199 years ago on August 16, a poor
boy was born in a small town in Becchi near Turin, Italy. His name was John
Bosco. There were no signs in the sky that would foretell his future greatness.
His arrival into the world was so quiet; not even his parents had any idea that
one day he will make so much difference in the lives of countless young people
in the world. The year 1815 marked the unification of Italy. A certain
revolutionary spirit characterized the European climate. Somehow, it was the
worse time to be born. Yet in the plan of God, everything has a reason. All
things just fall in place when seen in the greater scheme of things. And into
these chaotic times, God sent this child who will become a sign of God’s love
for youth.
When
John was growing up, he became aware of certain supernatural interventions in
his life. His reflective soul heightened his awareness of the presence of Jesus
and Mary in the phases of his growth. But he had to struggle a lot. He had to
work and study hard. His poverty introduced him to the harshness of reality. But
his indomitable spirit and deep faith gave him all the courage to face his
daily difficulties with joy and optimism. Having lost his father at an early
age, his mother taught him to balance the strength of character and the
tenderness of heart. He was able to unite this in his person making him both
patient and kind. These are among the qualities, later as a priest, that will
make him an effective “father and teacher of youth.”
Then
as a young country priest, he found himself thrust into a new world where there
was no shortage of problems affecting the young people in society. He
discovered a cruel society that preyed on them. In fact, people in the upper
classes felt that these young people were not and could never be capable of
civilized living. Many of them were illiterate, ignorant, law offenders and irreligious.
There was only one solution for them – the juvenile prison! But here is where
the creative vision of this priest, Don Bosco, would shine. He looked at this
situation with a different perspective. He saw not just prisoners but possible
upright citizens, not just scums or street boys but boys who could become good
Christians. He saw them beyond the trappings of their present situations. Given
the opportunity and the conducive climate, they can even be future saints!
Don
Bosco’s way of seeing things was marked by his great empathy and love. Because
he was able to walk in the shoes of poor youth, he was able to understand them
and their needs. Most of all, he was moved by the heart of the Good Shepherd
who has deep compassion for the lost and the stray. It is this empathy and
compassion that is most needed even today. Like the incarnate Son of God who
identified himself with the vulnerability of the lost, the least and the last,
we are to learn the value of being in contact and close to those who suffer.
It
is for this reason that St. John Bosco is a gift to the Church and to the
world. In one of the articles of the Salesian Constitutions, it says: “With a
feeling of humble gratitude, we believe that the Society of St Francis de
Sales came into being not merely as a human venture but by the initiative of
God… Through the motherly intervention of Mary the Holy Spirit raised up St
John Bosco to contribute to the salvation of youth. The Spirit formed
within him the heart of a father and teacher, capable of total self-giving
… The Church has acknowledged God's hand in this, especially by approving
our Constitutions and proclaiming our Founder a saint.”
Things
have so much changed since the time of St. John Bosco. The needs of the young
have also become more complex. Modern technology and scientific advancement
have created so much gap between the digital immigrants and the digital
natives. Yet the principle that moved him is still relevant. St. John Bosco
teaches us to contemplate the youth situation through God’s eyes! Young people
will always be the center-piece of God’s affirming love simply because they are
the future of both Church and society.
On
a more personal note, as a son of St. John Bosco, many times I am both
challenged and overwhelmed by the vastness of the field of mission. At times, I
wonder if I have made a difference at all for youth of today. Yet I feel consoled
by the thought that I am not alone. There are thousands of us who keep the
dream of St. John Bosco alive. We only have to walk the talk for the gift to
become a transforming presence!
