Series of Reflections on Salesian Spirituality (6)

Optimism and Joy


The spirit of the oratory has been encapsulated in the words of St Dominic Savio to a boy who newly arrived at the oratory, “Here, holiness consists in being cheerful”. Don Bosco was a model of cheerfulness. His manner was friendly and warm. He always had a smile playing on his lips, even during times of intense difficulties and suffering. He never gave way to discouragement and disillusionment. So much so, that his Salesians could recognize the state of his mind by the smile he flashed to them. When he was troubled or overburdened he would appear more cheerful than usual. Thus, they would remark, “Don Bosco is suffering greater today, for he looks merrier than usual.” Don Bosco believed that spirituality tempered with cheerfulness was healthy; nay it was fundamental especially for young people. This makes his spirituality widely appealing and attractive. We are called to radiate joy and must educate the young to channelize their lively and youthful energies in wholesome ways.

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