Don Bosco at the Movies

Don Bosco at the Movies

The most famous films dedicated to the Saint of Youth

(ANS – Rome - January 30, 2025) – Don Bosco is a world-famous saint, and it’s not difficult on the web to come across films of various kinds dedicated to him. His great charm and charisma have conquered millions of people around the world, and his figure has also sparked the interest of many film directors and authors, who have retraced his life, death, and miracles, thus bringing the Saint of Youth closer to the general public. Here’s a review of some of the most famous and professional film works dedicated to him.

Among the oldest films on the life of St. John Bosco is Goffredo Alessandrini’s 1935 work entitled Don Bosco. Starring Gian Paolo Rosmino, Maria Vincenza Stiffi, Roberto Pasetti, Ferdinando Mayer, Vittorio Vaser, and Felice Minotti, the film recounts Don Bosco’s life from his birth to his canonization in 1934. It traces the birth of the Oratory, the various confrontations with the neighborhood and local authorities, the start of the professional and agricultural schools, the foundation of the Salesian Congregation, until his death in 1888.

Years later, in 1987, Giovanni il ragazzo del sogno was released, distributed by the Salesian publishing house Elledici (LDC), starring Luigi Rosa, Michela Zio, Michele di Mauro, and Paolo Bramante, directed by Giuseppe Rolando. At the center of the work is the life of young John Bosco: his childhood as a peasant at the Becchi farmstead, his studies in Chieri, the many jobs he did to support himself, his entry into the seminary in Turin under the guidance of Fr. Cafasso. The photograph was particularly popular at the time, portraying Chieri in the first half of the 19th century (then a town of 9,000 inhabitants, halfway between farming tradition and the development of industry, particularly textiles) and the surrounding countryside.

Don Bosco by director Leandro Castellani, with actors Ben Gazzara, Patsy Kensit, Piera Degli Esposti, and Philippe Leroy, came a year later. Here we see an elderly Don Bosco, whose thoughts return to childhood. He retraces all the actions he took to realize his greatest dream: to dedicate himself completely to the young. The film tells how Don Bosco, with the help of Fr. Borel and other priests, began to lay the first bricks on what would later become the Salesian community, welcoming all the young people of Turin to the Oratory. Despite his good intentions, he was hindered several times by politicians and revolutionaries, but Don Bosco always managed to get away with it. He then went to Pope Pius IX and, years later, to Pope Leo XIII to seek support for his community, which in the meantime had grown so large and had many followers. In the end Don Bosco thanks with a prayer our Lady, whom he considered the source of his work of charity, and then dies.

The 2004 Raiuno (RAI) miniseries Don Bosco, directed by Lodovico Gasparini and starring Flavio Insinna, Lina Sastri, Daniel Tschirley, Lewis Crutch, and Charles Dance, was very popular. Narrated in flashback, it’s the story of a vocation lived in joy and optimism, despite the difficulties that litter Don Bosco’s path. Always intent on saving the desperate youth of Turin, Don Bosco suffered ostracism from the hierarchies. We see in the series how Abp. Lorenzo Fassati [an invented name, representing Abp. Lorenzo Gastaldi] forced Don Bosco to dissolve the Salesian Congregation [that didn’t really happen], which he had founded, on the advice of the repentant and dying Vicar Clementi. The news threw the priest, already ill, into despair, almost killing him. Having recovered, Don Bosco made an official apology to Fassati [something like that did happen], teaching his boys the value of humility. The Pope then definitively approved the Salesian Congregation.

Finally, 2012 saw the release of Maìn - La casa della felicità, directed by Simone Spada and starring Gaia Insenga and Paolo Civati. Focusing mainly on the life of Mother Mazzarello, the film devotes ample space to her encounter with Don Bosco in 1864, which led ‘Maìn’ to found the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

[Editor’s note: Salesiana Publishers sells the Alessandrini movie on DVD.  The Gasperini and Castellani movies may be available from Ignatius Press.]

Homily for Thursday, Week 3 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Thursday
3d Week of Ordinary Time

Jan. 30, 2025
Heb 10: 19-25
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

“Thru the blood of Jesus we have confidence of entrance into the sanctuary” (Heb 10: 19).

By Ariely - Own work, CC BY 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4533576

In the Old Law, only the high priest could enter the inner sanctuary of the Temple, where the ark of the covenant was kept until it was lost when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem; where God dwelt personally even in the rebuilt Temple.  That inner sanctuary was closed off by a veil, and the high priest could pass thru it only on the Day of Atonement for the annual sacrifice for all the sins of the year past.

The sanctuary of Christ also was veiled.  That is, his hidden Person, his divinity, was veiled in flesh, as the author of Hebrews points out (10:20).  Matthew (27:51) and Mark (15:38) tell us “the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom” at the moment when Jesus died on the cross.  Hebrews, on the other hand, says that the veil of his flesh was rent open (10:20), his blood poured out, and we gained “entrance into the sanctuary” by that opening and that blood (10:19); a new, living way opened for us to approach God (10:20,22).

In his crucified, blood-stained flesh, Christ, our “great high priest over the house of God” (10:21), now washes our consciences clean (10:22).  We have confidence, we have hope, then, that we may approach God thru Christ (10:22-23).  “Who may stand in his holy place?” the Psalmist asks (24:3).  We may.  Christ our high priest stands with us.

Salesian Work in Aleppo

Salesian Work in Aleppo, Syria

(ANS – Rome – January 30, 2025) – The young people most at risk, those poorest and with the fewest resources, were Don Bosco’s always favorites. And who is more in need than so many boys and girls who in their young lives have known practically nothing but war, tried by hardship of all kinds, inflation, extreme social conditions, and even natural disasters? This is why the Don Bosco house in Aleppo is rightly one of those Salesian centers that most pays homage to the founder of the Salesians and his charism, and which ANS presents to its readers ahead of Don Bosco feastday.

The Salesian center – which has always remained a point of reference for the city’s young people, even in the harshest moments of the war – offers a series of different activities depending on the time of year.

The main winter activities include:

Christian Education: Christian education for all age groups from 7 to 18 years old takes place every Friday. Children come to the center to play, learn, have fun together, meet new friends and educators, and spend a special time with special activities for them.

Groups: there are 10 groups per class, each group including about 15 people, and there is a special club for each age group. Every Saturday, they take different subjects (religious, social, Salesian, cultural, and others. The members participate in many volunteer and service activities at the center and help effectively.

Sports: sports activities (basketball, soccer, and volleyball) for different groups include 2 days a week, thru which the children spend a great time playing sports and entertaining exercises.

EPC meetings: educational family meetings are held (Christian educators, club officials, sports coaches, Salesian assistants, et al.). Special meetings for the entire educational family, including upbringing, training, entertainment, as well as special meetings for each category separately for evaluation and organization of each category.

Meetings for the undergraduate class: meetings that take place every Thursday for the undergraduate class include many important topics for their working and university life on various topics: religious, social, cultural, self-development, skills.

After school: After-school projects are offered to children from the 2d to 9th grade; they are taught and supervised by university youths who are prepared to teach, so children who need help are supported academically.

Salesian Cooperators have their own meetings, which are also formative and entertaining, with the implementation of initiatives inside and outside the center, those initiatives related to their mission as Cooperators.

Music and choir: There is a group of children and youth musicians and singers who train periodically for Mass and also for the evenings held on the occasion of the holidays.

Winter camps and sleepovers that are held for secondary school and university students sometimes in the winter, as well as activities and sleepovers that are held for fraternities.

The main summer activities include:

The period of preparation for summer activities and the formation of animators: a group of high school youths is selected and prepared to become animators and prepared thru many diverse meetings, and then meetings for old animators for formation as well, programming meetings, and the distribution of tasks for summer activities.

Summer activities: which are for every day of the week and are programmed activities for each primary, middle, and secondary grade, with a special day for the activists to evaluate the previous week and nurture and program for the next week.

There will be a special story for each year that has an important meaning and carries values that benefit children and teach them many things

With special times for playing, playing, learning crafts, trips, activities, and special days for swimming pools.

After completing the summer activities, preparation begins for the closing party of the activities in which all age groups participate and present distinctive dances and theatrical performances, with an atmosphere of joy.

Summer camps that are organized in a coordinated manner and are designated for age groups. The camp includes different topics with games, times for prayer, exchanging experiences, and times to go on walks and just have fun.

With all its rich and varied offerings, the Salesian work has been and remains an oasis of education, peace, reconciliation, and development for thousands of young people from Syria and beyond.

Monumental Collection of Don Bosco's Letters

The Monumental Collection 
of Don Bosco’s Letters

(ANS – Rome – January 30, 2025) – The first official presentation of the 10 volumes of the Epistolario or Letters of Don Bosco took place on January 28 at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome. This is a monumental documentary heritage that will long be at the disposal of anyone who wishes to know the life, work, ideals, and spirit of the holy educator from Turin.

The opening greeting of the event, “Don Bosco chiama, Torino risponde” (‘From Valdocco to the whole world... and back’) by the rector magnificus of the UPS, Prof. Andrea Bozzolo, was followed by an overall perspective of the volumes, according to their expertise, by Professors Carlo Felice Casula, Angelo Giuseppe Dibisceglia, Carlo Maria Zanotti, Giancarlo Cursi, Paolo Restuccia, and Adriana Valerio. Thru their words the large audience in the hall and those who were connected remotely were able to grasp the convictions, ideals, choices, attitudes, and behavior of Don Bosco as they emerge from his 4,682 published letters.

While the first 3 talks focused on the contents, some known, others less so, others completely unknown, of his correspondence, the talks that followed highlighted Don Bosco’s way of relating to his correspondents and his style of writing, as respectful of the classic canons of private correspondence of his time as it was marked by decidedly modern aspects. Each talk was preceded by a very short video-recorded interview, an anticipation of the full video “Lettere im(possibili)” that will be presented in Turin on April 2, during the 2d presentation of the Epistolario entitled “Don Bosco chiama, Torino risponde.”

The cultural event, moderated by Prof. Wim Maria Etienne Collin, naturally concluded with a long and loud applause for the editor of the 10 volumes, Fr. Francesco Motto, SDB, who has dedicated a lifetime to this authentic enterprise” and to whom go the heartfelt thanks of the Congregation, the Salesian Family and, in some ways, the Church itself.

Fr. Francesco Motto (at left)

With the integral publication of the new Letters of Don Bosco, a new step forward has been taken in the understanding of Don Bosco’s being and working: thousands of pages traditionally known and easily found online, but not supported by reliable documentation, must necessarily give way to this reliable source, checked and presented with the scientific intentions proper to the Salesian Historical Institute, which has included it in its own series Sources, first series, published by the LAS in Rome (1991-2024).

A positive spin-off of the enterprise has already taken place with the volume Le lettere più belle di Don Bosco just published by Salesian publisher LDC in Turin (2025) and edited by Fr. Motto, with a preface by Prof. Rossano Sala. A better gift for the general public of the Salesian Family and the many devotees of Don Bosco could not have been offered on the eve of the feast of Don Bosco 2025.

Thousands Seek Refuge in Salesian Mission in Goma

Thousands Seek Refuge in Salesian Mission in Goma

Photo ©: Misiones Salesianas, Spain

(ANS – Goma, DRC – January 28, 2025) – On January 27, the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was taken by the rebel troops that had been surrounding it for months.

“Goma has been invaded by the rebels, and the army has surrendered,” says one of the Salesian missionaries working at the mission in Goma. “Today we are unable to leave, and there’s a lot of uncertainty about what may happen in the next few hours,” he adds. “The community is fine. We are without electricity and Wi-Fi. In addition, thousands of people have come to take refuge in the mission,” he says. “The fighting is intensifying on the outskirts of Goma [on the 27th],” the Salesian missionaries report from Goma.

At the Don Bosco Ngangi mission in Goma, more than 3,500 families were already being cared for in a refugee camp that was set up in the football fields of the Salesian center a year ago. “There are more than 30,000 people, mostly women and children. And these have been joined by more than 2,000 people looking for a safe place in these uncertain times,” adds the Salesian missionary. In Don Bosco Ngangi, more spaces had already been prepared for the possible arrival of displaced people and “thousands of people have entered and occupied spaces in the soccer fields and also inside the building,” he explains.

The country has already suffered more than 30 years of fighting involving more than 122 rebel groups fighting for control of minerals. The DRC has 80% of the world’s reserves of coltan, which is necessary for the batteries of electronic devices and electric cars. The population is suffering a continuous humanitarian disaster that worsened at the end of 2022 and today leaves almost 7 million people displaced and more than 25.4 million in need of aid to survive.

“Goma is closed. There are no schools, and the shops aren’t open. Everyone’s waiting to see what might happen,” explain the missionaries.

Among the many Salesian organizations and organizations that support the Salesian mission in Goma is the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, which is committed to helping the Salesian missionaries so that they can attend to the needs of the displaced and also so that children and youths can continue with their education. “We have sent €170,000 to distribute food among the most vulnerable, especially many mothers with children in their care. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country where more than 2.8 million children suffer from acute malnutrition,” explains Luis Manuel Moral, director of Misiones Salesianas.

Furthermore, with the support of Misiones Salesianas, Salesians are attending to the Kanyaruchinya settlement for displaced people, with more than 75,000 displaced persons.

More information at: www.misionessalesianas.org

Update from CRUX (1/29): The bishop of Goma deplores the fighting and the suffering of the more than 2,000,000 people trapped in the city.

Homily for Tuesday, Week 3 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Tuesday
3d Week of Ordinary Time

Jan. 28, 2025
Heb 10: 1-10
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

“Behold, I come to do your will, O God” (Heb 10: 7).

Christ in the Garden
"Not my will but yours be done"
(after Titian)

The Letter to the Hebrews contrasts the sacrifices of the Old Testament with the sacrifice of Jesus.  The Old Testament sacrifices were offered year after year—the reference is particularly to the Day of Atonement—because, the author alleges, they didn’t, and couldn’t, truly cleanse those who offered them.  Theologically, that may be debatable.

But the sacred writer’s point is that Jesus offered a perfect sacrifice with no need for repetition:  “once for all” (10:10).  He didn’t present God with a burnt offering but with his own body, and his body represented something yet more substantial:  his will.  Jesus’ will, perfectly conformed to his Father’s intention, consecrates all who join themselves to it, cleansing us of sin.  This is the consecration, the self-offering, that the Father desires from everyone, “ears open to obedience” (Ps 40:7).  God’s able to save those who submit to him, as Jesus did.

God consecrates those who join themselves to Jesus’ self-offering by bringing them into fellowship with himself, members of the divine family:  “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35).

Submitting our wills to God is hard.  Taking to heart the Scriptures, the teachings of Jesus, the teachings of Christ’s Church, the directives of our superiors, the travails of age and illness—it’s all hard.  Submitting to God brought Jesus to his cross, the offering of his body.  It also brought him to resurrection.  With Jesus, then, “I have waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped toward me” (Ps 40:2).  We wait patiently—a word rooted in the Latin patior, “I suffer, I endure”—confident that the Lord Jesus stands with us and with him we’ll be raised up to live with God.

Don Bosco Fambul in Freetown

Don Bosco Fambul in Freetown
A social work that gives life to Don Bosco today

(ANS – Freetown, Sierra Leone – January 24, 2025) – Founded in 1998, Don Bosco Fambul (DBF) is a prominent Sierra Leonean-based NGO originally established to rehabilitate and reintegrate child soldiers into society. Over time, DBF expanded its focus to support the country’s most vulnerable children, including street children and victims of abuse, trafficking, early marriage, and sexual exploitation. The organization is now a national leader in child protection, operating the largest interim care and therapeutic centers for abused children in Sierra Leone.

DBF’s mission is to protect, rehabilitate, reunify, and reintegrate children and youths who are victims of grave violations of their rights in Sierra Leone. Guided by Don Bosco’s Preventive System of education, DBF takes a holistic approach to child protection. This approach involves families, authorities, and communities, addressing the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of each child. The organization upholds values of openness, acceptance, transparency, respect, honesty, accountability, optimism, creativity, and responsibility.

DBF operates through two main campuses in Freetown, each offering targeted services:

1. Fort Street Campus

Mobil Project: Conducts outreach programs and interventions for children living on the streets. Hope Plus Project: Provides education, skills training, and reintegration support for underage girls exploited in prostitution. Pademba Project: Focuses on rehabilitating boys in conflict with the law, including those in detention. Childline Project: Operates a 24/7 toll-free helpline (525) for children in crisis, ensuring rapid response and referral to appropriate services.

2. Therapy Center Campus

Girls’ Shelter: A safe haven for girls who have experienced abuse, trafficking, and cruelty, providing psychosocial, medical, educational, and legal assistance. Girls’ Shelter Plus: Focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating girls involved in prostitution, offering holistic care and a pathway to a better future. Child Care Center: Provides temporary shelter, care, and rehabilitation for vulnerable boys, including street boys and victims of neglect or exploitation. Group Home: Offers long-term alternative care for boys who have been rejected, neglected, or abandoned, helping them rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.

DBF Therapy Center operates 24/7 with qualified personnel, offering innovative programs and strategic partnerships. It features a metal training workshop and an automotive mechanic garage for beneficiaries engaged in skill development.

DBF works closely with local and international organizations to enhance its impact:

Community of Practice (CoP) for SGBV: A coalition of over 50 organizations advocating against sexual and gender-based violence. Rainbo Initiative and Aberdeen Women’s Center: Partners providing medical and psychosocial support for SGBV survivors, including fistula surgeries and teenage mother empowerment. Network for Street Children: A consortium focused on improving the lives of street children and advocating against child abuse and exploitation. Government and Legal Support: Collaborates with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Support Unit, and the Legal Aid Board for child protection, justice, and reintegration. Anti-Trafficking Initiatives: Partners with organizations like World Hope International, Defense for Children International, and IOM to combat child trafficking.

Case Story: Yappoh Koroma, 18 (name changed)

Yappoh’s journey is a powerful story of resilience and hope. Orphaned at a young age and a victim of child trafficking, he faced immense challenges with no family support. Thru the intervention of the Sierra Leone Police and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Yappoh was connected to Don Bosco Fambul, a trusted organization supporting vulnerable children.

Despite efforts to trace his relatives, none were found. Recognizing his potential, Don Bosco Fambul enrolled Yappoh in an auto mechanic workshop in Freetown. He thrived in this environment, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic. His skills earned him the opportunity to assist at the Don Bosco garage, where he further honed his expertise.

Yappoh’s transformation from a vulnerable trafficking victim to a skilled and promising young auto mechanic showcases the power of opportunity and determination. His story inspires others to overcome adversity with perseverance and the right support system.

Case Story: Sando Sesay, 9 (name changed)

Sando is a nine-year-old girl who has been a victim of sexual abuse by her cousin. The perpetrator not only abused Sando but also her mother and sister. The matter was reported to the Police-FSU by a concerned citizen. Since the perpetrator is still at large, Sando and her sisters have been staying at DBF for the past three years. Unfortunately, none of their other family members visited them during this time, which left Sando and her siblings feeling abandoned and neglected.

Sando faces significant challenges as she deals with the trauma of abuse while managing a difficult family situation. She lost her father, and her mother, who is deaf, mute, and partially blind, is unable to provide support. It’s heartbreaking that other family members have not stepped in to help, and her uncle has even suggested adoption, feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility. This situation is incredibly tough for her and her siblings, and they truly deserve compassion and support.

Despite Sando’s challenges, her determination to continue her education at Don Bosco Fambul is inspiring. Now in class 3 and performing well academically, she also engages in cultural dance, quiz competitions, and choir, which bring her joy and connection during this journey.

Sacred Heart Center in Rome Re-opens

 Sacred Heart Center in Rome Re-opens

(ANS – Rome – January 24, 2025) – The Sacred Heart of Jesus Salesian house in Rome, which functions as the general headquarters of the Salesian Congregation, celebrated the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron saint of the Congregation, with the “internal” opening of the work, almost 3 years after restoration work started.

The courtyard of the Salesian center is currently much freer than it was from March 2022; yet not all the work has yet been completed. “The official opening to complete the works is scheduled for June, on the occasion of the solemnity of the Sacred Heart,” explained Fr. Luca Barone, legal representative of the work. “But the Salesian community is celebrating now for two reasons: on the one hand, because this is how the general council, which has promoted and accompanied the work from its beginning, until can participate; and on the other hand, because the huge Sacred Heart construction site has only been possible thanks to the commitment of many people, from various different companies, some of which are now about to complete their part of the work. This ‘internal’ opening, therefore, is to say a complete thank you to all the people involved.”

The first meeting concerning the restoration of the Sacred Heart complex took place on July 17, 2020. Involved were the Rector Major, his vicar, the treasurer general, and the Miotto engineering and architecture studio in Padua, coordinated by Salesian Brother Giampietro Pettenon. The Rector Major appointed Bro. Pettenon to this task. From that meeting, the first research and collection of the necessary documentation and planning of operational activities began.

2021 was the year of the preliminary phases: the drafting of plans and research, document analysis, and the request for complex authorizations. The actual work began in April 2022.

The large construction site involved the entire quadrilateral of the Salesian headquarters, which occupies an entire block in the center of Rome, exactly in front of the city’s central railway station, Termini Station: from April to October 2022 the side on via Magenta was worked on; from October 2022 to July 2023 the one on via Marghera; then it was the turn of the entrance side on via Marsala, from August 2023 to March 2024; and finally, from April to December 2024, the part overlooking via Vicenza.

Particularly worthy note is that the interventions concerned the structure from the foundations to the roof, to make the building eco-sustainable and compliant with the most up-to-date laws and best practices in terms of energy savings.

Other special interventions were carried out to create new environments rich in meaning, such as the Chapel of the Word – the new chapel of the community – or the Chapel of the Letter – in memory of Don Bosco’s very important May 10, 1884 letter from Rome. Other alterations were necessary for several special environments such as the Little Rooms of Don Bosco in Rome and their transformation into the Don Bosco Museum, or the space of the former theater below the basilica.

Although activities in the basilica of the Sacred Heart and in the central offices have never paused – even with the temporary transfer, internally or outside, of some services – a total of about 160,000 sq. ft. of surface have been restored thanks to the work of 14 companies, coordinated by Studio Miotto. “The parties involved met once a week, and 170 sets of minutes of meetings and operational decisions were produced!” Fr. Barone says.

Located in the heart of Rome, the Salesian work, like the rest of the city center, faces particular constraints of historical architectural protection and logistical and organizational considerations. In addition, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the increase in market costs around the world affected the supply of materials and made the work more challenging.

Hence it is with special satisfaction that the Salesians at Sacred Heart are now celebrating this “internal” opening, waiting to share their joy next June with church and civil officials, institutions, all the faithful, and everyone who frequents this center of spirituality and social activity. 

Read more here.

Homily for 3d Sunday of Ordinary Time

Homily for the
3d Sunday of Ordinary Time

Jan. 26, 2025
Luke 1: 1-14; 4: 14-21
Neh 8: 2-6, 8-10
The Fountains, Tuckahoe
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx

Christ Reading in the Synagog
(James Tissot)

“I’ve decided … to write down in an orderly sequence … the events that have been fulfilled among us … so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you’ve received” (Luke 1: 1, 3-4).

Pope Francis has designated the 3d Sunday in Ordinary Time as Sunday of the Word of God.  Of course, we celebrate God’s Word every Sunday.  Our Holy Father wants to emphasize the importance of the Word of God.  He’s said many times that Christians should read the Scriptures regularly.  He urges us even to carry a New Testament with us so that we can read and meditate on it at odd moments like when riding a bus, standing in line, or taking a coffee break.

Today’s readings present us with some thoughts on the Word of God.  St. Luke begins his Gospel by stating his intention to present clearly and in good order what Jesus and the early Church have done and taught so that we may be well informed and know what we are to believe and how we are to live.  He refers to material that’s been handed down from the apostles and other early disciples of Jesus (1:2).  In other words, he’s heard and accepted the Word of God, and now he’s going to do his part to pass that on, 1st to someone he addresses as “most excellent Theophilus” (1:3).  Is anyone here named Theophilus?  I didn’t think so.  Luke’s Theophilus is perhaps a distinguished catechumen or baptized believer; or perhaps the name stands for all of us; “Theophilus” is Greek for “lover of God.”  So all of you are, in fact, Theophilus—and you didn’t even know it!

After his 4-verse introduction, Luke tells the stories we heard during Advent and Christmas, the annunciation and birth stories of John the Baptist and Jesus, and of Jesus’ baptism and his temptations in the desert; he gives a genealogy of Jesus going back from St. Joseph to Adam.

Then he comes to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, the 2d part of our gospel reading today.  Jesus goes into his hometown synagog on the Sabbath, “according to his custom” (4:16)—he’s a faithful Jew—and is asked to read.  He takes up a portion of God’s Word.  In the synagog there would’ve been regular sequential readings from the Torah and the prophets, similar to our way of reading in church.  Thus Jesus begins his ministry of salvation by reading from Isaiah.  In this portion of the Word of God, he finds reference to himself and what he’s about to do.  He’s to fulfill the Scripture passage that he just read, “to bring glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives,” anointing and healing to all who will turn to the Lord (4:18-19,21).

Our own reading of the Word of God, whether from the Old Testament or the New, ought to instruct and guide us, as it did Jesus.  How are we to live?  What does God want us to believe and to do?  How are we to bring the sacred Scriptures, the Word of God, to life in our homes, workplaces, schools, marketplaces, and streets?

In our 1st reading, we heard how the Jewish people received God’s Word read and explained to them by the priest Ezra.  The reading says that Ezra read to them “from daybreak till midday” (Neh 8:3).  Aren’t you glad our readings aren’t that long?  The people weren’t familiar with the Scriptures, which struck their hearts.  Yet Ezra told them to rejoice, because God was speaking to them and showing them how to live in a way pleasing to him.  “Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!” (Neh 8:10).

The Word of God, whether from the Old Testament or the New, from the Gospels or the letters of the apostles, is our strength.  It connects us to God and shows us the path to eternal life.

Furthermore, we must understand that the Word of God isn’t only words on the pages of a book or what we hear from the pulpit.  Jesus Christ is the living Word of God, the Word that became flesh and lived among us (cf. John 1:14).  Our true connection to God, our life and salvation, is from him, thru him, and in him.  He wants a personal relationship with each of us, a relationship that we foster by reading his Scriptures, by prayer, by worship, by trusting in him, by doing our best to live according to “the certainty of the teachings [we] have received.”  Therefore, sisters and brothers, take up your Bible and read it diligently, opening your heart to God’s Word.  Let Jesus Christ, the Word of God, “enlighten your eye,” as our psalm says (Ps 19:9), and “refresh your soul” and “give you wisdom” (19:8) so that your heart may rejoice (19:9) even now, and in eternal life.

Saints Dicastery Advances Cause of Fr. Vendrame

Dicastery for the Saints
Advances the Cause 
of Fr. Constantine Vendrame

(ANS – Vatican City – January 24, 2025) – The theological consultants of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints on Jan. 23 unanimously approved a report regarding the heroic exercise of virtue, the reputation of sanctity, and the “signs” of the Servant of God Fr. Constantine Vendrame, SDB (1893-1957), a missionary in India.

The Report on His Virtues, submitted on Sept. 19, 2023, was presented by Fr. Szczepan Tadeusz Praskiewicz, OCD, and the Salesian postulator general Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni; it had been drafted by Dr. Lodovica Maria Zanet, a collaborator of the Salesian Postulation Office. The 9 consultants were tasked with responding to the question regarding the heroic exercise of Christian virtues practiced by the Servant of God, along with his reputation for holiness and “signs.” Based on this judgment, the cardinal and bishop members of the Dicastery will subsequently express their opinion.

This news has brought great joy, particularly to Colle Umberto (Treviso), birthplace of Fr. Vendrame, and the diocese of Vittorio Veneto, where a group of people has been promoting the his cause for several years. He distinguished himself for his apostolic zeal as a “conqueror of souls,” earning the title “St. Francis Xavier of Northeast India.”

“In this Holy Year dedicated to Christian hope and on the 150th anniversary of the first Missionary Expedition initiated by Don Bosco, the testimony of Fr. Vendrame is that of a true pilgrim of hope. Animated by the apostolic zeal of Gospel missionaries, he announced the Word of salvation, walking up to 50 kilometers a day, inspiring joy for life in all he met, and opening many doors and hearts to hope,” commented Fr. Cameroni on the news.

Fr. Constantine Vendrame was born in San Martino di Colle Umberto, near Treviso, on Aug. 27, 1893, into a modestly poor family with strong Christian values, tested by illness and bereavement. Constantine felt a vocation for the priesthood at a very young age and entered the seminary of the diocese of Ceneda, near Vittorio Veneto, in 1908. In 1912, he joined the Salesians due to his love for the missions.

He was a novice in 1913 and made temporary profession in 1914, then perpetual vows in 1920 after his period of practical training. During the World War I, he was a soldier but remained faithful to his vocation. He was ordained on March 15, 1924, in Milan and received the missionary cross at the basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin on Oct. 5. He departed for Assam in Northeast India and arrived in Shillong on Dec. 24, 1924.

As a missionary (and almost always a parish priest) in Shillong-Laitumkhrah, Jowai, Wandiwash in Tamil Nadu (southern India), and finally Shillong-Mawkhar from 1951 until his death, he traversed immense distances on foot to reach distant souls. He lived among the poor, touched even the hardest hearts, and endured the wear and tear of apostolic life with a smile.

He attracted thousands of souls—Protestants, pagans, Muslims, and Hindus—to Christ and the Church, earning the respect of all as a true man of God. During World War II, as an Italian citizen in the British Empire, he was interned, first under Gurkha custody, then at Deoli, and finally at Dehra Dun. Even in this apparent immobility, he exhibited strength that consoled and supported others.

Afflicted by severe arthritis in his spine and excruciating pain until he fainted, he lived his final months in total self-offering, hospitalized in Dibrugarh, where he passed away on the eve of the feast of St. John Bosco, Jan. 30, 1957. His funeral was a triumph of faith and gratitude. During his life, he was widely reputed for sanctity and “signs” and was compared to St. Paul, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Vincent de Paul.

It was said of him, “We remember Fr. Vendrame as a priest who loved us with the heart of Christ—warm and human, strong and faithful, ready to give his life for us.”

Homily for Thursday, Week 2 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Thursday
Week 2 of Ordinary Time

Jan. 23, 2025
Heb 7: 25—8: 6
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Salvador Mundi (Previtali)

“Jesus is always able to save those who approach God thru him” (Heb 7: 25).

Isn’t that the Gospel in one sentence?

Altho he’s supremely holy, untouched by sin (7:26), Jesus cares for sinners.  Ordained a priest not by blood but by God’s choice—we heard yesterday, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (7:17)—Jesus offers himself (7:27) as the perfect sacrifice that cleanses us sinners.  Seated at God’s right hand (8:1), he makes intercession forever for us (7:25).  All we need do is approach him, and he offers mercy, pardon, salvation—a place with him in his Father’s house.

Our unclean spirits cry out, not in terror but in gratitude, “You are the Son of God” (cf. Mark 3:11).

Cause of Nino Baglieri Moves Forward

Diocesan Inquiry into the Cause of Antonino Baglieri, Volunteer with Don Bosco, Has Been Verified

(ANS – Vatican City – January 22, 2025) – On January 21, a communiqué was sent to the postulator general for the causes of saints of the Salesian Family, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, that the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, in a meeting on January 8, had certified the validity to the diocesan inquiry for the cause of beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Antonino "Nino" Baglieri. The formal aspects of the procedural documents and the consistency of the evidentiary apparatus: number and quality of witnesses, documents collected were verified.

Fr. Cameroni stresses that “this is a great achievement, the result of the work done with passion and competence by the members of the diocesan tribunal and by those who have contributed, in particular by the historical commission and the vice postulator, Fr. Gabriel Cruz, SDB.”

This stage of the canonical process was greeted with joy by Abp. Salvatore Rumeo of Noto, together with the entire diocese, the family of the Servant of God, and the Salesian Family of Sicily. The postulator general will now ask the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to appoint a rapporteur to guide the preparation of the report on the virtues of the Servant of God, which will be drawn up by Dr. Lodovica Maria Zanet, collaborator of the postulator’s office. The diocesan inquiry was held at the diocesan chancery in Noto (Syracuse) from March 2 to May 5, 2024.

Nino Baglieri was born in Modica on May 1, 1951. After attending elementary schools and taking up the trade of bricklayer, when he was 17 he fell on May 6, 1968, from a scaffolding 55 feet high. Urgently hospitalized, Nino realized bitterly that he had been completely paralyzed. Faced with a very dramatic situation, his mother Josephine, courageously trusting in God, made herself available to take care of him personally thruout his life. This is how Nino's path of suffering began as he went from one hospital to another, but without any improvement. Returning in 1970 to his native town, after the 1st days of visits from friends, 10 long, dark years began for Nino, who didn’t leave the house and was lonely, suffering, and despairing.

On March 24, 1978, Good Friday, at 4:00 p.m., a group of people belonging to the Renewal in the Spirit prayed over him; Nino felt a transformation in himself. From that moment, he accepted the Cross and said his “yes” to the Lord. He began reading the Bible, especially the Gospels and rediscovered the wonders of faith. By helping some neighboring youngsters to do their homework, he learned to write with his mouth. Thus, he wrote his memoirs, letters to people of every category in various parts of the world, personalized reminders that paid homage to those who visited him. A tool helped him dial phone numbers and get in direct contact with many sick people; his calm and convincing word comforted them.

A continuous flow of relationships began that not only brought him out of isolation, but led him to witness to the Gospel of joy and hope. From May 6, 1982, onward, Nino celebrated the anniversary of his cross and, the same year, he joined the Salesian Family as a Salesian Cooperator. On August 31, 2004, he made his perpetual profession among the Volunteers with Don Bosco (CDB), a secular institute for men. After a long period of suffering and trial, on March 2, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. Nino Baglieri, rendered his soul to God. After death, he was dressed in a suit and sneakers, so that, as he had said, “on my last trip to God, I will be able to run toward him.”

Homily for Tuesday, Week 2, and St. Agnes

Homily for Tuesday
Week 2 of Ordinary Time
and the Memorial of St. Agnes

Jan. 21, 2025
Heb 6: 10-20
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Abraham's sacrifice
(Notre Dame Cathedral, Tournai)

Today’s reading from Hebrews refers twice to hope, once citing Abraham’s hope in God’s promise to him (6:13-15), once with reference to our hope that God’s promises to us will be fulfilled (6:11).

Hope brought our ancestors to this promised land, millions of Irish, Germans, Italians, Poles, Jews, and others in the heyday of unrestricted immigration, when Emma Lazarus hailed Lady Liberty as a beacon of hope, “lift[ing her] lamp beside the golden door!”

Hope, as you know, is the theme of this Jubilee Year.  We’re all pilgrims of hope, hope that God will open for us the door of his mercy, the door into his promised land—symbolized by the holy doors in Rome and by the indulgences offered during the jubilee.

St. Agnes
(Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx)

We celebrate today a young virgin martyr, barely a teen, Agnes of Rome.  There are oft-told stories of her life and death, of uncertain historicity.  What’s certain is that she suffered in Diocletian’s fierce persecution in the 1st years of the 4th century, suffered because she was as fiercely loyal to Christ her spouse.  She placed all her hope in him and not in a noble marriage (if there’s truth in the stories) or long life or worldly goods.  Her youthful sacrifice, St. Ambrose writes, shows the power of Christian faith.  She who was too young to testify in court testifies as Christ’s witness, a witness to our hope of eternal life in him (LOH 3:1311-1312).

Abraham and Agnes encourage us, brothers, to continue on our pilgrimage, not to “become sluggish,” as Hebrews cautions, but to imitate “those who, thru faith and patience, are inheriting the promises” (6:12).  This “hope lies before us … sure and firm” (6:19) in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Salesian Youths Support Los Angeles during Wildfires

Rising Together

Salesian Family Youth Center Supports L.A. during Wildfires

by J.C. Montenegro, InTouch newsletter

(Boyle Heights, Los Angeles – January 17, 2025) – True community shines through in times of crisis. As Los Angeles faces devastating fires that have displaced families and strained local resources, the Salesian Family Youth Center has stepped up to support those most in need. Guided by compassion, leadership, and an unwavering spirit of service, SFYC has been working tirelessly to bring relief and hope to our community.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, SFYC quickly mobilized to support organizations on the frontlines of the crisis. A special thank you goes to Luis Chacon, whose leadership has been a driving force behind our collective efforts. His dedication to coordinating relief activities has inspired staff, volunteers, and youths alike to take meaningful action.

One of the center’s significant contributions has been partnering with A Place for Youth, an organization assembling food and clothing donations for families affected by the fires. SFYC’s young volunteers didn’t hesitate to join in, working side by side with community members to sort, pack, and prepare essential supplies for distribution. This hands-on effort reminded us all that even small acts of service can create ripples of positive change.

The fires have pushed our local firefighters to their limits, and SFYC recognized the importance of standing behind these brave men and women. In collaboration with Girl Scout Troop 82563, SFYC organized a thoughtful gesture of appreciation and support. Together, they delivered water, snacks, and essential supplies to fire stations, providing much-needed relief for our first responders. This simple act spoke volumes: We see you. We support you. We stand with you.

Beyond immediate fire relief efforts, SFYC has continued its outreach to some of the city’s most vulnerable—homeless youths. This ongoing initiative has taken on even greater significance during this crisis. The harsh conditions in Los Angeles have further exposed the daily struggles of those without shelter. SFYC has been actively visiting and supporting homeless youths, offering not just basic necessities but also compassion and human connection.

At the heart of every SFYC initiative is the belief that young people are powerful agents of change. By involving youths in relief efforts, SFYC is teaching them the value of empathy, leadership, and community engagement. Whether it’s packing supplies, delivering goods to first responders, or lending a hand to local organizations, these experiences empower young people to become active contributors to their community’s well-being.

Los Angeles is facing enormous challenges, but the response from the community has been inspiring. The SFYC is proud to be part of this collective movement—where organizations, volunteers, and everyday people come together to uplift one another.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Luis Chacon and Miriam Hernandez for their unwavering dedication. Their leadership has been instrumental in guiding our youths and organizing these impactful initiatives.

In times like these, every effort counts. Whether you can volunteer your time, donate supplies, or simply offer words of encouragement and prayers, your support makes a difference. SFYC is committed to continuing its work and invites the community to join in these efforts.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we can rise above this crisis and rebuild with compassion and unity.

Homily for 2d Sunday of Ordinary Time

Homily for the
2d Sunday of Ordinary Time[1]

Jan. 19, 2025
John 2: 1-11
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx

The Wedding at Cana (Vladimir Makovsky)

“There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there” (John 2: 1).

Only St. John recounts this miracle of Jesus.  He provides an abundance of details that leave us no doubt about its authenticity.  It’s real history.  It’s Gospel truth.

Most likely, John was one of Jesus’ disciples who were there (2:2).  Perhaps a bunch of thirsty fishermen contributed to the shortage of wine as the feast went on.  If John wasn’t there personally, and if, as is generally believed, he’s the “beloved disciple” who appears in the last chapters of the Gospel, the one to whom Jesus entrusted his mother on Calvary (19:26-27), then we may infer that John got the story from Mary herself.  She would’ve been the only one who could inform him of her role in the story.

From Mary’s role we can learn 3 important lessons.  The 1st is her attentiveness and concern for people.  She notices the impending social disaster and wants to do something about it (2:3).

The 2d is how she goes to Jesus to get him to act in this impending disaster.  She intercedes with him.  Altho he seems to tell her no, now’s not the time (2:4), she persists.

3d, she instructs the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (2:5).  And the crisis is averted.

Therefore, we can count on Mary our Mother—to whom Jesus gave the beloved disciple as a son, and thru him all of us as her children—we can count on her to care about us and our difficulties and concerns.  We can turn to her, confident that she’ll pray for us to Jesus, that she’ll prod him to do something; probably not a miracle, altho that is possible, but such help as will get us thru the difficulty or challenge.  Her care for us will always lead us to Jesus himself.  “Do whatever he tells you” is the soundest spiritual advice we can ever hear.

St. John calls the miracle of Cana a “sign,” a word he uses repeatedly in his Gospel.  A miracle, like this one or a healing, isn’t just a wondrous event.  It’s a sign pointing to something more:  God has burst into our human history.  God in Christ does more than we can reasonably expect.

In Jesus, God can change water into wine, cure diseases, walk on water, raise Lazarus from the dead.  He can change bread into his body, forgive our sins, and raise us out of our graves on Judgment Day.

In this story from a wedding at Cana, Jesus implicitly blesses marriage and married life.  Like Israel’s Lord in the Old Testament—our 2d reading (Is 62:1-5)—Jesus is a bridegroom who rejoices in his bride, the Church.  We’re all “espoused” to him (62:4).  He vindicates us, bestows righteousness upon us, holiness; makes us pleasing to God (62:1-2).  Our vindication comes from him and not from ourselves.  “The Lord delights in you” (62:4); Cana is a sign of that.

Finally, a word about the disciples.  St. John says that after witnessing the sign at Cana, they “began to believe in him” (2:11).  They began a long journey.  The disciples will bicker among themselves, betray and deny Jesus, run and hide when he’s arrested, hesitate to believe Mary Magdalene when she reports the resurrection.  Coming to mature faith takes most of us a long time.  Being converted from our sins can take a long time.  So we have to be patient and persistent as we try to follow Jesus, as we try to “do whatever he tells” us.  Listening to him is our way to salvation.

---

[1] There is no 1st Sunday of O.T., according to the liturgical calendar.