(ANS - Rome)- On the evening of Wednesday, August 16, 1815, in the octave of the feast of the Assumption, the second son of Francesco Bosco and Margherita Occhiena was born. The child was baptized the following day in the parish church of Castelnuovo d'Asti, by Fr Giuseppe Festa and was given the name of John Melchior.

That seed of life and faith born on a hill of Monferrato, has grown, has become a tree full of leaves, a forest that has spread its branches in every region of the world, giving hope and joy to so many children, youth, people of all races.

That August 16 began a beautiful story, a magnificent adventure through the practice of the preventive system, a blending of reason, religion and loving kindness, had set forth a new horizon in the lives of many people, providing opportunities for bread, work, paradise .

In these 3 years of preparation for the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, the Salesian Family and many church and lay groups have returned to the roots of this story, of this form of education, of this original style of living the Gospel and after reflecting on it have committed to translate into this present time, the charisma that was born with John Bosco.

A jubilee year starts, a year of joy to say thank you to Don Bosco, but also to rediscover the true joy that comes from hard work, commitment, industriousness, just like the farmer with the sweat of his brow works the land and cares for it so that it may bear fruit and produce abundantly.

In recent years, Don Bosco, through the urn containing his relic, had travelled the streets of the world bringing his blessing, arousing great enthusiasm, emotions and many good initiatives, repeating his great message of believing in young people, to count on them.

The start of the Bicentennial is a great opportunity and also a challenge to live out, with an educative and apostolic passion, our presence among teens and young people, recognizing in their lives, the fruits and actions of the Spirit, sharing their problems and suffering and invoking on their behalf the light and strength of his presence. The needs of young people continue to be the same: knowing that they are welcomed and accompanied, knowing that the adult is willing to walk with them on the road of life.

In the atmosphere of celebration and jubilation, the Salesian Family today sings: "Don Bosco still returns among young," and listen to the echo of his words: "I want to go back to earth through each one of you, through your mind, your hands and your heart".

Posted on 08/14/2014