Series of Reflections on Salesian Spirituality (7)

Work and Temperance

The Salesian is called to be dynamic and balanced, hard-working and temperate, imbued with creativity and common sense. In the dream of the 10 diamonds, the whole mantle is supported by the diamonds of Work and Temperance. Temperance indicates a general Spartan-like self-control achieved through a cogent work-plan, self-sacrifice, moderation and balance that are the fruit of self denial. Don Rinaldi said, “The Salesian must practice self control: he does not go about with his eyes closed; he opens them but goes no further; if something is wrong he stops. He will control himself also in his games; he will be restrained with the bothersome boy; he will be able to hold his peace, hide his feelings, speak at the right time, and exercise a measure of shrewdness.” With regard to work nothing needs to be said. Don Bosco was a prodigious and diligent worker. In fact, he worked himself to death. Pope Pius XI commented that Don Bosco’s motto Da mihi animas caetera tolle was a “perennial aspiration”, a “constant invocation”, a “continued prayer”. We are called to be workers. Don Bosco had said that the world wants to see priests who work. If anything, we Salesians must be known as workers.