Salesian Family: "Diverse and Optimistic"

Mr. James Cross

When Don Bosco opened his first oratory in Turin, Italy, he fashioned a structure that has become a model for Salesian works around the world. The model that he created he called the Oratory, which had four basic hallmarks. Each oratory had to be a church, where the young could hear the gospel of Jesus Christ; each had to be a school, where the young could learn skills that would help them survive in the workplace; each had to be a playground, where the young could gather in laughter, song, and competition; and, finally, each oratory had to be a home. It is this final ingredient that allows the works of Don Bosco to become places where a familial spirit is nurtured.

The Salesian family today is a collection of all who believe in Don Bosco's vision. Some members of this family are officially recognized: Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB), the Association of Salesian Cooperators (CCSS), the Association of Salesian Women (Damas Salesianas) and 13 other groups. More than 20 other groups are seeking official recognition.

Even more prevalent are the vast numbers around the world who are either former Salesian students or former members of Salesian youth clubs; some have even referred to themselves as FDBs or "Friends of Don Bosco." No matter what their names, they all hold a special place in their hearts for the charism that Don Bosco left behind.

This charism is based upon the legacy of St. Francis de Sales. Don Bosco named his followers Salesians after this 16th-century bishop and saint. It was Francis' gentleness, kindness, and charity that inspired Don Bosco. Francis' charity opened his house to everyone. Monks and passersby were always welcome; he supported the convents of the Capuchins and the Poor Clares. Most thought it was "almost miraculous" that he could afford to do so much. His only response was, "I have just enough to live on, but the apostles had even less." Don Bosco took this to heart when he announced, "I'm Don Bosco, a friend of boys." And thus his oratories became a home for those who were homeless.

Don Bosco was more than a friend; he was a life-support system. His oratories became places for spiritual growth, learning, laughter, and expressed love. Basically, they became homes, where every youth was welcomed as a brother or a sister, regardless of background. His oratories became the homes for what, in modern terms, could be called "extended families." Within his oratory system Don Bosco created his "preventive system" of education, based on the three key tenets: "reason, religion, and kindness." This system is grounded in the positive expression of love. Like a parent, Don Bosco showed his pupils and his followers that they were loved.

This early model of an extended family that Don Bosco created in the 19th-century attracted Mary Mazzarello, Dominic Savio, Laura Vicuņa, and Michael Rua, all of whom are canonized or blessed. This same loving-kindness can be found in Salesian schools, youth clubs, and parishes today. To be a member of the Salesian family one must fundamentally believe in Don Bosco's vision and live a life where love welcomes all to hear the good news of Jesus Christ proclaimed.