Don Bosco Proclaimed a Saint on Easter Sunday, April 1
RMG, 31 March 2018 -- Article 1 of the Salesian Constitutions states: "... With a feeling of humble gratitude we believe that the Society of St. Francis de Sales came into being no as a merely human venture, but by the initiative of God... To ensure the continuation of his mission, the Spirit inspired him to initiate various apostolic projects, first among them our Society. The Church has acknowledge God's hand in this, especially by approving our Constitutions and by proclaiming our Founder a Saint..."
The canonization of Don Bosco was held 84 years ago in the Vatican, on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1934. And this year we again celebrate the Easter on 1st of April. There are many other Congregations with 300-400 years of history without any Saint. Today we celebrate Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of Jesus, together with a gratitude for our Father, who is given as model for the whole Catholic Church
The Catholic world rejoiced at the proclamation of Don Bosco Sanctity and doors open to the Congregation on every side. In many countries the People of God were so attracted by His model, that founded many education institutions or Catholic groups in the name of Don Bosco even without knowing his Salesians. Great attraction indeed!
Today we give thanks that the Founder is the incarnation of our Rule (SDB Constitutions), Don Bosco, the Saint, becomes the model for our own sanctity and his Rule is the signpost on our path to holiness. But we should never forget, both the gift of Saint John Bosco and his Charism, his Preventive System is not just our treasure! Don Bosco and his Charism are treasures offered to the whole Catholic community and to all Youth around the world. We are just the stewards of this great gift. The updated poster of Salesian Family Holiness 2018 does remind us!
Happy Easter 2018!
