29 JANUARY

How the piety of Don Bosco permeated the entire Oratory! He began on December 8, 1841 with just one boy. And before the lesson started -the first lesson of Catechism -he fell on his knees and recited a Hail Mary to Our Lady in order that she might help him to save the soul of that poor lad. Surely, that was a prayer, heartfelt and fruitful! On December 8, 1885 as he spoke to his Co-operators on what had then been done and on the conditions of the work forty five years earlier, he declared that it was all the work of Mary help of Christians on account of that Hail Mary "said with fervor and earnestness". The first effects of it were not long in manifesting themselves. The following Sunday Don Bosco's lone pupil returned but not alone, for he brought with him a crowd of pals, poor street urchins like himself, who were received and treated by Don Bosco in his enchanting manner. As Sunday followed Sunday the number of boys grew and with the number grew goodness and mirth too. At Christmas a few of them were able to make their first Holy Communion. On the two feasts of our Lady that next came round the Presentation and the Annunciation, the praises of the august Mother of God were sung by youthful voices trained by the able Don Bosco into a choir; and besides, scores of the more interested boys approached the sacraments. Don Bosco was thoroughly happy. 

These boisterous gatherings were held in a place of quiet, if not a monastery exactly, but the quiet was broken only at stated times with moderation. That place of quiet was the Ecclesiastical College of Turin, the Convitto, where the finishing touches of sacerdotal formation were given to the newly-ordained Piedmontese priests, by means of a deeper study of moral and pastoral theology and by exercising the sacred ministry under the guidance of capable men -Fr. Joseph Cafasso among them. The zealous apostle of youth could have found no better place for preparing himself for his mission. The three years spent there helped immensely to form his spirit in a very definite manner. The grace which Divine Providence bestowed on him by placing him alongside that holy moulder of priestly souls did not remain fruitless. At the School of St Joseph Cafasso Don Bosco avidly imbibed that piety, which by supernatural intuition he had already foretasted in spite of the customs of the day. A piety that meant unlimited trust in God's goodness and love for us." He learned, too, from the holy man's theological conferences and spiritual direction how to hear confessions. Our saint heard insistently repeated that the pulpit was not a stage for showing off one's talents, but rather for telling the world "there is a heaven; observe the commandments; pray; be devout to Mary; frequent the sacraments; flee from idleness, bad company, and dangerous occasions; love your neighbor; be patient in affliction" and no sermon should end without referring to these Eternal Maxims. 

28 JANUARY

The seminary of the archdiocese of Turin was then at Chieri and Don Bosco went there on October 30, 1835, when he was twenty years old. As he was a ready and keen observer, the young cleric very soon had an exact idea of his duties. The practices of piety were always his earnest inquiry. Here every arrangement was all right for daily Mass, meditation, and rosary, and even for weekly confession. But however arrangements were not quite satisfactory for Communion which could only be received on Sundays and special feast days. To go at any other time during the week one had to commit an act of disobedience. During the breakfast hour cleric Bosco had to make his way to a nearby church and when his thanksgiving was over, there was just sufficient time left to join his companions in going to study and class. On these occasions therefore he had to remain fasting until dinnertime. The infraction of the rule could have been justly prohibited. The superiors however gave their tacit consent. They knew very well that such a thing was going on and very often they saw him, but they said nothing. In this way he was able to frequent Holy Communion whenever he liked and this, he declared, was the most efficacious instrument for his vocation.

Nourished by this Bread of Angels John's ecclesiastical spirit was formed under the sweet influence of his devotion to the Blessed Virgin. The last words of his mother before he had entered the seminary were deeply etched in his mind and heart. Although she was an illiterate woman she possessed in an eminent degree that "'sensus Christi" (Christian Sense) which is found in simple souls. This may be surprising to profane minds but not so to those who know what the gifts of the Holy Spirit are. John received from his mother this great admonition: "When you were born I consecrated you to the Blessed Virgin; when you began your studies I recommended you devotion to Mary our heavenly Mother. Now I beg you to be totally hers, love your fellow students who are devout to her and if you ever become a priest, spread around you devotion to Mary." 

He never forgot this fond advice; he always endeavored to associate with companions who were devotees of Mary and lovers of study and piety. Several of his companions who survived him on this earth attest to his irresistible invitations to follow him to Church in order to recite there the Vespers of the Madonna or other prayers in her honor; some of those friends testify to his fervor in translating and exemplifying the liturgical hymns of Our Lady and to his singing her glories and relating edifying stories during the hours of recreation. Whilst still a student of philosophy he esteemed it a privilege to mount the pulpit and give a sermon on Our Lady of the Rosary. This was the beginning of many a Marian discourse which were his delight right up to his death. 

27 JANUARY

All the wonderful works done by our saintly Father and Founder find their natural explanation in his deep humility. Don Bosco believed himself a nothing but felt himself strong with the power of God and the favor of Our Lady help of Christians. That is why he could surmount obstacles of any kind and carry out the very idea of that earned for him the title of mad man from those who did not know well the ways of God. His Lordship Bishop Rosaz of Susa asserted once: "we must say indeed that Don Bosco has the virtue of humility in an extraordinary degree since God makes use of him for such portentous works." 

Here is Don Bosco himself: "If our Lord had found a more unfit instrument than me for the accomplishment of His works and provided it would be disposed to abandon itself to His Divine Providence, He would have chosen it instead of me and would have been better served than by me and would have worked still more wonders." (BM VIII, 977)  

Humbly he would exclaim whenever he had to speak of his virtues and works: "let us not insult God and Our Lady Help of Christians,. II that affair came out well, if our activities are advancing, we owe it all to God and His Holy Mother. We are ungrateful if we attribute to ourselves the success of any undertaking and we make ourselves unworthy of the help of God." Another witness we cite is the venerated Cardinal Cagliero: "Don Bosco possessed the virtue of humility and practiced it to an eminent degree. He felt and spoke lowly of himself and willingly embraced humiliations. He was wont to recount the humble condition of his family; how he had to gain his livelihood by the sweat of his brow, how through a thousand difficulties he was able to finish his studies with the help of beneficent people, especially Fr. Cafasso. He spoke of all this with a relish and delight as if it were a glory and a family ambition, so much so that he etched deep in our hearts a great love for this virtue preached and practiced by Jesus himself." (BM IV, 654) 

Take a good look at the examples of our holy Founder and strive to strive to develop in yourselves a great love for the virtue of humility. Make efforts to acquire this to a great degree. 

"When, through his failings, a man humbles himself, then he easily please others and satisfies those who are angry with him. God protects the humble man and delivers him. He loves and consoles him; He bends down towards him; He bestows His bounty on him; and after the humiliation He lifts him up to glory. To the humble man He reveals His secrets and sweetly inviting him draws him to Himself. The humble man is in a great peace amidst trouble, because he leans on God and not on the world. Never think that you have made any progress until you feel the desire to be lower than others." (Imitation Bk. II Ch 2) 

26 JANUARY

This scene that used to take place every day after lunch and especially after supper from the beginning of the boarding till about 1870 was a touching one and it was only occasionally prevented by the presence of some illustrious guests in the Superiors' refectory. There was an underground hall, long and low, with one single row of tables in the centre. As soon as the boys marched out from their refectory they would flock at the entrance of the Superiors' refectory. They would wait until the brothers had finished their grace and as soon as they heard the "Deus det nobis suam pacem. Amen" (A common sign in those days to begin/end the meal after the grace which when translated meant 'May God give us His peace). There would be a clash of tides. The boys wanted to come in and the brothers wanted to go out. But after some time the boys would carry the day and would run vying with one another to be the first to approach Don Bosco who was sitting at the far end of the hall. The brothers were forced to lean against the walls and let the stream pass away trying hard not be dragged along. Then an unforgettable scene would take place. The most fortunate were already surrounding Don Bosco, their heads rubbing his shoulders. Behind him there was a wall of cheerful faces in a happy background. Meanwhile the tables cleared already, were being stormed by another wave of boys., The table in front of Don Bosco would soon be occupied by boys squatting in oriental fashion. Behind them many others were kneeling and finally a crowd of boys would be standing –always on the tables. Those who could not climb the tables would take the benches push them back to the walls and step on them. The final outcome of it was a long row of lively eyes gazing intently at Don Bosco. Latecomers had to fill any room available between benches and tables. One would say that it was then impossible to reach Don Bosco. Yet some little ones would try their luck. They would crawl under the tables and you would suddenly see their little heads stick out from underneath and Don Bosco would bend gently to caress them. - Often Don Bosco would arrive late in the refectory having been kept back at his desk by some urgent work. Then though he had barely taken a mouthful, he would welcome that youthful stream and would finish his frugal repast deafened by their singing and shouting. In that atmosphere breathed by so many lungs, that even the oil lamp could hardly be kept alive. He would address an encouraging word to one, affable looks at others, and I lovingly smile on all. He never showed any sign of impatience for the importunity of his children but would rather be sorry when the presence of some unexpected visitor came to deprive him of the sweetness of those familiar gatherings. -If he wanted to speak to all of them at sign from him, the din would stop and amidst the profoundest silence he would tell them some story or put some question, propose some quip, until the bell would dissolve the meeting calling the boys to singing class or to night prayer. The confidence of his boys was not hampered by the continual vigilance of Don Bosco. Indeed his vigilance was dearer to them than that of the other assistants. 

25 JANUARY

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.

 What One Can Say About 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 in the winter of 1606-1607. He had some very pertinent advice for the priests of his diocese: "I exhort you to study with diligence so that you will be inspired to live good and blameless lives and so that you will be able to answer questions of faith and morals". 

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 (24^th January 2003)

24 JANUARY

Canon Anfossi narrates that in his time he was struck to the heart by a little talk which Don Bosco gave one evening when he spoke of a person already advanced in age whom he had rescued and who, for so long had given proof of piety; and on the other hand, it had come to be known that he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. He had secretly stolen a soul from God; and this person had been sent away from the Oratory at once. After he had made the matter clear with much prudence, Don Bosco spoke of the grave harm which scandal caused in the ruin of souls; then he wept Don Bosco spoke like this because he had come to know of this affair from others. At other times, if circumstances so demanded that he suspend the execution of an order, he would advise the scandal giver only once and then rigorously isolate him from the company of the boys. He would take care that he was continually watched; but if he fell again he would send him away from the house no matter what might happen. On coming to know that a boy had tried to hide this from him, or had some book not properly expurgated he would call the boy, admonish him and make him hand over the book and if he would not desist from such reading he would send him away from the Oratory although he was endowed with the finest intelligence. 

Don Bosco was mindful of the victim. Foreseeing how the youngster who returned to the world would have worsened his moral and religious condition, (and perhaps even have lost his faith and have a bad death) counseled him to do all he could to keep him near himself. If he did not succeed in his charitable intent to put him on the good path he was not slow to send for him. "From a basket full of good fruits" - he said -"bad fruits must be taken out to avoid the corruption of the others."

In these delicate circumstances his prudence always stood out The saintly Leonard Murialdo asked him one day what his method of procedure was when anything happened against morality in the institute. Don Bosco told him: "in such cases I call the accused boy aside to my room telling him that I am obliged to speak of that matter of which St Paul did not wish to speak so that he would see the seriousness of the evil done. If charity to the others so demanded I would quietly send him back to his parents; but I would not inflict any punishment, thus avoiding the greater evil that the talk which the other boys would naturally make." 

And so, when he could, he saved even the honor of the blameworthy. Sometimes it was seen that someone would suddenly disappear from the

Oratory and no one would notice. The true motive of that departure always remained unknown. It was believed all the more that such was the will of the parents or it was on account of family affairs or sickness. Don Bosco, placed in such dire necessity, quietly held back tears without effort when thinking of the evil lot of the offender and did not let him go without giving him the last reminder: "you have only one soul, if that is saved, all is saved; but if that is lost, all is lost, forever." 

JANUARY 23

How endearing and sweet on Don Bosco's lips were those expressions that were so familiar to him. The reflection of the state of his heart was transparent in his face. "How good is the Lord with us! He will not let us be wanting in anything. Let us serve Him faithfully." 

-"Let us love God, let us love Him much because He is our Father."

-"All passes away. What is not eternal is worth nothing." 

It is evident then that the method of education used by Don Bosco was that of bounty wisely and gently adapted to youth. Would that such a system were adapted in all Christian homes, in every institute of education, whether public or private, whether for boys or for girls. How easy it would render to youth the exercise of religion! How quickly would the remedy be applied to the first symptoms of oncoming evil! What a safe guarantee would it provide to good and innocent boys against the bad example of perverted companions! We would have pure and pious youth that would be the consolation of their families and the support of civil society. 

In this light it was appreciated by a great number of educationists especially from England. After St John Bosco's death many schools intended for poor boys, took his Oratory at Turin and its regulations as their model. Their founders studied Don Bosco's life and his practical system of education and followed his example, reaping a fine crop of ecclesiastical vocations. Don Bosco's picture hangs on the walls of those institutions and even in seminaries, in a place of honor. 

Even amongst Protestants Don Bosco had imitators. Fr. Bonavia was writing from our house in London on 12th of June 1903: "I am sending you two papers that contain some remarks about Don Bosco. They are not Catholic but they seemingly belong to the High Church, that is to say, they are Ritualist or Pueyist The writer, a certain Norman Potter, must, I believe, be the same person with whom, several months ago, one of our priests made acquaintance. He is the manager of a boarding not far from us and the confrere who paid him a visit saw in his drawing room the picture of Don Bosco with the motto DA MIHI ANIMAS CAETERA TOLLE. This gentleman has traveled through Italy and has visited several of our houses including our Oratory in Turin. He imitates Don Bosco in whatsoever he can. He has a chaplain (Protestant, of course) in his Institute. I believe he also reads the Salesian Bulletin. He gives a historical sketch about Don Bosco in the articles in question. The first Good Will, printed in 1900 is the shorter and has a portrait The second, Common Wealth, was printed this year; is more extensive and also gives a sketch of the Preventive system taken from the regulations of our houses. Whenever there is mention of frequent Confession and of Communion and of daily Mass he translates the word Mass into Eucharist perhaps in order to avoid the word Mass which is disliked by many even

Anglicans. He winds up both articles wishing that the Lord may raise up men with the spirit of St John Bosco here in England where they are so much needed." 

JANUARY 22

Don Bosco used to attribute to the Sacraments the efficacy of his work amongst youth. He would try his best to make the boys go for Confession regularly and often, but no pressure was brought to bear on them. He would just exhort them and have them encouraged to go to Confession, but he would never compel them. Though he sat at his Confessional every morning, and great though was the boys' desire to go to him so that time was wanting to satisfy them, yet he wanted outside Confessors to be at the boys' disposal. Especially at feasts and vigils he would allow the greatest freedom. He would never permit any comment as to who went to him and who went to others for Confession. Years afterwards he gave this rule to one of his priests: "never give any sign of partiality or preference to those who come to you for their Confession." Likewise he never gave way but firmly forbade that on days of general Communion boys should be orderly marched bench by bench to the Communion rails. This he did to prevent those who were not prepared for Holy Communion from being overcome by human respect Better freedom at the cost of a little confusion was his principle. At every day's Mass Communions were so numerous that often visitors would ask what feast was going on. Indeed they were under the impression they were watching a feast day celebration. 

The good that Don Bosco did through Confession was so great that we would dub him the "Apostle of Confession." He used to instill such tranquility and trust in God and in His mercy that many, on leaving the Oratory would find it difficult to approach other confessors. He used to tell his penitents the words of St. Philip Neri: "Peccati e malincolia - non voglio in casa mia" ('I do not wish sin and sadness in my house') meaning thereby that they should fully entrust their eternal salvation to him. 

Frequency in receiving the Sacraments was the main spring that set all the Oratory boys on the way of obedience with peace and joy. Consequently the striking note of the Oratory was a noisy light-heartedness; lively games and at the same time a great piety and purity of life together with the greatest earnestness in the fulfillment of duty. A great number of excellent boys, real models for their companions, were the impressive index of these virtues. Hundreds of old boys, both laymen and priests, stand witness that in their times not a single serious disorder had to be regretted. 

Canon Ballesio writes: "the change from rejecting evil and striving for good, our joy and contentedness, the order of our house, our success in study and work, all this was fruit of reason and of that piety that the Saint used to instill into us with his examples, his sermons. He would encourage us often to receive the Holy Sacraments (an unusual thing in those times). Moreover he would enkindle in us the love for virtue, for sacrifice and obedience. He would dispel the cloud on our souls with a word, with a nod, with a look. 

JANUARY 21

Don Bosco used to watch his boys attentively wherever they were. He would often come to the study hall and to the workshops. The slightest breach of the rules would immediately come to his knowledge and be righted by his intervention. He would often confer with his subordinates listening to their reports about the boys' behavior and he would give them rules of action for the improvement of discipline. He ordered that every pupil should be given his weekly mark of conduct, of study and of work, and he himself would publicly read those marks on Sunday evening encouraging the diligent and admonishing the negligent. 

Don Bosco was utterly convinced that reflection brings round boys in most cases and makes them acknowledge and correct their defects. Consequently he would never grow tired of admonishing and advising. His patience was heroic indeed. When a superior hesitated to accept or send away any boy he used to advise the practice of St Paul's rule: "Omnia probate: quod bonum est tenete" -"Test them all and retain what is good" and to this effect he would take this admonition seriously. At the beginning of the year, if he had an inkling that one of the new boys could do harm to his companions he would call him, he would admonish him in the most impressive way and he would keep him under a special vigilance. Many who got into the bad habit of evil talk and had just freshly arrived from the world improved with such solicitude.  

Don Bosco's ways to win over boys and bring them to God's service were his own secret Both in the order of nature and of grace he was gifted with such qualities that, no matter how wayward and recalcitrant to grace a boy might be, he would surely surrender to Don Bosco's paternal advice, on hearing fatherly words whispered into his ear. Don Bosco's admonitions were bound to be successful because, for souls he was ready to lay down his life a hundred times. 

His words used to fling open the hearts of boys. Often he would ask them to be sincere with the superiors in things pertaining to their souls. He used to extol the advantages of sincerity. He would call it the key to internal peace, the best weapon to drive sadness away, the safest secret for joy both in life and in death, as well as for achieving real perfection. These recommendations were intended to prevent evil and to neutralize its consequences. 

He used to tell his helpers: "We must keep sin away from our houses, our boys must all live in the grace of God; without this, things cannot go well." He used to say: "Remember that the best method of education is that of obtaining good Confessions and good Communions." 

JANUARY 20

One midnight in 1861 a mighty rumbling shook the Oratory to its very foundations. A thunderbolt fell into the room of Don Bosco. It threw him into the middle of it unconscious, and left the place in disorder. His first thought, on coming to, was for his boys who slept on the floor above. He prayed to Mary for them; and there was need of his prayers. The electric discharge had passed through the dormitory, wrecked the roof, and filled the boys with so much fear that their panic would have complemented the work of the thunderbolt In the Babel of cries, shouts, weeping and darkness the sweet and smiling figure of Don Bosco appeared holding a lamp before him and standing on a pile of bricks and mortar.  

"Fear not!" he called in a reassuring tone. "We have a good Father and a good Mother in heaven watching over us!" 

As God willed, the confusion subsided. The father ascertained whether all were safe and having seen that, he uttered a "Thanks be to God!" that came straight from his heart. 

"Let us thank...!" he continued, "our Lord and Our Blessed Lady! They have preserved us from a grave danger. Woe to us if the house had also caught fire! Who of us would have been saved then?"

Not so much occupied was he in that moment as to forget to make all, there and then kneel before an image of Our Lady and recite the Litany in her honor. Later on the clerics came to visit him and ask him if he had suffered any injuries. It was the third time that a thunderbolt had played havoc on the Oratory but this last time far surpassed the other two. Don Bosco nevertheless said: "We have obtained one of the best favors of Mary; let us thank her from the bottom of our hearts!’

In fact later investigation showed clearly that nothing was wanting to turn the accident into the hecatomb. He was told to put up a lightening conductor. "Yes! he replied, "Up there we shall set up a statue of Mary. Mary saved us so wonderfully from the lightening that it would be rank ingratitude to trust any other. 

The little statue, the true protectress of the pioneer Oratory still stands there as token of the filial love of Don Bosco for the Queen of Heaven. Before the end of that year the Oratory was again frightened: This time by the sinking of a vault beneath a new building. Don Bosco calmed them by his example. "The devil, if he remarked tranquilly, "wanted to put his tail in again! But never fear; 'onward' is the word!