Today we celebrate the feast of Dominic Savio, one of Don Bosco's renowned pupil. However, it does not take us long to notice that Dominic Savio was certainly the odd one among the pupils of Don Bosco. Most of the boys who were attracted by Don Bosco and those to whom Don Bosco felt drawn to were the ruffians, the hooligans, the juvenile delinquents... the underdogs, the unwanted. But Don Bosco recognises in Dominic a boy of rare virtue, in their first encounter itself.
Most of the boys who joined the oratory were boys who had no where else to go. They did not 'join' the oratory, they naturally found themselves there, primarily because of Don Bosco. A few other lads were brought by their poor parents, or relatives who could not afford to look after them. Some were sent by other priests knowing that Don Bosco was happy to look after boys in difficulty. Dominic came in with his father. And by the end of that first encounter with Don Bosco he makes a very strange request: "Make of me a good garment for the Lord!" Now most of the other boys, those of his age, would have asked for some food or list of things they are permitted to do while at the oratory.
This encounter also brings to light Don Bosco's ability to recognise a 'special child' when he meets one. This is one of the virtues of Don Bosco, the educator, we Salesians ought to imbibe: to recognise and understand each child, each youngster as an individual. Not see them all in a group, en masse. Only when we come to know each child in his or her own particularity will we be able to bring out the best in them.
Most of the boys who joined the oratory were boys who had no where else to go. They did not 'join' the oratory, they naturally found themselves there, primarily because of Don Bosco. A few other lads were brought by their poor parents, or relatives who could not afford to look after them. Some were sent by other priests knowing that Don Bosco was happy to look after boys in difficulty. Dominic came in with his father. And by the end of that first encounter with Don Bosco he makes a very strange request: "Make of me a good garment for the Lord!" Now most of the other boys, those of his age, would have asked for some food or list of things they are permitted to do while at the oratory.
This encounter also brings to light Don Bosco's ability to recognise a 'special child' when he meets one. This is one of the virtues of Don Bosco, the educator, we Salesians ought to imbibe: to recognise and understand each child, each youngster as an individual. Not see them all in a group, en masse. Only when we come to know each child in his or her own particularity will we be able to bring out the best in them.
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