Reflections on Strenna 2023, Pt. VII

By Fr. Lou Molinelli, SDB, Province Delegate of Youth Ministry

I have just returned from two very life-giving experiences. First, I had the privilege of accompanying our Regional, Fr. Hugo Orozco Sanchez, SDB, to Canada for the discernment for the consultation for our new provincial. We gathered in two places in Canada: Etobicoke (Toronto) and Surrey (Vancouver). The Salesian Family that ministers throughout Canada in five communities are real missionaries to the young. It was great to see the apostolic spirit of all.

Second, I spent this past weekend (February 10–12) at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH, where I participated in Catechist Immersion Day with undergraduate students in catechetics. Franciscan University has chosen St. John Bosco as its patron in the catechetics program and the Preventive System as its model for education. Almost 100 students spent the weekend reflecting on the practical application of the Preventive System in their ministry either in schools or parishes. It was great to share in their enthusiasm and to remember that St. John Bosco and his Preventive System belong to the Church. We in the Salesian Family are the caretakers and guardians of this most precious gift!

The final part of the Rector Major’s commentary on the strenna reminds us of the great tradition of holiness of the Salesian Family, which has been "caught" and shared by many people from various walks of life. Our baptism is what we all hold in common, and it is by virtue of our baptism that we are called to participate in the life of the Church and God’s people. The holiness in the Salesian Family can be seen in those whom the Church has confirmed that their way of life is holy. Fr. Ángel shares with us in this last part of the strenna those lay people who, by living their baptismal call in the Salesian spirit, have given us exemplary witness to a life of holiness.

The first one he mentions is Don Bosco’s mother, Ven. Margaret Occhiena Bosco. She came to Turin on November 3, 1846, to collaborate with her son in the care of the many boys who came to Don Bosco to seek a home, faith, education, and community. In the midst of the Oratory’s busy activities, Mama Margaret was a present and tireless worker who supported her son in accompanying these young people. She gave herself full-time to taking care of the young. It is from her role among the young that she was affectionately called "Mama." Her faith was simple and resolute and provided the stability the boys needed as they grew in wisdom and grace. May we see by her example that we all can be witnesses of Christ to others. No gift given by God is unimportant or less important than others. May we grow to appreciate the gifts we have received for the ministry among the young, and may we grow to appreciate the gifts of others.