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A 'humorous incident' when Don Bosco began his work with the young


St John Bosco

St John Bosco

Fr David O'Malley writes:

In Chapter 28 of Don Bosco's Memoirs of the Oratory, he recounts what he calls the 'humorous incident' with which he begins his priestly work for the young.

'Hardly had I registered at the Church of St Francis, when I met at once a crowd of boys who followed me in the streets and the squares and even into the sacristy of the church attached to the institute. But I could not take direct care of them since I had no premises. A humorous incident opened the way to put into action my project for the boys who roamed the streets of the city, especially those released from prison.

'On the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (8 December 1841), I was vesting to celebrate holy Mass at the appointed time. Joseph Comotti, the sacristan, seeing a boy in a corner, asked him to come and serve my Mass. "I don't know how," he answered, completely embarrassed.'

And thus with this chance encounter, Don Bosco tells us the way opened for him to put into action his project.

A couple of things are worth noting, the sacristan, suspecting the boy of being up to no good, drives him out with blows from a feather duster, Don Bosco intervenes and claims that the boy is his friend.

Then begins his introductory questions .....

To read on see: www.salesianschools.com/post/december-8th-don-bosco-s-foundation-day

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