by Francis Preston, SDB

Excerpt:

…Towards the end of his paper, Fr. Boenzi makes reference to the “pastoral heart” of Francis de Sales and how “as he looked at the separated city of Geneva, his longing converted into a program of action and a journey of continual conversion.” And with reference to Don Bosco Fr. Boenzi comments: “At the end of the day, the Da mihi animas is a prayer and a gesture that becomes a lifelong investment. Don Bosco had to learn this for himself.” On whom did both Francis de Sales and Don Bosco model themselves, if not the person and the ministry of Jesus? The pastoral concern of Jesus became their inspiration and example.