To his collaborators Don Bosco
would insistently recommend a thorough assistance of the boys because "to
imagine that human weakness could be completely warded off from the Oratory
would be tantamount to underrating human nature." He would preach with his
example. He would watch as a constant sentry -with prudence though -to prevent
evil from coming to or taking root in his house. In the first 20 years of the
Oratory Don Bosco would be everywhere when least excepted: in the dormitories,
in the workshops, in the school rooms, in the refectory, in the less frequented
places. He would take notice of the minutest things; he wanted to know and to
see everything.
Two boys after lunch would lag behind the community and remain
alone in the refectory turning the pages of the reading book. They might be
very good but the loving voice of Don Bosco would instantly call to them.
Some boys would gather together away from everybody in order to
frame some project, plan a picnic, or set up a game. Don Bosco would
unexpectedly arrive and ask them: "what are you doing here? Go and play
with the other boys."
A boy might walk along holding the hand of a classmate or
resting his arm on his shoulder. Don Bosco would approach him and would
jokingly and gently strike his arm or his fingers adding: "don't you know
the rule of touch?
One day he saw a boy in the
playground arm in arm with an acquiescent assistant. Don Bosco waited and when
the brother was alone called him and said: " today I had a strong
temptation to give you two slaps in public. Have you understood?"
-"Yes Father" -"Then this will do. Be careful, eh?"
On this point Don Bosco was most delicate.
In many instances his vigilance
seemed to be enlightened from on high. Often whilst being busy at his desk, or
praying in Church, or speaking with boys, or even at meals time Don Bosco would
call someone of the seniors and tell him secretly: "go to such and such
dormitory. There are three boys" - He would quote their names. -
"They have locked themselves in and are reading objectionable papers. Tell
them to clear out" At other times he would call a sensible boy and tell
him: "run and tell brother assistant that in such and such a place, there
are some boys hiding behind the portico. Let him drive them out" At other
times he would tell brother: "run upstairs and you will find so and so.
Tell them that Don Bosco knows everything." -These facts were not rare and
Don Bosco turned out to be always right He played the part of the guardian
angel to his boys. He closely copied the discretion and patience of the
heavenly spirit He would explain his unexpected appearing so naturally. He
would proceed with such bounty and simplicity and would show unfailing
affection and esteem towards all without exception. He would so completely
forget the once forgiven faults, that the other boys would not have any
mistrust towards him. Indeed as soon as he appeared in any part of the house,
everybody would run to meet him.
(A reflection on St. Francis de Sales)
Francis de Sales is a person simple
and complex at one and the same time. The variety of areas we could dwell on
would not do justice to anyone in particular. Everything is interwoven like a
beautiful tapestry. Taking therefore some aspects we hope to throw light on
some others as well.
1. As a man of letters he
found it necessary to study so that he could be of service to his neighbor. We
can see this lived out as he founded, together with Antonio Favre the Academy of Florimontana
2. As a Writer, he never
taught people to write books but to give oneself completely for the other
through his writings without any bias or prejudice. Francis only wrote so that
others would benefit not for gain or fame. Towards the end of his life, when
his strength failed him he said he would write only for the glory of God and
for the salvation of souls.
3. As a Missionary, he
taught by his life never to be reluctant to preach the Word of God. We know his
zeal in the 'Chablais' and the number of times he risked his life for this
dangerous mission of preaching. It is not for nothing that he has merited the
title of patron of journalist and workers in social communication by Pius XI.
His availability to preach in every situation and at any occasion was something
admirable. He seemed always prepared. Special mention needs to be made of his
love for Catechism and the method he used for both the young and the old. His
directives of 1603 are valid today in the twentieth century.
4. As a Spiritual Director
he was known to respect an individual and never did he allow an individual to
be indebted to him; to believe in the power of love that draws souls to us and
to allow Him to work in them. He was not preoccupied with the results of his
spiritual direction because they were in the hands of God. It is only our pride
that wants us to take stock of the directee's progress. It is not that we
'direct' souls but that we win sisters and brothers for Christ. All who
encountered him felt this. Many sought his advice and spiritual direction.
Francis said that one should not give advice that one cannot practice. Already
as a Bishop he heard and made his confession the cathedral. Francis understood
that so many were suffering in spirit. The intervention of God was the strength
of St Francis de Sales as a spiritual director. This allowed him to see the
wonders the Spirit worked in souls. -But of all the qualities that characterized
him as a spiritual director was his ability to read souls. This always happened
when people came in contact with him. He radiated encouragement and serenity
and the gentleness of Christ
5. As a founder he learnt a
lot He had great consideration for women. He strove to make them self-dependent
He wanted them to become mature. He gathered a group and made them make
promises to seek always the good of the neighbor. He wanted them to have a deep
love of God, to suffer with serenity and joy and to find the means to support
themselves. In all his initiatives sublime charity reigned. Francis accepted to
transform his 'little congregation' into a monastic order in order not to
encounter scandal during his time.
Let us sustain little initiatives
and be ready to meet with difficulties so as to allow the Spirit of God to rule
our lives.
Adapted from the Monastery of the Visitation of Moncalieri
Feast of St. Francis de Sales
(24th January
2003 )
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