SALESIAN "BATTLE CRY"
REASON, RELIGION AND LOVING-KINDNESS -- PART III

It is not enough to have a love for the young, the young have to know that they are loved.

-- St. John Bosco

The third term of the trinomial "Reason, Religion and Loving-kindness" is the most difficult to describe. "Loving-kindness" is a compromise translation of the Italian amorevolezza. The translation is really devoid of the richness and depth that the full connotation the word attempts to convey.

The Salesian tradition attempts to define "loving-kindness" as a consciously willed love for the young; a voluntary love beyond sentimentality; a love which is self-donation; a love which is sacrificial, similar to Christ's love on the cross: total, undemanding, wanting only the best for another. Loving-kindness calls the Salesian to be a "sign and bearer of God's love for youth," a love of youth that demonstrates God's love for them and strives to elicit their corresponding loving impulse.

The Salesian vocation is a special gift of God distinguished by its affection for the young. This loving-kindness permeates all of a Salesian's thinking and acting and impresses on him a characteristic mark which is not only the result of natural gifts and inclinations but also an expression of pastoral charity. Entirely taken up by zeal for the good of young people, the Salesian never ceases to foster an inner attitude of sympathy for youth, a desire to meet and be with them, a continual concern to get to know them and help them to reach a full personal development.

Fr. Paul Albera, Don Bosco's second successor, described this loving concern as the essence of a Salesian vocation. This love is that of a father/mother, brother/sister and friend, which evokes friendship in return. This is the loving-kindness so much recommended by Don Bosco and described in the Salesian Constitutions: "Sent to young people by the God who is 'all charity,' the Salesian is open and cordial, ready to make the first approach and to welcome others with unfailing-kindliness, respect and patience."

A practical manifestation of "loving-kindness" in action is the concept of "assistance." This does not mean the charity of a benefactor who provides means and resources from a distance, but the love of one who is willing to accompany young people on their journey, to live in their midst, with them and for them, following Don Bosco's example.

It means a physical presence among young people, and hence a real sharing in their life and interests: loving what the youngsters love.

It is a presence of "brotherly friendship," not institutional or authoritarian. It is an active presence full of initiatives and plans as regards both individuals and environment, but it is also a preventive activity in the sense of protecting the young from negative experiences.

It is an animating presence which tends to awaken and foster the creativity of the young and to give them responsibility for their own growth and development, all the while accompanying them in the process.

It is a witnessing presence by which the educator professes his/her values through actions and behavior, thereby challenging youngsters and opening their minds to new horizons.

Putting together the ideas of "reason, religion, and loving-kindness" gives a practical and effective method of approaching, educating and mentoring youth so that they can become responsible citizens and dedicated Christians in whatever milieu they find themselves.

This is the grand apostolate and mission of the Salesian, lay or religious.

Much of the material for this article came from The Project of Life of the Salesians of Don Bosco, a Guide to the Salesian Constitutions, Rome 1996, translated by Fr. George Williams, SDB.