(ANS - Turin)- The humanism that Don Bosco learned from St. Francis de Sales is capable of leading us from the blind alleyways of life and introducing us to the truth. This was the central thought in the homily by Fr Angel Fernandez Artime at the opening ceremony of the Bicentenary of Don Bosco at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Valdocco on the Feast of the Holy Bishop of Geneva.

All the Provincials of Italy were present, led by the Councillor for the Mediterranean Region, Fr Stefano Martoglio. So also was Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.  The Rector Major spoke of the diligence with which the Salesians prepared for the Bicentenary over the past three years, studying the history, pedagogy and spirituality of  our father, teacher and friend.

"It is not just a matter of singing Don Bosco’s praises" said Fr Artime "but of renewing our Salesian heart" with the loving kindness of St. Francis de Sales that Don Bosco wanted to imitate and transplant in the congregation he founded.

Don Bosco was a child of his time. He grew up in the rural tradition that Mamma Margaret passed on to him.  He began his ministry among  boys on the outskirts of Turin at that time. But from this humble beginning, his work developed into the story of a vast array of people and, through them, of his nation, Italy. "With the same love and kindness here today - and it is particularly exciting to be able to say 'here today' in Valdocco - we Salesians acknowledge that we are consecrated for young people on the margins of society everywhere throughout the world," remarked the Rector Major.

Published 24/01/15