Anyone who is familiar with St. John Bosco and his famous oratory for boys knew of his profound love for these children. His Preventive system of Reason, Religion and Kindness exhibited a formation of moral character that drew the most downtrodden young man in Turin to his doorsteps seeking the refuge of love. With this note I share the following letter written by St. John Bosco on his labor of love."First of all, if we wish to appear concerned about the true happiness of our foster children and if we would move them to fulfill their duties, you must never forget that you are taking the place of the parents of these beloved young people. I have always labored lovingly for them, and carried out my priestly duties with zeal. And the whole Salesian society has done this with me.
My sons, in my long experience very often I had to be convinced of great truth. It is easier to become angry than to restrain oneself, and to threaten a boy that to persuade him. Yes. indeed, it is more fitting to be persistent in punishing our own impatience and pride than to correct the boys. We must be firm but kind, and be patient with them.
I give you as a model the charity of Paul which he showed to this new converts. They often reduced him to tears and entreaties when he found them lacking docility and even opposing his loving efforts. . .
See that no one find you motivated by impetuosity or willfulness. . . Let us regard those boys over whom we have some authority as our own sons. Let us place ourselves in their service. Let us be ashamed to assume an attitude of superiority. Let us not rule over them except for the purpose of serving them better.
This was the method that Jesus used with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalized, and still others to hope for God's mercy. And so he bade us to be gentle and humble of heart. They are our sons, and so in correcting their mistakes we must lay aside all anger and restrain it so firmly that it is extinguished entirely. There must be no hostility in our minds, no contempt in our eyes, no insult on our lips. We must use mercy for the present and have hope for the future, as is fitting for true fathers who are eager for real correction and improvement.
