In honor of Don Bosco’s Feast day, and in line with this years study theme in preparation for the celebration of the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth (16 August 2015), we have put together this collection of articles from the Journal of Salesian Studies. We invite you, then, to take a few moments in the coming weeks to read, reflect and pray with an article or two, in order to take to heart Fr. Pascual Chavez‘s invitation:

Let us draw upon the spiritual experience of Don Bosco, in order to walk in holiness according to our specific vocation. (Strenna 2014)

 

Salesian Spirituality:

The following articles provide a foundational understanding of the Salesian spirit in the context of daily life:

• Don Bosco’s Gift to the Church: A Spirituality for Youth     –Richard Wanner, SDB
• Salesian Mysticism: Towards the Ecstasy of Action     –Mary Greenan, FMA

 

The Motto:

The following articles are from the 2007 Symposium at Don Bosco Hall, and delve into the history and origin of the Salesian motto, “Da Mihi Animas Cetera Tolle” (Give me souls, take away the rest):

• Da Mihi Animas in Don Bosco: Don Bosco’ s Life and Work for the “Salvation of Souls”     –Arthur J. Lenti, SDB
  • Response to the paper of Arthur Lenti     –Savio Hon, SDB

• Cry of the Pastoral Heart of Francis de Sales     –Joseph Boenzi, SDB
  • Response to the paper of Joseph Boenzi     –Francis Preston, SDB

 

SDB & FMA Spiritual Reading:

This article is an in depth reflection by world-renowned Scripture scholar, Fr. Francis Moloney, and is especially relevant to professed Salesians. Perhaps Animators and Directors can encourage community members to share the fruit of their reflections on this article:

• Jesus and Salesian Discipleship     –Francis J. Moloney, SDB