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An alternative Salesian Commitment
There are so many ways of being “salesian”, so many ways of being inspired by the example of Don Bosco. In this short article we see how two people are looking for an alternative way of following a “vocation”. The words used can be confusing. A “Volunteer of Don Bosco” (VDB) is a permanent commitment not to be confused with the many young people who generously work as salesian volunteers before they begin their careers in life.
Case Study One
My Salesian way began when I attended a Salesian Grammar school in Liverpool at the age of eleven. My academic standard was not that impressive but I was eager to be a part of school life in every way I could.
I attended all “youth gathers” and went to Kendal each year for holidays with other youngsters from all over Britain. It widened my circle of friends and my social skills greatly improved. I just loved being in the Salesian presence. Any time there were prayer days or days of fun, I was there. I felt from the beginning that this is where I belonged. When I became a bit older I started working on Salesian camps so that I could help other youngsters enjoy themselves in a safe environment. There was something, I could not put my finger on, that made these camps so different to anything else I had experienced. I came from a 'good Catholic family' but there is something else here. Maybe it is the special joy that was present or the feeling of really being special to people. I don’t know what it is, but I do know that I cannot do without my fix of Salesianity; it is an essential part of my life.
In my present career I work in an informal setting with young girls age 11-16. Over the years I have faced new challenges with the young and always enjoyed being there for them. I find that working with young people is a good way of living out my Salesian life. The future is so uncertain for both youngsters and educators that I enjoy the challenge of being a part of the education system and maybe having the opportunity of making Don Bosco's way known today.
Recently I looked for something else to enhance my Salesian life and I discovered that the Salesian family has a group of people who work alongside the religious orders but do not live in community. They make a commitment to work as salesians in whatever way they can whilst going about their preferred type of work. This seemed ideal as I wanted the freedom to be able to move jobs and areas as and when I felt like. People do not know that I have made this commitment but it makes me feel as though my life really is Salesian and gives me a purpose in life.
Case Study Two
I first came into contact with the Salesian Sisters as a petrified eleven-year-old who began travelling all of six miles from home to go to the 'big' school. Those years weren't easy. I didn't fit the pattern of academic strength that was characteristic of what was then a grammar school and I struggled to 'keep up'. Despite this I soon began to feel at home and slowly developed a sense that I did have some value beyond what I could or could not do. During this time friendships within the Salesian Family were built. I could never have imagined the lasting impact that these were to have on the rest of my life.
As time passed I felt drawn to the idea of teaching so that I could perhaps pass on to others something of what I had received. I knew I should stay within the Catholic system but didn't seriously think I would find a place in a Salesian school. However, a vacancy did occur in my old school. Many of my teachers became my colleagues and continued to influence me greatly.
The distinctive style of the Salesian School encouraged me to see my job as so much more than a set of lessons to teach. These youngsters were individuals and needed to be seen that way and encouraged, as I had been, to grow in all aspects.
After a couple of years it was suggested that it might be appropriate to join the local group of Salesian Cooperators. Belonging to this group has, over the years, helped me to increase my knowledge of what it means to be Salesian and led me to a wider contact with those who are committed to working in the style of Don Bosco.
None of this, though, explains quite where I am today and why I am choosing to make a new commitment as a VDB. Over the last few years I have became aware of a feeling that there was a 'gap' in my life. All that I did, and continue to do still left me searching. It took a long time to realise that I lacked a personal structure in my life, that I felt the need for a discipline to order my spiritual life. In essence I became aware that I needed to develop at a deeper level than I had, my relationship with God. I had been brought up with a great sense of duty. My faith was strong, but God was a somewhat distant figure -to whom I was respectful, loyal and whom I tried to serve. I needed something more. I needed some direction.
A chance comment, or so it seemed, from a very good Salesian friend asked the question, 'What about the VDB's?' After a difficult search a line of contact was established and the possibility of taking religious vows without joining a community, but still within the Salesian Family, emerged.
As the preparation for this has taken place much of my feeling of restlessness has settled and I feel a greater contentment than I have ever known. It is not the contentment of someone who has achieved anything or who has finished something - but more the feeling of having at last found a firm path to tread, even though I am not sure where it will lead. The details of the journey don't matter anymore because my relationship with God has changed. His friendship and his love are guiding me and I am learning to trust Him.
In all my searching one thing has remained constant. I have become more convinced, if that were possible, that my life has to be a Salesian one. As a VDB my life will be consecrated with vows of poverty, chastity and obedience - and will be further strengthened by my friends, FMA's, SDB's, Cooperators, Pupils and Past pupils.
Being a VDB is yet another way of living as a Salesian and after years of thought, prayer and guidance I am convinced that this is the right way for me. The journey goes on
Further Information
For more information about the Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB) contact Sister Mary Louise. |
