Röggla was a dent. The loss of his father left him
pharmacist, while Signora Röggla devastated. That was a day he
was known among the refined and would never forget. Praying about
distinguished ladies of the city. In this one reads in his journal:
1939 she gave birth to Pier Luigi - Both of you, dear Lord and Papa,
and as he grew up he received a do help me from heaven!
fine education. The boy was intelli-
gent and studious but like another A Leader among his companions
youngster his age he also yearned He enrolled himself in high
to explore, play and enjoy what life school and studied “The Explora-
had to offer. tions of Christopher Columbus to
At age 10 he received his First the New World."
Holy Communion followed by his He kept a journal and as the days
Confirmation. Pier Luigi Röggla was passed his faith grew even his pers-
enrolled as a scout too. From Jesus, pective on life began to mature.
his first friend, he learnt that life was a In the summer of 1955 he went
gift given to him out of love. Then foll- to London with some friends to see
owed Elementary and middle school. England. One evening sitting with
Pier Luigi was a bright and strong a friend a feeling of nostalgia came
willed teenager who not only studied over him and he said: - See, how
Latin, he enjoyed it. He loved the beautiful the sunset is!
long hikes with his companions of the Pier Luigi wrote in his journal
scout troop roughing it out to the full. that night:“The scene was breathtak-
He confided in a spiritual director ing: dark grey clouds, and they grad-
who was an exemplary religious ually turned into shades of gold in
and to whom he opened his heart the light of the setting sun. Then the
regularly in confession. It was at his last rays pierced through the clouds
advice that he received Holy Com- that was the happiest moment I
munion regularly and from there experienced in a long time.”
drew his strength to combat every During that night he kept vigil
weakness as well as to try and live in prayer under the starry sky and
February 2004 12 Don Bosco's Madonna
 heart was set aside to love God and
the whole wide world. – He prayed
to the Madonna daily for this grace
as he prayed the Rosary; that he
may be helped to avoid the occas-
ions of sin. He wanted his heart to
be free and uninhibited to always
strive against current of worldly allu-
rements with just one aim alone: to
serve his neighbour!
In a world that was straining itself
away from God he felt that the
greatest service he could do was
to communicate his Faith. He
wrote:“Last night I became aware
of a companion who professed his
unbelief. There are unfortunately so
many youngsters who leave the path
allowed God to speak to him. He of Christ very conveniently attribu-
thought about his dad:“I kiss this ting it to their intellectual prowess;
photograph. I am grateful for you but what could one have studied in
having given me life and for saving just 18 years of life?”
mother for me. I pray for her.” He felt a strong desire to become
His high school studies were an apostle to make the love of Christ
tough. So often he thought of his known around him. He realized that
mother he yearned to relax and if he were to be able to do this more
spend time with her or his friends competently he would have to im-
but he disciplined himself and his prove his knowledge of the faith him-
faith matured. He went to the self. The truths of the faith were to
‘meadows’ of Liguria with the scouts him a source of joy. His journal re-
and to the Alps. Generosity was his cords once more: “Besides holding
hallmark with those who accompan- my faith aloft among my companions
ied him and yet, he made sure that I have to live life to the full and that
the Lord was the centre of every- should make me happy…very happy.”
thing and this youngster knew the
power of prayer too. This is what Standing for Him
he once said:“O good Lord, you have One day in 1956 he wrote these
given us intelligence to always choose words of Christ in his journal: “Be
to do what Jesus taught us.” on your guard! Don’t let yourself be
His intelligence did serve him occupied with too much feasting and
well as he continued to do every- drinking…or that day may suddenly
thing with Jesus in mind. A young catch you like a trap. Be alert and
strapping lad was certainly tempt- pray always that you will have the
ed to sensuality but he was certain strength to go safely through all
that this was not what the Lord those things that will happen and to
wanted of him. He was a good friend stand before the Son of Man.” (Lk.
to each one of those who encoun- 21,34-36)
tered him and yet he never got in- Pier Luigi was aware that life was
timate with the girls in the high brief and his love for the Lord increa-
school. He was convinced that his sed like great waves. He often repea-

February 2004 13 Don Bosco's Madonna

ted the plea of the disciples of Emm- that our Faith becomes easier to live.
aus:“Stay with us, Lord, for the day We will serve each other more eagerly.
is now far spent and the night is at All this seems difficult today…but
hand.” (Lk 24,29) we’ll get used to it.”
Jesus was the light that illumina- He helped many out of their crises
ted him in the dark night of his soul. of faith. Nothing he did was done
He wrote:"How beautiful it would be without prayer and discernment. He
to be able to say like Peter: ‘Lord, we often had premonitions about the
have left all to follow you… but to let state of people’s lives and said: "I
go of everything is difficult.” am afraid to die soon and leave you
The year 1956 found Luigi in alone. But don’t let that worry you:
Assisi for Easter. He found in St. from up there I will have the power to
Francis a brother and he admired always help you.”
his total devotion to God in the spirit
of poverty:“How beautiful to be so pure Jesus on the road
and to clear one’s mind of all earthly He was nearing his graduation.
thoughts to be able to see everything as At the beginning of September
he (Francis) saw them.” 1962, Pier Luigi went to Lourdes,
He spent an entire night in pray- to the feet of the Madonna, to
er and laid bare his soul before the serve as a volunteer caregiver to
Lord:“Service: what do I intend to the sick as a “wheelchair assistant”
do? What are my duties to my family and he was a thoughtful brother.
and my studies?” He often tired and his strength see-
In July 1958 he was enrolled in med to fail…but after a little rest
the university majoring in the disci- he was his usual jovial self again.
plines of Economics and Commer- He returned to Genoa very happy
ce. He prayed:“Lord, help to me to and took up his normal routine.
detach myself from human respect, to But God thought otherwise.
have the courage to go against the On 22 September 1962, a fall
current.” He was admired by the from a motorbike brought him to
Scout Master and members of the his fatal end. It was his time to meet
other movements too. Pier Luigi the Lord he had loved so dearly
even graduated to become a rover. and he was just 23 years old! At
At the University, his model was the funeral someone commented:
Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was aff- - The Pier George Frassati of Genoa
able and friendly. He fearlessly is dead! At the spot of his accident,
spoke and witnessed to his faith. to this day more some 40 years
Pier Luigi cultivated a sense of the later on 22 September his friends
presence of God and a love for what assemble in prayer. Some time ea-
he did and for study. His keen atten- rlier Pier Luigi had written: "Lord, I
tion to the problems of the Church do not ask for fame, health nor honour
and society were admirable. He tru- but I ask for humility and poverty. I
ly learnt his faith and began to speak don’t ask you to make the path easy
about it too:“Let us love each other for me, to remove the obstacles along
and Jesus in our midst... as we follow the way, but give me the strength to
the teachings of the Church. Jesus will overcome all of them in your Name.
be our guide. In the Church, we are as May I do everything in your name and
pupils before our Teacher... my dear in your name bring them to complet-
brother let go of your heart and give ion and should I forget I thank you
it to Jesus... in doing so we will find now and always for this grace. Amen.”q

February 2004 14 Don Bosco's Madonna

 IN A CHEERFUL MOOD
No surprise at all sufferin’ from is politeness.”
The doctor of a country village had
two children who were acknowledg- What? No “Thank you”
ed by the inhabitants as being the They were at dinner and the dain-
prettiest little girls in the district. ties were on the table.
While the two children were out “Will you eat tart or pudding?”
walking one day, they happened asked Papa of Henry.
to pass quite near two small boys; “Tart,” said Henry promptly.
one lived in the village and the His father sighed as he recalled
other was a visitor. the many lessons on good manners
“I say,” said the latter to his friend, he had given the boy.
“who are those little girls?” “Tart, what?” he queried kindly.
“They are the doctor’s children,” But Henry’s eyes were glued on
replied the village lad. “He always the pastry.
keeps the best for himself.” “Tart, what?” asked the father
again, sharply this time.
Tell me why “Tart, first,” answered Henry
Willie: “Teacher says we’re here triumphantly.
to help others.”
Papa: “Of course we are.” It’s a new world
Willie: “Well, what are the others Grandma: “Would like to go to the
here for?” fair and ride on the merry-go-
round?”
No doubt about it Modern Child: “I don’t mind, if it
Father was sitting in the armchair will amuse you.” q
one evening, when his little Courtesy: Fr. Justin McCarthy
son came in and showed
him a new penknife, which
he said he had found in the
street.
“Are you sure it was lost?”
inquired the father.
“Of course, it was lost! I saw
the man looking for it!”
replied the youngster.
It really hurts
Joey’s aunt: “Won’t you
have another piece of
cake, Joey?”
Joey (on a visit):“No, thank
you.”
Joey’s aunt: “You seem to
be suffering from a loss of
appetite.”
Joey: “It ain’t loss of
appetite, Auntie. What I’m
"Is this commercial your idea?"

February 2004 15 Don Bosco's Madonna

 HANDS
T he gesture of the priest’s hands extended over the gifts at the
altar as always impressed me. I look at those who will come up to
receive the Eucharist, they walk up the aisle moving toward the altar
in prayer, in silence, in order to receive the Eucharistic Bread, a sign
of love eternal.

Every day we see this touching scene that sends us back in time
again to that tired crowd on the hillside. The Lord had compassion on
them. Intently he stretched out his hands in welcome, accepted the
satchel of bread from the hands of the little lad and from this offering
he multiplied his generosity.

The hands of those same people perhaps refused to acknowledge

him a couple of days later. They went against him in the city square
and before the praetorium in Jerusalem.
Those same hands, our hands serve us to help me write a loving
message or threat; to sign into law an act of war or a plea for peace.
They dial the phone to a dear friend or scream in order to reject and
abuse another.
Hands are also visible signs that encourage the soul while curing the
body. The same hands can make hypocritical gestures or those of
deception. They can express a thousand signs of hatred or contradic-
tion that lead to misunderstanding.
Hands that hold a loved one in a warm firm embrace of friendship
could also be hands that steal, beat, strangle, or press the trigger on
a weapon that kills.
Hands are lifted in greeting, hands that beg or implore, or maybe
hands that make obscene gestures.
Hands that you let hang loosely in despair or that you stretch out to
dry a tear and caress someone in consolation.
Hands joined in prayer or hands limp in boredom.
Think of the tender hands of a young girl or the strong hands of a
man calloused and roughened by hard work; kind and gentle hands,
clean hands and dirty hands, bare hands or hands bedecked with
jewels.
There are hands that unite and hands that divide. There are slender
hands that join in conjugal love at the altar of God and hands that sign
divorce documents on the table of a solicitor.
You must have seen hands that beat one’s breast in repentance and
hands that immediately acquit and absolve.
Hands that care, they bandage, they help to heal.

February 2004 16 Don Bosco's Madonna

 There are so
many references to
hands in prayer:
“Father, into your
hands I commend my
spirit,” the Lord
groaned in agony
on the cross. A
person of faith says:
“They are in the
hands of God.”
There are religious
songs that have
words like: “I give
my hands to do your
work…” “Behold,
here the hand of
God is at work!”
words said pointing
out to His
providential
interventions.
Hands are used as
indicators on road
signs. John the
Baptist used his
hands to point out
the Messiah just as
the hands of a priest raise up the Bread and Wine, the body and
blood of the Lord inviting us to adore them.
The hands of all humankind reveal the soul.
It is more the attitude that touches the heart and makes one great
in the eyes on others. At the Eucharist…whatever they are, they are
always hands outstretched asking for “the Body of Christ”, standing
before the altar. Here all are equal, the ignorant and the scholar, the
lucid and the confused, the rich and the poor, saint and sinner, man
and woman, the child and the elderly, those in authority and simple
citizens. Here at the altar every difference is levelled by that common
deep truth that all are created equal and are equally poor in the eyes
of God. The hands of the beggar are fill with the redeeming presence
of the power of Christ.

All these hands bring wealth home to every human soul, the only
wealth that matters. The Eucharist is able to revive our existence
each time we receive it. It performs secret changes in every individual
soul. It is the “Viaticum” which means that it is the companion that
takes our ‘hands’ along the way. He (God) does not need “clean
hands,” he needs above all a “new heart” – and isn’t that the spirit of
Lent? (Fidelio) q

February 2004 17 Don Bosco's Madonna

YOUTH IN THE BIBLE

DAVID:
HIS
ENCOUNTER
WITH GOLIATH

H aving focused on the person

of the young David we now
turn our attention to his first major
appearance in the history of Israel.
Till now David was just the son of
Jesse the Bethlehemite, handsome
no doubt but was that all that there
was to him? We will follow him thro-
ugh the Scriptures a little further.
During this time (while David
was being anointed the future king
of Israel) there was a war being
waged against the Philistines and
they had a champion whom they
described as a ‘giant’ his name was
Goliath.
In reading 1 Samuel Chapter 17
one recalls the many incidents
therein that have become interes-
ting Bible stories and even material
for famous films; look for example
at the story of David and Goliath.
David is certainly the hero. Picture
the image of this young boy who
challenges Goliath with a slingshot. bably be accused of having a history
Goliath makes fun of him calling that would probably only prove
him ‘effeminate.’ Yet this young that ‘might is right’ which would
boy will become the symbol of intel- perpetrate more violence than al-
ligence, astuteness and fidelity. This ready exists in our day. Down the
is a fundamental process when one centuries one wonders whether we
notes the lives of those God calls could justify the actions of so many
to lead his people. This reveals to crazy individuals and criminals that
the reader that there is more to hit the headlines right up to the
Bible stories than merely the slaying time of this printing. (The attemp-
of Goliaths in human and Biblical ted assassination on the President
history. of Pakistan) One underlying factor
If it were not so and David was that is the theme of all these stories
defeated by Goliath we would pro- is that that these acts are motiva-

February 2004 18 Don Bosco's Madonna

ted by faith? One has to note the
intelligence and the courage that
David demonstrates when he faced
the ‘hulk’ Goliath.
In the clash between David and
Goliath, the strong presence of
God reveals itself in history. It is a
presence that assures him that God
will protect his people from those always make such war stories so
who would seek to harm them. This interes-ting. The writers at that time
is an image of a God who seemed already knew that war stories had
distant till then until all of a sudden to be intriguing if there were to be
... there was a limit beyond which interesting.
he decided to act to ‘bring down Think of the numerous stories in
the mighty and raise up the weak.’ scripture that are peppered with
When the young David strode out violence and yet the Bible narrates
to meet Goliath – he literally ran these against the tapestry of the
into his enemy – he did so with a story of a people of faith and yet
fervent hymn of hope, translated war seems a kind of contradiction,
in words of faith that became the violence on a mass scale, a kind of
battle cry of the believer: “You are injustice.
coming against me with sword, In summing up it is in fact, the
spear, and javelin, but I come against trust that David places in God more
you in the name of the Lord Almighty, than either his strength or his intel-
the God of the Israelite armies, which ligence in the story of David and
you have defied (... ), then the whole Goliath that needs to be empha-
world will know there is a God in sized.
Israel.” (TEV l Sam 17,45-47). As is often noticed, there will be
The casual reader of the story of other Goliaths in David’s life and
David and Goliath will obviously he will face them without losing
realize that it has certainly been ex- the faith. Before this David will face
aggerated for dramatic emphasis. the unexpected hidden hatred
Note that the story of the heroic begins to bear towards him. q
deeds of David have been
written down in order to
exalt the personage of
David. (However if one were
to carefully read the story
one would find some
incongruence). Observe,
for instance, the questions
that Saul asks David and
only then does David men-
tions the city of Jerusalem.
It would be the city of the
Israelites only much later
when the same David would
conquer it. There are quite
a few other details that

February 2004 19 Don Bosco's Madonna

 TESTED IN THE FIRE (16)
This is a series of true stories that describe the resilience of love. This
month's story is set in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in July 1992 and has been
translated from Italian by Susan Gatley

The Mobile Home

I t all began one day when I ran
into Marita on the way back
from the market, A young mother
the night before she had even
thought of killing herself and her
children, because nothing made
of two, she lived opposite our sense to her any more. Everything
house on the side of the mountain. had collapsed. She had lost her hus-
We had not spoken before, but band and also her parents, because
seeing her there on her own, laden the woman betraying her with Paco
down with boxes, balancing a was her own sister, and her parents
basket of vegetables too, and with had been involved in the plot.
her youngest in her arms, I offered I began to cry with her too. I could
to help her. ‘Thank you’, she ans- not find any words with which to
wered, ‘but my father-in-law will console her. ‘I don’t know why I
be here in a moment, so I’m okay.’ am telling you all this’, she said.
I was continuing along my way, ‘But you are young’, I replied,
when I saw her other little boy run- ‘You have to fight for your child-
ning up to her: his grandfather was ren. And then remember there is
not at home after all. So I turned God, your true Father. He can give
back, and meeting a friend of mine you the strength to go ahead. Let’s
who had a cart, I said to her, ‘Will pray together that Paco will come
you come with me and give my fri- back. And then don’t feel you are
end here a hand?’ So she followed on your own. I’ll always be close
me. by,’ When we said goodbye to each
Sadness and Pain other, she seemed a little more at
Marita didn’t understand the peace.
reason for so much kindness Prayers are Answered
towards her. She was surprised, Time passed, and Marita used to
embarrassed and almost put out. look at me from a distance. We
In truth, what had struck me most would smile at each other and wave.
about her was the expression of Together with my husband Manuel
pain written large on her face. and the children, I kept praying for
I could not leave her like that, her. What could a woman do on her
on her own. It was at this point, in own in those conditions?
reply to my question ‘How are Then one morning I looked out
things?’, that she muttered ‘It is sad of the window and saw Paco
to be alone with your children’. cleaning out the hen house. So he
‘But why is that?’ I asked, ‘Has had come back. I was delighted;
Paco gone to look for work?’ She nothing is impossible to God.
began to cry, telling me that only More Hardship
the day before, her husband had Some months later the rainy se-
left her to go and live with another ason began. Torrential rain caused
woman. an avalanche which swept away
Sobbing, she confided to me that Marita and Paco’s house. They man-

February 2004 20 Don Bosco's Madonna

 hut in which they were
sheltering. The upshot of
this visit was that he
pointed out that the hut
lacked the basic living
conditions. So what then?
There were two options:
either they could go to a
boarding house, or else
they could accept a
mobile home.
Rejecting the first offer,
they were faced with a
major problem
concerning the second
option. Where could they
put the mobile home?
That is how it came about
that we offer-ed a piece
of our land. It was small,
but it was big enough to
put up the four wooden
aged to save only a few belongings walls of the prefab.
from the mud - some clothing, and Change of Attitudes
a few bits of furniture. The solidarity they experienced
Immediately I swung into action, also from our children led them
looking for clothes and furnishings little by little to change many of
for them. But in the meantime, their attitudes. Even the way they
where could they live? ‘If we really spoke was no longer vulgar as it
squeezed together, could they not was before.
stay with us?’ I thought. Marita asked to come along
My husband Manuel was some- when we used to meet with other
what perplexed. Hadn’t they been families in order to help each other
the very neighbours who had been to live as true Christians. She is
sweeping away all the mud into our now a completely changed person.
yard? But then, faced with such She has found hope again, and the
great suffering, he forgot this little desire to start over. More than
annoyance and we invited them to once, Paco has offered to go with
comeSheandhad
stay a [Link] 'why?'
with stamped
her to theall overtoher
market helpface
with the
They were moved. At that mom- shopping, a thing that never
ent they had in fact somewhere to happened before.
stay, even though it was only in a For Marita, accepting his accom-
disused hut; but to know that they paniment has meant facing up to
could count on us for anything, the gossiping and the embarrass-
gave them a sense of calm, I think. ment of neighbours who all know
A Stark Choice her story well, as it is a small
A few days later, the social village. Now she and Paco have
worker for the region paid them forgiven each other and they love
an unexpected visit to inspect the each other again.q

February 2004 21 Don Bosco's Madonna

 A Glass of Milk
O ne day, a poor
boy named Howard
Kelly who was selling
goods from door to
door to pay his way
through school, found
he had only a five cent
coin left and he was
hungry.
He decided he would
ask for a meal at the
next house. However he
lost his nerve when a
lovely young woman
opened the door. Inst-
ead of a meal he asked
for a drink of water.
She thought he look-
ed hungry so she brought him a down the hall of the hospital to her
large glass of milk instead. He room.
drank it slowly and then asked, Dressed in his doctor’s gown he
“How much do I owe you?” went in to see her. He recognised
“You don’t owe me anything,” her at once. He went back to the
she replied. “Mother has taught consultation room determined to
us never to accept payment for do his best to save her life.
kindness.” From that day on he gave special
He said... “Then I thank you attention to the case. After a long
from my heart.” time and struggle, the battle was
As Howard Kelly left that house, won. Doctor Kelly requested the
he not only felt stronger physically, business office to pass the final bill
but his faith in God and people to him for approval. He looked at
became stronger also. He has it, then wrote something on the edge
been on the verge of giving up and the bill was sent to the woman’s
and quitting his dreams of an room.
education. She feared to open it, for she was
Years later, that young woman sure it would take the rest of her life
became critically ill. The local doc- to pay for it all. Finally she looked
tors were baffled. They finally sent and something caught her eye on
her to a metropolitan city, where the side of the bill. She read these
they called in a specialist to study words; “Paid in full with one glass of
her rare disease. milk.” Signed Dr Howard Kelly.
Dr Howard Kelly was called in Tears of joy flooded her eyes as
for a consultation. When he heard her grateful heart prayed: “Thank
the name of the town she came you, God that Your love has spread
from, a strange light filled his eyes. abroad through human hearts and
Immediately he rose and went hands.” q
February 2004 22 Don Bosco's Madonna
Don Bosco: The Times, The Man,
The Facts
DON BOSCO'S BENEFACTORS

W hen he was bidding farewelI

to his missionaries on Novem-
ber 11, 1875 Don Bosco gave
them 20 precious ‘gems’ to remem-
ber him. The first one was: “Look
for souls but not money, honours or
dignity” (ASC 112, - sec, 5).
Don Bosco spent himself in search
of money that would be needed for
his young boys so that they would
never be in need. When it was lack-
ing he was not purturbed and when
he had received the money he did
not spend it carelessly. He was
ready to suffer any and every
humiliation and sacrifice in order to
go where Divine Providence sent
him for it. He had tremendous trust examples of his trust in Divine
in Divine Providence and Divine Providence.
Providence never let him down. He On a particular occasion he
even gave those around him copious said: “I put my hand to anything.
After all, how would we ever
succeed otherwise? I have unlim-
ited trust in Divine Providence, but
Providence also wants us to
contribute all that we can and
have.” (B.M. XI, p.43)

The Millionaire Saint

During his life time Don Bosco
handled large sums of money. He
paid a dear price for it by
enormous sacrifices, humiliating
gestures, at the price of enor-
mous sacrifices, humiliation,
lotteries and incessant journeys.
It was with this money that he
bought bread, clothes, paid for
lodgings and scouted for jobs for
so many poor boys. He bought
houses, opened boardings and
schools, he built churches, started
great printing and publishing

February 2004 23 Don Bosco's Madonna

initiatives, launched the Salesian on himself. The furniture in his
Missions to South America and little room at Valdocco consisted
finally already worn out by the in a simple iron bedstead, a little
affliction, he saw to the construction bedside table, a chair and later a
in Rome, of the Basilica of the sofa without even padding near
Sacred Heart in obedience to the the windows. There were no
Pope. carpets, not even a blanket.
Not everyone looked favourably During his last illness often
on his activities neither did they tormented by thirst they brought
appreciate them. He received his him soda water to give him some
fair share of anticlerical publicity. relief but he was reluctant to drink
This, all the more encouraged him. it believing it was expensive.
He took on his commitment with Those around him had a difficult
even greater zeal as the incrimi- time convincing him that it cost
nations increased to the point of barely seven cents a bottle.
ridicule. On April 4, 1872 the Towards the end he told Fr.
satirical periodical “Il Fischietto” Vigletti: “Please be so good as to
(Trans. The Whistle) reported that look into the pockets of my clothes,
Don Bosco had “fabulous funds”, as well. You will find my wallet and
while on his death the newspaper my purse there. I do not believe there
“Il Birichin” a certain Luigi Pietra- is anything else, but should there
cqua published a blasphemous be any money, give it to Fr. Rua. I
sonnet in which he called Don Bosco wish to die in such a way that it
an astute financier “able
to extract even blood
from a turnip” and
branded him “the
millionaire saint” beca-
use he counted shovels
full of millions without
earning them by the
sweat of his own brow.
(Turin 1988)
.
Those who saw the
state of poverty in which
the Saint lived and died
would easily understand
how base and demeaning
the satire of Peitracqua
was. It would be correct
to call Don Bosco an
able and even skilled
administrator of the
money that he received
in charity of those who
kindly supported his
works but he never set
aside nor spent anything

February 2004 24 Don Bosco's Madonna

may be said, ‘Don Bosco died connected to the oratory of
without a penny in his pocket.’” (cf Valdocco for many years. This was
BM 18, 418). one of the letters he wrote to re-
quest by way of funds to help in
A Noble Philanthropist the repair of the clothes of his boys.
The Biographical Memoirs and
the letters of Don Bosco have a Here is the text:
wealth of rich documentation on Turin, May 16 th 1866
his benefactors. Perusing through Respected Countess,
them one would find the names of As I am unable to visit you I wish
almost 300 noble families and it you to know that I would come there
is not possible to name them or willingly but for the fact that I am
the numerous others here. here dressed in the rags of the poor
of Jesus Christ and in these rags
It would be a grave error to pre- (roba grama) I request your charity
sume that his benefactors were all in helping me patch and mend these
from the noble gentry of his day. clothes. Be assured that you will be
There were so many who prefer- compensated with an eternal
red not to be named nor recog- reward.
nized in any form. They came from God bless you, and your family
various strata of society even from while I have the honour to profess
the ecclesiastical and the civic my deep esteem and respect for you
authorities... the middle class and as,
the simple folk too beginning from I remain
his most incomprable mother, Your most obliged,
Margherita who was his Fr. John Bosco,
benefactress par excellence.
(From the Letters of Don Bosco, letter
Noting that we are looking at N. 919)
particular facets of Don Bosco’s In this letter Don Bosco excuses
life for the moment we might dwell himself for being unable to meet
awhile on personages of the the Countess in person. In his place
distinguished Italian and foreign he sends a bundle of rags of the
nobility who supported Don boys to be mended. (Roba grama
Bosco’s work. He was particular which literally means in Piedmont-
to notice their simplicity and their ese ‘garbage.’) Before men they
candidness. Yet they were daring are rags in the eyes of God they
enough to support such a contro- are precious treasure...for in
versial cleric of their day... and clothing the naked one clothes the
brave considering the anticlerical person of Christ!
atmosphere that pervaded Turin
during the second half of the If one wants an insight into the
nineteenth century. relationships Don Bosco had with
his benefactors one cannot fail to
Here is a characteristic exam- notice that they are veiled with an
ple. In 1866 Don Bosco wrote a evangelical spirit. q
letter to the countess Countess
Henrietta Bosco di Ruffino, of the (By Natale Cerrato, translated and
Riccardo family which was already adapted by ID)

February 2004 25 Don Bosco's Madonna

 THE EUCHARIST, IMAGES OF CHRIST
THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST
What is the difference between apart from Mass is helpful and
‘Eucharist’ and ‘Communion’? sometimes necessary, but we
never want to confuse that with the
Eucharist is an activity. Comm- celebration of Eucharist, which is
union is part of that activity. the core of our faith.
Eucharist is a two-fold celebration
made up of the Liturgy of the If the psalm of the day is so
Word and the Liturgy of the important, wouldn’t it be better to
Eucharist. In that celebration we recite the chosen psalm instead of
enter into the ongoing experience singing a different one?
of Christ’s passion, death, and
resurrection. We say that we To understand why singing a
“remember” that experience, but sea-sonal psalm is a better option
1
it is deeper than just remembering.
We actually become a part of that
than reciting the psalm of the day,
we have to remember the purpose
reality. In that way, Christ’s of the psalm. The responsorial
presence becomes real for us. psalm is our enthusiastic response
to the saving Word of God (Music
In order for Christ’s presence to in Catholic Worship 63). Ritually,
become that real for us, several this demands a sung response.
things will happen. There will be a Singing involves more of ourselves.
gathering of believers. God’s Word Singing requires energy. It also
will be proclaimed. A eucharistic requires something of a
prayer, composed according to an commitment and a sacrifice.
ancient outline and proclaimed by Traditionally, when something is
an ordained presider, will be really important, we sing about it.
prayed over gifts of bread and For example, we sing the National
wine. And the assembly will receive Anthem, “Happy Birthday,” and
communion. school fight songs. Most
commercials include singing
Communion by itself, without the because the advertiser wants us to
celebration of the Eucharist, is a know his or her product is worth
reminder of the eucharistic liturgy singing about. So singing is the pri-
and is in a powerful way the ority. The responsorial psalm is
presence of Christ. But it is not the spoken only on rare occasions.
full celebration of the gathered Even at weekday Masses, most ass-
assembly. Receiving communion emblies can learn a few simple

February 2004 26 Don Bosco's Madonna

psalm chants that can be sung a Parish, however the Mass raised
capella. two questions in our minds.
(Answers by Nick Wagner, Editor of
'MODERN LITURGY, MA Liturgical 1) The priest ommitted the 'I
Studies, USA) Confess' , the 'Lord have mercy,'
and 'Gloria.' In speaking to him
A non-Catholic friend claims that after Mass, we found that it had
there are no citations in the Bible not been simply forgotten.
which permit or condone images of According to this priest, these may
Christ to be displayed as we do in our be ommitted during the 50 days
churches. Can you please direct me to following Easter. Also, he men-
some biblical authority for this tioned that when there is no choir,
practice. as was the case on that occasion
the Gloria was omitted. We have
First, we Catholics do not look upon concern that the Mass was invalid.
the Bible as a big dictionary which Was the Mass valid? Was the
we consult for every move. Beyond priest's omission licit?
that, our view of scripture is not that 2) This priest also said that if no
we need a scriptural mandate for choir could be found for the second
everything we do; all we require is Sunday Mass, he would dis-
that there is no biblical prohibition. continue it. Is this justified?
The only scriptural text to which Let's do this in order of present-
Fundamentalists point is in the Old ation.
Testament, wherein the Decalogue 1) No, his omissions were not
forbids the fashioning of graven justified. While not invalidating,
images – but even that law was not they were grossly illicit. I would
absolute, for the ancient Hebrews suggest you ask him to show you
are likewise directed by the same the document which allegedly
God to make images of the cherubim legitimates his practices. He'll not
to adorn the ark of the covenant and be able to produce one.
Moses is told to make a bronze
serpent, on whom the children of 2) On the second point, as won-
Israel are to gaze. derful as it is to have a choir, how
can one make this a sine qua non
Finally, Christian theology – from for celebrating a Mass? If the
the earliest days – has held that while priest in question paid as much
attempts to “image” God under the attention to the Church's real
Old Covenant were not allowed and liturgical laws as he wants people
deemed blasphemous, that is not the to heed his made-up rules, things
case under the New Covenant since would probably go a lot better.
God has appeared in the mystery of (The Catholic Answer) q
the Incarnation of His Divine Son,
something highlighted in the
Catechism of the Catholic Church (#
2132) - (The Catholic Answer)

Mass Confusion
Some time ago we attended Mass at a

February 2004 27 Don Bosco's Madonna

 Come on...
Let's Chat
with Jesus
y Rizzi Text by: Jimmy Rizzi
Giovanni Gherardi
Drawings by: Giovanni Gherardi
& Translation & adaptation: I.D.
D.
LISTENING
with
the heart
READING A SECOND TIME
THIS IS MEDITATION PROPER
1) AN EXCAVATION
In meditation we have to go below the surface. Strength! That is
what you need, In daily life if one has to go below the surface
one uses a
bulldozer. Even in
the things of the
'heart' one uses
these measures of
strength...of
course it does not
mean literally, but
strength...of will.

This would mean

taking out the top
soil of the cares
and the
attractions of
daily life and then
going below the
surface...deeper
and deeper.

February 2004 28 Don Bosco's Madonna

2) Breaking the Shell:
When you sit down to
meditate it is as if you were
cracking a walnut. It would
mean that in order to get to
the kernel one has to break
the hard shell, the shell of
our own stubborn habits. But
without that...we will be just
scratching the surface.

A VERY SUITABLE
RUSSIAN PROVERB
SAYS:
GOD GIVES US WALNUTS
BUT HE DOES NOT CRUSH
THEM FOR US

Therefore God gives us walnuts... they are the many gifts we have.
But he doesn't chew them for us...he doesn't remove the shell. It
is for us to remove the shell and discover the hidden treasures
that lie beneath. It is the same with the word of God. Meditation
is that moment when we crack open this 'spiritual walnut' and see
the precious kernel of riches that the Word of God holds for us.

REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU FIND WHAT IS WITHIN THE

WALNUT...WHAT YOU HAVE FOUND IN THE SILENCE OF YOUR
MEDITATION...GUARD IT JEALOUSLY. IT IS GOD'S WORD FOR
YOU...AND ONLY YOU
A good example of this is Our Blessed Mother...
the Bible says: "Mary pondered all these things in
her heart." (Lk 2:19)

February 2004 29 Don Bosco's Madonna

B) HOW DOES ONE GO ABOUT THIS ?
Above all one one needs to keep the points of the meditation in
mind. It may be a phrase that you will memorize...
Think of this story to illustrate the fact:
A disciple once complained to his teacher: "You tell us so many stories
and parables...but you never reveal their meaning." The teacher said:
"What would it feel like if I chewed the fruit and then gave it to you to
swallow, how would you like it? Therefore, no one can replace the
particular shade of meaning that you will find in a particular story. The
meaning will differ from person to person. Not all will find the same
meaning. It might not speak so loudly to even your closest neighbour."
Therefore the meaning you will find will be very different. The
Bible is a vast storehouse of treasures for each one.

Why do you think the Virgin Mary was so serene? It was because
she understood God's Word for her life and she could accept it.

YOU WILL FIND OBSTACLES. . . CERTAIN ENEMIES ALONG THE WAY AND YOU
MUST LEARN HOW TO HANDLE THEM . . .THEY COULD DISTRACT YOU FROM
FINDING THE REAL TREASURES OF THE WORD OF GOD.
LET US SEE SOME OF THEM . . .

1) SLEEP
The place around you is so silent and
you find yourself in a very
comfortable position...there's not a
sound and you get drowsy. Silence is
a very fertile atmosphere to meditate
but it is also most conducive to sleep.
Don't forget that the Word of God is
a lamp for your footsteps, and a light
to keep you awake.

2) HASTE AND PREOCCUPATION

Another enemy you should be preoccupied about...especially those
of you who are worried about the many responsibilities that you
bear. It may be an appointment...it may be paying a bill...it may be
that long delayed phone call...all these are causes of worrying you
and you keep looking at your watch...or you are feeling your

February 2004 30 Don Bosco's Madonna

pockets...There is no need
to worry. Everything has
its time. Your time with
the Lord is PRIME TIME,
it is QUALITY TIME...and
that time will not go
waste. Just make certain
that you don't sit down to
meditate with a clock in
your hand...then you will
find that time crawls and you won't meditate...

3) SUPERFICIALITY
One of the worst and
most devious enemies
of a good meditation is
a sense of
superficiality...you
will realize this when
you 'feel' that you
have got nothing out
of the meditation...
You just take your
'book of meditation'
or your 'Bible' and
you keep on
reading...not stopping
when the Spirit is trying to whisper to give you some
advice...you've got to bide the time away and that seems to be the
most important. aim. You won't make any discoveries...nothing will
change...your outlook on life will remain the same...oh, what a pity
this time has gone by and you are where you were...daydreaming
and not allowing the Word to speak to you.
THE WORD OF GOD IS WAITING TO SPEAK TO YOU
...ARE YOU TRYING TO LISTEN?
PERHAPS IT WOULD BE GOOD TO FIND OUT
WHICH 'ENEMY' YOU HAVE BEFRIENDED.

February 2004 31 Don Bosco's Madonna

 LOVING CHILDREN TO
THEIR LOVING MOTHER
I was most disconcerted when I lost some valuables but after a
fortnight of prayer to Our Blessed Mother she directed me where to
look and I found them Thank you dearest Mother.
Yvonne Godinho, Thane
My sincere thanks to Jesus and Mother Mary for keeping me safe
in spite of all the odds and a safe journey back to America.
Sarita, Santa Cruz
Dear Mary Help of Christians thank you for helping me and my
family through the many trials we faced. A.C. Samagond, Bombay
Our sincere thanks to Jesus and Mother Mary for curing our grandson
from a serious stomach ailment. J. Rodrigues, Bombay
My gratitude to the Holy Spirit and Our Blessed Mother for helping
me find a job for my daughter in the Middle East.
O Mendonsa, Bombay
Thank you Mary Help of Christians for the many graces I received
especially for obtaining a job. Melvin & Patricia Roche, Bombay
My sincere thanks to Mother Mary for my husband's two promotions
and for granting good health to my two sons and giving them good
jobs. Mrs. T.R. Gonsalves, Bombay
My grateful thanks to Mother Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus
for a successful operation and for the many favours received.
C.N. D'Souza, Scotland
My sincere gratitude to our Blessed Mother for the transfer of a job
secured through your intercession. Anita Fernandes, Abu Dhabi
Thank you Mary Help of Christians for the many favours granted
through your intercession. Adenine Nazareth, Goa
Thank you Mother Mary for granting me so many favours and forgive
the delay in this thanksgiving. S. Essani, Bombay
Thank you Mary Help of Christians for the favours I received.
Mrs. Ivy Gonsalves, Bombay
Many thanks dear Mary Help of Christians for all the favours I
received. Palmira D'Cruz, Bombay
My sincere gratitude dear Mother Mary for the kindnesses I received.
Sr. Winnie Serrao, Wien, Austria
My belated thanks dear Mary Help of Christians for the cure of my
eyes, and my other ailments. Mrs. Esther Lobo, Bombay
Our sincere thanks dear Mother for all the favours granted to my
family and especially for curing my daughter. Rosy D'Souza, Goa
Our grateful thanks to the Lord Jesus and Mother Mary for the many
favours and graces received in giving us good jobs in New Zealand.
Sonia Sequeira, Bombay
Our apologies to all those who promised publications of favours received and
whose letters did not appear yet in Don Bosco's Madonna in one of the sections.
We are delighted that you wrote but unfortunately there isn't enough space
available for the very many letters and thanksgiving notes. I am certain that Our
Lady and Don Bosco understand and I think that they would agree that your
promise of publication is fulfilled by the very fact that you reported your favour to
us. (The Editor)

February 2004 32 Don Bosco's Madonna

 THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS
The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is
a very simple yet most efficacious devotion.
Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the
invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from
mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail
Marys 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 to obtain Our Lady's help.
Dear Mother Mary, Our sincere thanks for granting us the graces we
received and copious blessings through the faithful recitation of the 3
Hail Marys. Mrs. P. Heldt, Australia
My heartfelt thanks to Mary Help of Christians and Dominic who granted
me a normal delivery through the faithful recitation of the 3 Hail Marys.
J.R. Fernandes, Bombay
My sincere thanks and deep gratitude for giving my som a suitable job
in Dubai through the faithful recitation of the 3 Hail Marys.
Dulan Rodrigues, Bombay
Our grateful thanks to Our Lord and Mary Help of Christians for all the
graces we received. Sonia Sequeira, Bombay
Thanks dear Mother Mary for having heard our prayers and granted our
favours. Mr. German Rebello, Goa
Thanks to our loving Mother Mary for saving me from a motor bike
accident through the daily recitation of the 3 Hail Marys.
Shelton Motha, Kerala
Our thanks to our blessed Mother for so many favours granted to us
through the faithful recitation of the 3 Hail Marys.
Mrs. R. James, Australia
My grateful thanks to mary Help of Christians for all the graces I received
through the faithful recitation of the 3 Hail Marys.
Mrs. Filda Mazarello, Bombay
Thank you Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Help of Christians for
the many graces I received through the recitation of the 3 Hail Marys.
Ms. S. Williams, Pune
I am grateful to Mother Mary and Don Bosco for all the graces I received
through the faithful recitation of the 3 Hail Marys.
Mrs. Rosa Fernandes, Mira Road
Thank you dearest Mother for granting me success in the first
professional MBBS examination and for all the other favours received
through your intercession and through the recitation of the 3 Hail Marys.
Philomena Mathew, Amritsar
My heartfelt thanks dear Mother Mary for all the graces received through
the recitation of the 3 Hail Marys. Mrs. I.M. Lobo, Bahrain

February 2004 33 Don Bosco's Madonna

 THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO
OUR LADY AND DON BOSCO
My belated but sincere thanks dear Mary Help of Christians and St
John Bosco for all the graces and favours I received.
Sebastian Fernandes, Navi Mumbai
Thank you Mother Mary and Don Bosco for all the marvelous blessing
and graces we received. Mr. Joy D'Souza, Bombay
Our grateful thanks to Jesus, Mother Mary and Don Bosco for favours
received. E. Furtado, Goa
Our sincere thanks dear Mother Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco
for helping us cancel our agreement with a builder.
Oswald Rebello, Thane
Thanks dear Mother Mary and Don Bosco for helping my sister reach
Ireland safely. Clementine Cecelia, Tarnaka
My heartfelt thanks Blessed Mother Mary and Don Bosco for granting
my son Clyde a good job in the USA and for protecting my family.
Emily Nash, Ratlam
Thank you Mother Mary and Don Bosco for curing me when I was in a
very critical condition and for keeping my family safe.
Mr. Baptist Fernandes, Pune
I am grateful to Our Lady Help of Christians and Don Bosco for all the
graces and favours I received through your intercession. S. Monteiro
Thank you Mother Mary and Don Bosco for miraculous favours received.
Mrs. T.N. D'Silva, Chennai
Dear Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco and Dominic Savio thank
you for the many graces and favours I received through your
intercession. Cyril & Effy Vaz, Dahisar
For all the graces and favours I have received through the intercession
of Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco I am grateful.
Mrs. Julie Noronha
Thank you for curing my husband after a serious operation and for
keeping us all safe dear Mother Mary and Don Bosco.
Isabella Lobo, Bahrain
Thank you Mother Mary and Don Bosco for helping my son get a good
job. Anthony Netty Sequeira, Goa
I am grateful to Our Blessed Mother and Don Bosco for all the graces
granted especially for the gift of a healthy baby boy.
Vailankan & Avila Nazareth
Thank you Mother Mary and Don Bosco for gifting us with a healthy
baby boy and for many other favours I received. N. Chaves, Bombay
Thank you dear Don Bosco for curing my daughter Risa.
Alitha, Rego, Goa
Our apologies to all those who promised publications of favours received and
whose letters did not appear yet in Don Bosco's Madonna in one of the sections. We
are delighted that you wrote but unfortunately there isn't enough space available for
the very many letters and thanksgiving notes. I am certain that Our Lady and Don
Bosco understand and I think that they would agree that your promise of publication
is fulfilled by the very fact that you reported your favour to us. (The Editor)

February 2004 34 Don Bosco's Madonna