The Don Bosco Volunteers

By Fr. Bill Ferruzzi, SDB

I have been asked to share a few thoughts about the Don Bosco Volunteers (DBVs), as they are known in this part of the world. Who are they? “They are consecrated seculars, that is, they observe the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience and they live in the world like any secular people” (www.volontariedonbosco.org/en/).

Because of their charism and its requirements, they are perhaps the most “mysterious” of all the members of the Salesian Family. In this brief article, I have time to share only two things: first, what is my work with them and how does it impact their life and mission, and second, what is this mysterious “reserve” which is proper to them.

I have been the “ecclesiastical assistant” (E.A.) for the Paterson Subgroup of the Don Bosco Volunteers in North America for about fourteen years. By telling you what an “E.A.” is not, perhaps I can thereby explain to you what an E.A. is. First of all, the ecclesiastical assistant is not the creation of the Salesians. Many secular institutes, especially those that do not have priests as members, have ecclesiastical assistants. It’s a well-known term!

People often ask me, “Are you the one in charge of the DBVs?” I am not. They are an autonomous group, and they have their own leadership structure on the local, regional, and world levels. “Well, then, are you their confessor?” No. Since they live by themselves, they are free to approach a confessor of their own choice. This, of course, does not mean that I cannot or do not hear their confessions. “Well, then, are you their chaplain?” No. Since they do not live in traditional religious communities, they go to Mass and devotions usually in their local parishes."

Well, are you their spiritual director?” No, many of the DBVs, since they live in various places, choose spiritual directors of their own. That doesn’t mean that I do not give them spiritual direction when I am asked.

At this point, you might be tempted to ask, in the words of a famous Mel Brooks movie, “Just what exactly is it that you do do?” My main responsibilities are to provide a monthly day of recollection for the DBVs, collaborate with them in planning their annual retreat, assist them in the formation of new members, and expedite the process of choosing local leadership. In short, to make sure they feel connected to and a part of the greater Salesian Family. Part of this is accomplished by sending them greetings on the major Salesian feasts and by being available to answer phone calls and emails when the need arises.

There are many misconceptions and strange beliefs about the “reserve” of the DBVs, a part of their spirituality that goes back to their founder, Bl. Philip Rinaldi. It is challenging, to say the least. It makes it a bit difficult to recruit new members, at least in the U.S. But it’s important, and, according to Fr. Rinaldi, essential.

It means this: “We don’t reveal to other persons that we are consecrated.” In fact, for this reason, we do not publish lists, names, and addresses of Don Bosco Volunteers. We do not publish their pictures. This should not be a surprise to us, for we have all had experiences of Salesians who work in foreign countries who cannot have their names and photos disseminated, because it would jeopardize their missionary work (I know personally three such SDBs in this situation!).

A recent incident might help us to understand. One of our DBVs was asked to give a talk in her parish. She did so without giving any indication of her consecrated status. After her talk, a young man approached her and said, “I have always had a problem with priests and religious. I would never speak to either one of them as I am speaking with you. I feel I can trust you and share my story with you.”

This conversation would probably never have taken place if that DBV had presented herself in public as a religious or as a consecrated secular! Bl. Philip knew what he was talking about.

In my experience, I can tell you that many other secular institutes have their own proper form of reserve. There are different variations, but the same basic theme.

Don Bosco Volunteers (VDB): Quick Facts

• Lay Consecrated Life: VDB members are lay women who take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, living fully in the world while consecrating their lives to God in the spirit of St. John Bosco.
• Founded in 1917: Established in Turin by (now Bl.) Fr. Philip Rinaldi, they were among the first secular institutes officially recognized by the Church.
• Global Mission: Present in over 50 countries and about 1,200 members (as of 2020), they bring Gospel values into daily life through quiet service in schools, offices, hospitals, and neighborhoods.
• In the World, Not Cloistered: They wear no habits, live independently or with family, and hold regular jobs —blending faith and mission in everyday contexts.
• Apostolic Work: Their ministries encompass education, catechesis, social work, parish involvement, and empowering young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and vulnerable communities. They live the Salesian spirituality in ordinary occupations, making God's love present in all secular environments.
• Deep Spirituality: Rooted in Salesian spirituality, they live a disciplined prayer life, attend formation, and model themselves after Mary, faithful, present, and loving in ordinary life.

For more information on the Don Bosco Volunteers, visit their website at www.volontariedonbosco.org/en or feel free to contact Fr. Bill Ferruzzi, SDB, at williamferruzzi@gmail.com.