Hajja Salesjana

17 5. Who is Don Bosco for you and what strikes you most about him? Don Bosco’s fighting spirit and determination to achieve his goals throughout his life, the great love he had for God and Mary Help of Christians, and the love for youths and their souls, are all remarkable and striking for us. Inspirational also is the fact that although John was born and lived in immense poverty with his loving mother Mamma Margherita, who was always besides him to teach him about the love of God, and albeit all the difficulties and hurdles he encountered when trying to establish the Salesian family, John still managed to achieve what was planned for him by God and Holy Mary, as described in the famous dream when he was still nine years old. In which way are you part of the Salesian Family? During our son’s five years at Savio College, we joined the parents’ committee. It was the best decision we could make, as by helping and giving some of our time to the college for fundraising, we became part of the Salesian family. When our son left school, it was hard for us to leave the Salesians, our second family, and so we decided to join the Da Costa Salesian Co-operators. Today we still make part of this group. We meet regularly during the year by holding monthly meetings where we invite speakers to deliver talks, besides yearly retreats in Advent and Lent. These encounters and gatherings help us to remain close to each other as a group and to grow further in our Salesian formation. 3. 6. What message would you like to pass on to the readers of Ħajja Salesjana? Don Bosco, St. Domenico Savio and the Salesians remain in our heart. It all started forty-two years ago at one of the most welcoming schools in Malta, Savio College. We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to get to know the Salesians, learn about Don Bosco, his love for Mary Help of Christians, and experience the Salesian charism. It is a feeling which is not so easy to describe. Now as Salesian Cooperators, and inspired by Don Bosco and the Salesian family, our message is to continue loving our children and believe in them. With love and understanding, they can achieve great things! 4. Is there a phrase or a sentence from Don Bosco that inspires you in your life? There are many phrases that capture our heart, especially those mentioning youths and children. A couple of our favourites are: ‘My children, jump, run and play, and make all the noise, but avoid sin’; and ‘It is not enough to love your children; they must know that they are loved’. Such sayings from the master of youths inspire and help us as parents and guardians to interact better and love more our children, and the people around us. Jannar-Marzu 2025 hajja