Hajja Salesjana - Oct-Dec 2021

32 H AJJA S ALESJANA way, he placed himself, in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, ‘at the service of the entire plan of salvation.’”(PC. 1). Incorporated into St. Joseph’s altar are two Scripture passages which emphasis his role in salvation history. Above the Holy Family, two angels carry a scroll with the inscription: Ite ad Ioseph - Go to Joseph (Gn. 41:45). Commenting on this reference, Pope Frances reminds us that it “evokes the famine in Egypt, when the Egyptians begged Pharaoh for bread. He in turn replied: ‘Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do’ (Gen. 41: 55). Pharaoh was referring to Joseph the son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery because of the jealousy of his brothers (cf. Gen. 37:11-28)” (PC. 1) and saved them from the famine. Up and down the centuries, Christians have used this quote in reference to St. Joseph as a trustworthy helper in times of adversity. The second Scripture reference, from Psalm 104, is found on the tympanum above the painting: “Constituit eum dominum domus suae” - He made him master of his house. This has been applied to God’s choice of Joseph as the foster father of Jesus and spouse of Mary. Read through a Salesian lens, it also reminds us that Don Bosco chose Joseph as the secondary patron of the Oratory. As we continue to work through this pandemic with faith, hope and charity, let us do so confident that St. Joseph is walking with us and interceding for us with a Father’s heart. Visit our social media platforms in English, French, Italian, and Spanish https://www.museocasadonbosco.it Museo Casa Don Bosco museo_casadonbosco