Letter From the Editor: 

We all belong to a family. In fact, we belong to multiple families of greater or lesser blood ties, affiliation, loyalty, mutual advantage, etc. There is the natural family that, so to speak, gathers around the hearth. There is the extended family of grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins that surrounds us. There are the families of school, church, team, company, club, and the families of race, ethnic group, language and common interest. These relationships expand like ripples in a pond until we include the entire human family.

Don Bosco began a family we call the Salesian Family. He had the audacity and temerity to include in his family all and sundry who demonstrated even the smallest interest in the welfare of youth.

I used to think that it was awfully arrogant of him to include royalty, prelates (even the Pope!), politicians and people he met in passing, as members of the Salesian family. I have come to understand he was a driven man-one whose sole concern was to give kids an even break when their natural family or the social or economic conditions deprived them of their basic human rights.

You who are reading this editorial are part of this Salesian family with some association to Don Bosco and his Salesians. You may not even remember how this came about, but here you are. Obviously, you have many demands on your time, energy, talents and money. But as long as you have just a smidgen of care and concern for young people, Don Bosco considers you part of his family.

Working with a theology of another era, Don Bosco used to tell his boys that there was a little part of heaven called the "Salesian Garden." In it, he would enthusiastically declare, would be all the Salesian family, young and old, who succeeded in being "good Christians and responsible citizens." In that garden all his children and all who helped them would be gathered around Mary Help of Christians, St. Aloysius, St. Dominic Savio and others who followed his banner with remarkable holiness.

Our youth need family. They need the natural and human warmth of being loved and wanted. They seek approval as they grow and strike out on their own, becoming in turn the leaders and models for the "now" generation every time "now" comes around. And here you are again to show them the love and concern that stems from a loving God.

Spring is the time of new vigor and vitality. A feeling of well-being and enthusiasm flows through our veins. Let our youth see this enthusiasm and excitement in all our relations with them as we journey through life together toward that Salesian Garden.