First, a history lesson. Southeastern France
and Western Switzerland, in past centuries, were united as the
Kingdom of Savoy and, later, with northwestern Italy, as the
Kingdom of Sardinia. One of the ducal families was the de
Sales family. From this family came Francis [15671622],
youngest of thirteen children, who became a civil and canon
[Church] lawyer. His father wanted him to enter the diplomatic
service. Instead, he became a priest and, later, Bishop of
Geneva. Because Geneva was a Calvinist stronghold, Francis never
resided in his See. Instead, he ministered to his people from
Annecy, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the French
Alps.
Francis was an outstanding teacher and writer.
His great literary monuments are the Introduction to the
Devout Life and The Treatise on the Love of God. For
these and his many letters he was declared a Doctor [Teacher] of
the Church in 1877. He was canonized in 1665, declared a patron
of the deaf in 1854 and declared Patron of Catholic
Journalists and of the Catholic Press in 1923.
In the Piedmont area of northwestern Italy the
devotion to St. Francis de Sales was inculcated in every child.
In St. Francis' dealings with the Calvinists, he was renowned for
his kindness, charity and forbearance. St. John Bosco realized
that dealing with children demanded great patience, charity and
kindness. Thus, he placed his new religious society under the
patronage of St. Francis de Sales.
As time went on his collaborators, instead of referring to themselves as members of the "Pious Society of St. Francis de Sales, shortened it to "Salesian." At first, Don Bosco [the Italian "Don," or "Dom' in French, is derived from the Latin "Dominus" meaning "Sir," "Lord," etc. and here used as a term of familiarity and endearment] was not too excited about the term "Salesian" but soon came to accept it as an apt term to describe his men [and later the Salesian Sisters].-SBW
Many people find the idea of a will morbid. A better way of thinking is that a will is the loving way of providing for one's family. A will is a great opportunity of doing good to our loved ones and at the same time of providing for spiritual benefits for oneself as well as providing for the needs of youth at risk. If you have a will, think of adding a codicil to it. Consult your lawyer to see if this in an option. The Salesians of St. John Bosco encourage you to help the next generation by remembering young people in your will. In this way you will be continuing the work of Don Bosco into the future. Our legal title is:
For further information of a variety of endowments and trusts call: [415] 441-7144 or write:
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