Without doubt, the Bi-centenary celebrations ( 1815-2015 )marking the birth of Don Bosco was a huge tribute to the "friend of Youth", Though organised mainly by the Salesian Family, the world of youth and society in general appreciated and commended the work of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The Salesians themselves, celebrated the event not only in civic and social functions but in religious renewal programmes aimed at building a modern image of the Salesian Identity, striving to be like Don Bosco, , "Mystics of the Spirit, Prophets of fraternal communion and Servants of the young". The Bi-centineray Year concluded on 16th. August 2015.
What's next? Is it a Bye-bye to Bi-centenary, to be now shelved in the annals of history? It would be a sad conclusion, after all the energy expended and enthusiasm generated to let the Bi-centenary rest in oblivion while we return to the routine of the past, however worthwhile it may be to walk on beaten tracks.
In fact, the Bi-centenary experience should propel us immediately into the Tri-centenary of the birth of Don Bosco. It should urge us, Salesians to contribute now on, our own dreams to the global vision of Don Bosco and oblige us to take on tougher and demanding challenges of our times. Don Bosco, a product of his times, identified in a dream the problems of contemporary youth and devoted his energies with daring hope, to meet them. A vision was set before him, in a spiritual experience and a reliable guide was assigned to him. He initially restricted his youth services to benefit the christians. But very soon and in his life time, he reached out to youth in the distant mission lands.
Though the Salesians today, faithful to the vision of Don Bosco, have spread considerably over the Continents, chiefly focused on the education of the poor belonging to all cultures and religious affiliations, there is a fanatical challenge looming on the horizon and threatening the moral fibre of youth especially in the Islamic countries that needs urgently to be addressed. Just as Don Bosco, undaunted, bravely confronted the forces of evil, to "save" his youngsters from the "devil", our salesian task today is to boldly accompany the youth of our times in the war against poverty, injustice and religious fanaticism.
More pointedly, the recent threat of the Islamic State which is kidnapping and brainwashing the young generation to a vicious and brutal life of terrorism must awaken in us Don Bosco's a genuine concern and determination to arrest the exodus of violence and destruction of life. As Educators to love, justice and peace, we need to enter the Islamic countries with a powerful drive for sound education to a holistic life. I know or better, I am convinced that Don Bosco's the Preventive system has proved very successful as an education for transformation of the young into honest and Godfearing citizens. The testimony of countless Alumni staunchly supports this opinion. The three elements of "Reason, Religion and Loving kindness" even today, continue to empower the young and transform their lives.
Our Salesian educative presence is urgently needed in the Arab world. The Tri-centenary Mission dares us to take up this challenge by investing personnel and resources for the establishment of many educational institutions. The challenge is not at all to convert Muslim youth but rather to evangelise them to be better Muslims, true to their identity as a community of God and a people of peace.
What's next? Is it a Bye-bye to Bi-centenary, to be now shelved in the annals of history? It would be a sad conclusion, after all the energy expended and enthusiasm generated to let the Bi-centenary rest in oblivion while we return to the routine of the past, however worthwhile it may be to walk on beaten tracks.
In fact, the Bi-centenary experience should propel us immediately into the Tri-centenary of the birth of Don Bosco. It should urge us, Salesians to contribute now on, our own dreams to the global vision of Don Bosco and oblige us to take on tougher and demanding challenges of our times. Don Bosco, a product of his times, identified in a dream the problems of contemporary youth and devoted his energies with daring hope, to meet them. A vision was set before him, in a spiritual experience and a reliable guide was assigned to him. He initially restricted his youth services to benefit the christians. But very soon and in his life time, he reached out to youth in the distant mission lands.
Though the Salesians today, faithful to the vision of Don Bosco, have spread considerably over the Continents, chiefly focused on the education of the poor belonging to all cultures and religious affiliations, there is a fanatical challenge looming on the horizon and threatening the moral fibre of youth especially in the Islamic countries that needs urgently to be addressed. Just as Don Bosco, undaunted, bravely confronted the forces of evil, to "save" his youngsters from the "devil", our salesian task today is to boldly accompany the youth of our times in the war against poverty, injustice and religious fanaticism.
More pointedly, the recent threat of the Islamic State which is kidnapping and brainwashing the young generation to a vicious and brutal life of terrorism must awaken in us Don Bosco's a genuine concern and determination to arrest the exodus of violence and destruction of life. As Educators to love, justice and peace, we need to enter the Islamic countries with a powerful drive for sound education to a holistic life. I know or better, I am convinced that Don Bosco's the Preventive system has proved very successful as an education for transformation of the young into honest and Godfearing citizens. The testimony of countless Alumni staunchly supports this opinion. The three elements of "Reason, Religion and Loving kindness" even today, continue to empower the young and transform their lives.
Our Salesian educative presence is urgently needed in the Arab world. The Tri-centenary Mission dares us to take up this challenge by investing personnel and resources for the establishment of many educational institutions. The challenge is not at all to convert Muslim youth but rather to evangelise them to be better Muslims, true to their identity as a community of God and a people of peace.
