"I See Don Bosco in Fr. Tom"

By Ana D. Alvarado, Salesian Cooperator

“Do not put off till tomorrow the good you can do today. You may not have a tomorrow.”
- Don Bosco

I nominate Fr. Tom Dunne, SDB, our dearest Provincial Delegate to the Salesian Cooperators, to be a "Saint Next Door." Having worked with him for several years, I have always witnessed a profound pastoral charity in Fr. Tom. All of his attributes—humbleness, patience, joy, optimism, loving-kindness, hard work, passion, and a deep sense of community—make him a Saint. Only a Saint can devote countless hours of work to support our Association for so many years. We have witnessed his accompaniment throughout the years in participating in all events related to the Association, Congresses, local meetings, and provincial meetings. Sometimes it implied traveling abroad, even though knowing that everything was going to be held in Spanish. Yet he was there, present and actively participating from beginning to end during the events. Fr. Tom has developed a lot of documents to support our vocation and work, and we are so thankful for his dedication and commitment.

Fr. Tom is also a great confessor. One can sense his deep spirituality and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. I love Fr. Tom, and I see him as a father and teacher! He is a model of sanctity to our Salesian Family. Since I am not a native English speaker, I can encounter some difficulties expressing my gratitude and love for him. Yet I see Don Bosco in Fr. Tom! He really cares about our Association, and he means it. Fr. Tom truly knows and understands that we are all one Salesian Family.

Fr. Tom Dunne, SDB is currently the Delegate for the Salesian Family and the Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators, Canada and the Eastern USA. He is also an editor and frequent contributor to Salesian Family Snippets and holds a seat on the Snippets Advisory Board. He previously created the Salesian Leadership Retreat (SLR) over 45 years ago and served as Provincial from 2009 through 2015.