My Personal Experience with Don Bosco

My Personal Experience with Don Bosco
It has been twenty one years that I never experienced a biological father, a father who would be my strength when I am weak, a father who may be my companion when I am alone and a father who may correct my works when I commit mistakes. But, it was just four years that I experienced a true spiritual father even when I was in the diocesan seminary, a father in the figure of the Salesians whom Don Bosco entrusted his works for the love of God and the salvation of the young.
Last December 19-23, 2010 the pilgrim relic St. John Bosco came here in our seminary. What a great privilege for me to see our father! I was happy for being a part of welcoming him here in our place. I was moved in gratitude. He passed away more than hundred years ago, yet, until now, he is still working and travelling around the globe looking for his loved ones-the poor and abandoned youth. He brought the message of God’s love for everyone. He came here to assure that we are always healthy both in our physical and spiritual life. What a grace to have this father who is always concerned for his love ones.
I have experienced the true care of a father in him; I am proud for being formed according to his spirit by being here in the seminary. At moment, I am already third year college in his own school. He is also somehow telling me “Don’t be afraid to dream high if it is for the glory of God.”

I was one of those people who cried when his relic was about to leave Lawa-an last December 23, I cried not because he is leaving, instead, I was moved by his charism and spirituality. He is always part of my life, for no son can dare to forget his own father who taught him how to stand and walk.
I told him that one day, we will see each other again in God’s time. If ever I will become a priest, I will visit him in Turin to express my sincerest gratitude for giving me the real meaning of life.

My experience and encounter with Don Bosco is also similar that of the others, especially those people who were once abandoned. He adopted them gave them all of his best; his talents, time and treasure so that he will always be in their memory.
Now, Don Bosco is my strength for he does not like me to be weak. He teaches me not to be alone, instead, he would like me to be in company with Jesus especially in the moments of loneliness. And he also corrects me in times when I am failing in my studies and other responsibilities, through the conscience. Like his boys in his time, he is also telling me “God sees you...”
My Heart is overwhelmed in thanking the Lord for living with us through the inspiration of St. John Bosco-father and teacher of the young.