Hajja Salesjana

was not just repeating clerical “blah blah blah”. He was living his spiritually paternity. The humility and strength he developed as a lifelong penitent and communicant he wants them to experience. So convinced was Don Bosco of the power of the sacraments that he often spent 3 hours at a time sitting in this very confessional, opening the boys’ hearts to God’s mercy. Indeed, this confessional could be called Valdocco’s “saint factory”… because 14 alumni from the Oratory who confessed here are already recognized by the Church as saints, martyrs, blessed or venerable. As for the eucharist, even when Don Bosco’s chronic migraines could have provided an excuse to stay in bed, Bosco chose to celebrate mass at this altar in his room. He lived what he preached. This was the power of his words. Young people have a nose for authenticity. 25 Lulju-Settembru 2024 hajja