Ian Murdoch sdb (coordinator)	2008

 

A study of how Don Bosco reshaped and imprinted with his own stamp earlier experiences and patterns in oratory work in what became a continuously evolving experiment in education and spirituality as his educational horizons broadened in response to the needs of a new generation of young people. The focus will be on Don Bosco as educator and spiritual director, with special reference to his developing understanding of holiness as an ideal for the young and the way that this is reflected in his choice and treatment of various models of youthful holiness, among them Aloysius Gonzaga, Louis Comollo, ‘Peter’, Dominic Savio, Michael Magone and Francis Besucco. The unit will conclude by addressing the task of adapting Don Bosco’s approach to new times and places and formulating a youthful spirituality today.

Prerequisites:	normally DS103
Requirements:	intensive mode It is essential to read Don Bosco's Lives of Dominic Savio, Michael Magone and Francis Besucco before the unit begins
Assessment:	written work equivalent to 4,000 words

Bibliography

Aubrey, J. ed. The Spiritual Writings of St John Bosco. Translated by J. Caselli. New Rochelle: Don Bosco Multi-Media, 1984.

Bosco, J. The Companion of Youth. London: Burns Oates & Washbourne, 1938.

Bosco, J. “Three Biographies of Students at the Oratory: Dominic Savio, Michael Magone, Francis Besucco” In W. L. Cornell, Don Bosco: Spiritual Director of Young People. Makati: Salesiana Publishers, 1986.

Desramaut, F. Don Bosco and the Spiritual Life. Translated by R. Luna. New Rochelle: Don Bosco Publications, 1979.

Desrament, F. “Contemporary Spirituality of the Salesian Family: Looking for its Bosconian and Salesian Roots.” Translated by A. Lenti. Journal of Salesian Studies. 9/2 (1998).

John Paul II. “Father and Teacher of the Young.” Letter of His Holiness John Paul II on the First Centenary of the Death of St John Bosco, in Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco, no. 325 (April-June 1988): 11-34.

Laws, P. Walking With the Young: The Salesian Way of Educating. Makati: Salesiana Publishers, 1993.

Salesians of Don Bosco, 23rd General Chapter. “Salesians Youth Spirituality.” In Educating Young People to the Faith: Capitular Documents. Rome: Editrice SDB, 1990: 100-15.

Vigano, E. “Salesian Spirituality for the New Evangelisation.” Circular Letter to Salesians, Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco. no. 334 (October-December 1990):3-46.