Prevention or repression
Mon, 6 Apr 2020
Don Bosco identified the prevailing educational approach of his times as 'represssive', in contrast to his successful model which used encouragement to 'prevent' young people falling into difficulty. This article considers the early preventive approach alongside modern theories of empowerment, and its continuing evolution. Part of the Saesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
Don Bosco - Vocation
Mon, 6 Apr 2020
An account of Don Bosco's early life and his path to fulfilling the vocation he felt from an early age. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirrituality.
Praying as Salesians
Mon, 6 Apr 2020
The Salesian style of prayer was inspired by the simplicity of St Francis de Sales. Part of the Salesian Foortprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
Bontà - a spirit of 'goodness'
Mon, 6 Apr 2020
Don Bosco's approach was revolutionary in the harshness of the nineteenth century - he used a spirit of kindness and encouragement at his Oratory, the Salesian concept of Bontà or goodness. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
We will meet in the heart of Jesus
Sun, 5 Apr 2020
A reflection on the life and letters of St Mary Mazzarello, to guide us through the strange times we face i n Holy Week, 2020, with scripture reading and prayer,
Salesian skills in working with the young
Fri, 3 Apr 2020
Working with the young in Don Bosco's way means drawing on skills related to the approach we take to the work, and how we relate to young people. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
St Francis de Sales
Fri, 3 Apr 2020
The gentleness and humanity of St Francis de Sales inspired Don Bosco, who placed his congregations under his patronage. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
The Salesian approach to young people
Thu, 2 Apr 2020
Don Bosco instilled in us the importance of letting the young know they are loved. How can the Salesian Family support and engage with young people in today's society? Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
Don Bosco: Builder
Thu, 2 Apr 2020
Don Bosco began with a tumbledown rented building for his oratory, and left us with magnificent monuments to the Glory of God and Mary Help of Christians. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
Don Bosco - Founder
Wed, 1 Apr 2020
Don Bosco's work with the young began with a chance meeting with a young orphan sheltering from the cold in the church. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
St Mary Mazzarello: Vocation
Tue, 31 Mar 2020
Inspiration for discerning our vocation in everyday events, from the life of St Mary Mazzarello, co-founder with Don Bosco of the Salesian Sisters. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
St Mary Mazzarello: Foundress
Mon, 30 Mar 2020
The path taken by the foundress of the Salesian Sisters began with her awareness of a need for the young women and girls near her home. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
Salesian Snippets from Scripture 1
Fri, 27 Mar 2020
Thoughts on the compassion of Jesus, which inspired Don Bosco. Part of the Salesian Footprints series of resources introducing Salesian history and spirituality.
A History of the Salesians in Britain
Thu, 19 Mar 2020
Written by Fr John Dickson in 2013, this history looks at the arrival and development of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Great Britain, beginning with the youthful dream of St Dominic Savio.
'When I can't get to church' - a spiritual communion
Tue, 17 Mar 2020
Fr David O'Malley SDB has produced a resource for use at home, especially during the coronavirus restrictions.
This short prayer pattern follows the shape of the mass and allows you to participate in a homely prayer. It invites Jesus into your home and into your lives for the coming week. It is designed for families and couples, but it can also be used by individuals who have had to self-isolate and anyone who cannot be at Sunday Eucharist.
Saint Mary Mazzarello, co-founder of the Salesian sisters, found it difficult to get to church sometimes through work or illness. Instead, she would sit by the window in her attic, from where she could see the parish church and bring the church into her home. This prayer helps you to do the same.
Please share it with family, friends, students, parishioners and anyone who will find it helpful.
Novena to Mary Help of Christians
Tue, 17 Mar 2020
The Feast of Mary Help of Christians, a great feast in the Salesian calendar, is observed on 24th May. We invite you to join us in praying a novena in her honour, from 15 - 23 May, although these prayers can be said at any time, and are often used to ask for Our Lady's help in any difficulty.
Memoirs of the Oratory, 1815-1855: Don Bosco
Mon, 16 Mar 2020
In 1858 Pope Pius IX asked Don Bosco to write about his life and work. Don Bosco was slow to respond, out of humility or perhaps sheer lack of time, but after a more explicit command in 1867 he started the 'Memoirs of the Oratory'. The book gives a fascinating insight into Don Bosco's thought and has been the basis of much further study.
The published English edition, with introduction and footnotes, is out of print, but you can download it as a pdf here.
Baptised and Sent at Advent
Fri, 31 Jan 2020
A set of Advent resource sheets based on Baptised and Sent, (Salesian Mission Sector, Rome). Readings, Salesian reflections, prayer and activities centred on our personal call to mission, inspired by the centenary of On the centenary of Maximum Illud, Pope Benedict XV's letter to the Church on carrying the Gospel message throughout the world.
Novena to Don Bosco - Salesian Way of Life
Wed, 22 Jan 2020
Novena asking for Don Bosco's intercession in asking God to make us better and more compassionate advocates for the young. The novena is traditionally prayed in the 9 days leading to his feast on 31 January, but can be said at any time. This version is based on the book 'A Salesian Way of Life' by Fr David O'Malley SDB.