(ANS - Rome) - Don Bosco never engaged in political activity although he was interested in politics insofar as it was favourable or unfavourable to his educational projects for young people and the freedom of the church to carry out its mission of salvation. When these factors came into play, however, he did not fail to intervene with the authorities both civil and ecclesiastical. Salus animarum suprema lex.

By Fr Francesco Motto

In the Dominican Republic, about 8,000 kilometres away from Turin, the figure of Don Bosco is well known. For eighty years the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have been running educational and pastoral works there. These are so much appreciated that, following the proclamation by UN of the International Year of Youth to be celebrated in 1985, and the World Youth Day launched the same year by Pope St John Paul II, the Dominican Republic acknowledged the Salesian contribution and immediately created special government structures directly placed at the service of young.

That was not all. Following the celebrations for the centenary of the death of Don Bosco in 1988, his image became widely known in the country. On 31 January 1991 a journalist launched the idea that this day should become national day of youth in the Dominican Republic. No sooner said than done! With the support of other newspapers, of the local Church and of the Salesian Congregation and especially of enthusiastic youth groups, Salesian and others, an organizing committee was set up immediately. Within two years this led to a law being introduced.

This was passed in two readings by the relevant authorities (the two Houses, the Government and the President) and on 5 December 1993 it was ruled that 31 January each year was officially the National Day of the Youth of the Dominican Republic. On this occasion initiatives of various kinds were to be promoted that would put the focus on the needs of young people as well as peace, progress, and hope in a world where it is often lacking.

Don Bosco must have rejoiced in heaven that 5 December 1993, not so much for himself, but for his beloved young people, even those of a distant country in the Antilles.

Published 27/1/2016