As we contemplate the virtues of St. John Bosco, one in particular catches our attention: the confidence he practised so admirably throughout his life, especially in matters concerning the Salesian Congregation. Indeed, divine help often seemed to be too long in coming… subjecting him to severe trials.
“Our church is very small; it can only hold half of our young people. Let’s build a larger and more beautiful one, where generations upon generations will come to ask favours of the Blessed Virgin!” Don Bosco exclaimed enthusiastically one day.
Fr. Paolo Albera, who years later would become the founder’s second successor, looked at him in surprise, for he knew that his spiritual father’s health was already failing and that the congregation’s financial situation, as usual, was bordering on destitution. He also sensed, it is true, that the desires of that man of God were always granted, but… this time, was the announced project not too bold a goal?
After some time, against all expectations, the plans for the new church were approved, and in late April 1864, the cornerstone was laid. Don Bosco was overjoyed on the occasion. He approached the master builder, to whom he had promised to make an advance payment, and greeted him: “Congratulations on the work! Today is a great day! I am going to give you what I promised. It’s not much, but I promise it’s all I have.”
As he spoke, he slowly took some coins from his pocket… which totalled forty cents. “Don’t worry! This is my share,” the Saint explained, “but the Madonna1will send the rest, which is her share, to pay for the Church. I will only be the bookkeeper.”
“Don Bosco is reckless; he has no common sense! He will go bankrupt! He will end up in jail!” murmured some bystanders. He, however, with his typical smile of complete trust in God, replied: “Do not fear! It is necessary that we begin; then, God will help us. You will see how the money comes by itself. I am only Our Lady’s bookkeeper. If I go to jail, it will not be my honour that will be at stake, but hers…”
According to Don Bosco’s account, many people from all over Italy and even from Vienna, Paris, London, and Berlin, having made promises to Our Lady Help of Christians and having them answered, were quick to show their gratitude with donations for the construction of the Salesian church. Thus, he could guarantee that every corner and every stone of the shrine recalled a benefit from the Queen of Heaven.
St. John Bosco
This episode offers us a great lesson. How do we react to the perplexities that arise in our lives? Do we lose heart or do we diligently confide in her to whose dominion everything is subject which is under God?
In adverse circumstances, let us remember the example given by St. John Bosco and ask him to obtain for us the grace of unwavering confidence in the Help of Christians, like a little child in its mother’s arms, certain that She will settle all the “accounts” we have to pay, on earth and in Heaven. ◊
Notes
1 A form commonly used in Italian when referring to Our Lady.
