Well there are many reasons of course! Reflecting on some of my reading from today two stand out 
The first is that Don Bosco was wise and also hilarious!
During the time that Don Bosco was taking care of youth from the streets of Turin and before the Salesian Congregation was founded (late 1840s), Don Bosco was constantly being bothered to take part in the many political rallies occurring in and around Turin. Some of the leading politicians were hungry for the support of Don Bosco, because with his support they would be adding to their numbers many young men from the oratory.
Don Bosco avoided these political events at all costs, but in one instance in 1848, non-participation in a certain event would have make him look like he was anti-Italy and would have probably meant ruin for the oratory and the young men he was taking care of….so what did he do….
“He arrived at City Hall [for a meeting with these political leaders] looking like a simple fellow, unshaven, in hand-me-down clothes, discolored shoes, and with a deliberately ungainly gait. He looked like the [pastor] of some very remote mountain village. The officials, who at that time knew him only by name, finally decided that he was not anyone worth bothering about and, perhaps, even slightly deficient mentally.” (BM III, 207)
So how did Don Bosco get out of that one? He dressed like a mountain-man priest who looked a little off his rocker and in no time he was back to his ministry with the boys!
The second reason is that he defended the faith with all his strength.
One day in the late 1840’s he was asked by an influential politician and friend to give up the “tedious practice” of the rosary in the Oratory.
His response was
“well, that practice means a lot to me. I would say that my whole undertaking is based on it. I wouldn’t mind giving up many other important things, but not this. If it should become necessary, I would sacrifice even your very valuable friendship rather than abandon the recitation of the rosary.”
Don Bosco was on a mission from God to serve the young. Mary was his guide and help through it all. May we learn to always turn to Mary as he did while serving the Lord, and may we have the humility to act the fool (even if it means dressing up like a crazy mountain man) in front of others for the success of God’s Kingdom.
St. John Bosco, Pray for Us!
Sweet. Don Bosco is my hero, too. Maybe I should write a post about why! Good idea.
And I don’t mind if you borrow my idea about the monthly/weekly media round up. Being siblings in this great Salesian family… we can share.
[...] is but a short list of why Don Bosco is my hero, but if you want to read more, check out Sean’s blog, because he gave me the idea for the topic and has some great thoughts about why Don Bosco is his [...]
[...] Sean wrote an interesting post today on Why Don Bosco is My HeroHere’s a quick excerpt… turn to Mary as he did while serving the Lord, and may we have the humility to act the fool (even if it means dressing up like a crazy mountain man) in front of others for the success of God’s Kingdom. St. John Bosco, Pray for Us! [...]