Port Moresby, PNG, 25 October 2021 -- In this time of the pandemic, it is difficult to dream of a future because our focus in life has become blurred by lockdowns, anxiety, fear, anger, depression and so much uncertainty.
For me personally, this time has given me the opportunity to dwell upon and reflect on the story of St. John Bosco, and his boys in Turin in the year 1854 when the cholera epidemic had hit Europe.
It had such an impact like what we are facing with the pandemic today. Towns and cities declared SOEs and put in place preventive measures to be adhered to. Even lockdowns were executed. Thousands of people were dying and thousands more admitted to the already worn-out health facilities under the care of limited, tired, and distressed health workers. They faced the same anxiety, fear, anger, depression and so much uncertainty.
When the epidemic reached Turin, Don Bosco knew his oratory in Valdocco would be in grave danger. Knowing the dangers, our father went on and did totally the opposite! He was requested by the government to assist the health workers in caring for the sick. Imagine volunteering to take care of not just one person but a hundred, maybe more, who are infected with a disease that has diarrhea and vomiting among others as symptoms! Many of us would not dare to do so!
Our Salesian history tells us when Don Bosco shared his thoughts, over 40 of his boys also volunteered to help him. He did not turn them away nor have doubts that one or more may contract the disease. Instead, before him and his boys set out on their newest mission, he told them they would have to do just two things and he promised they would not be infected; they were to have a good confession and worthily receive the Holy Communion. None of them were to have any mortal sin on their conscience.
Our father, popularly known for his love and devotion to our Blessed Lady, urged the boys to ask for her intercession and that they should always remain in the state of grace as they began their service to those in need. Of course, they did wear gloves and equipped themselves with vinegar for disinfection just as the health authorities had instructed.
As we all know, none of those 40+ boys, including St. John Bosco, were infected after the situation had gone back to normal.
Today, nearly a hundred and seventy years after the epidemic in Turin, we face this COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, we face a similar situation. Papua New Guinea has an already deteriorating health system that cannot cater to our situation; new measures on how to live our daily lives to avoid the spread of the virus; lockdowns and restrictions; vaccination; unemployment; poverty; increase in lawlessness; hospitalization and death.
As Bosconians, we are reminded of the great potentials we possess, we are encouraged to dream, and we are taught to embrace our weaknesses as they make us special. We are told of a future that we can plan and build so we can enjoy it later. We are shown the entire world and challenged that we can be who we choose to be if we work for it. We are told that the world needs us and our gifts and talents.
But how do we believe that, how do we work towards that, how do we hold onto all of that whilst the pandemic, an unseen enemy continues to exist and slowly blurs the visions of all the beautiful things that we know are waiting for us?
I am sure Don Bosco asked himself that. I am sure his boys even asked. But if Don Bosco also filled himself with fear and hopelessness, if Don Bosco had cut off the world and kept to himself, if Don Bosco had let his dream for the young fade away because the future also seemed blurred, do you think we’d be able to call ourselves Bosconians today?
As you pray for protection over yourself and your loved ones, remember to also wear a mask and carry a sanitizer when you leave home. “Where humble obedience reigns, grace will triumph," said St. John Bosco. As you care for yourself, think about a friend who is close to giving up and don’t allow him to! “You have to spread Jesus’ friendship throughout the world, wherever you may be, at work, when studying, by WhatsApp, Facebook or Twitter,” encourages Pope Francis. As you also pray for hope, continue to study; you will have exams, you will graduate, you will get a job! ‘Faith without works is dead,’ - James 2:17.
That is exactly what St. John Bosco and his boys lived out. As Bosconians, let us all walk in their footprints!
