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HAPPY FEAST OF Mary Help of Christians

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 9

NINTH DAY:

What Eve had destroyed, was created, through you, Holy Mary, once again in the Son, opening Heaven’s gate and giving refuge to the downcast.

PRAYER: O Mary, my most gracious Mother, at all times so ready to be the help of Christians, assist me with your powerful patronage throughout my life and especially at the hour of death. Grant that, having loved and revered you on earth, I may sing your mercies in Heaven. Amen.

O God You who established the Mother of Your beloved Son as Mother and Help of Christians, grant, we beseech, that we may live under Your protection, and that the Church may rejoice in Your everlasting peace.

Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…
Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.

 SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

“When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he says to his mother: Woman, behold your son. After that, he says to the disciple: Behold your mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.” (John 19: 26-27)

Mary Most Holy, lovingly consenting to the immolation of the Victim she bore, was given as a mother to the disciple and to all of us. The Virgin Mary is the Church's model of faith and charity. Mary, Help of Christians, cooperates in the work of the Redeemer to restore the supernatural life in souls.

“Behold, your Mother." (John 19: 27)

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 8

EIGHTH DAY:

Glorious Lady, more brilliant than the sun, at your breast you nourished the God who created thee.

PRAYER: O Mary, the Church's spiritual pillar and Help of Christians, I beseech you to keep me firm in the Divine Faith, and safeguard in me the freedom and dignity of God's children.

For my part I promise you never to stain my soul with sin, nor be a part of any society condemned by the Holy See. I promise you to obey the perennial teachings of the Church, since I want to live and die within the bosom of the Catholic Religion, the only one in which I can expect with certainty my eternal salvation.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…
Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.

A SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he says to his mother: Woman, behold your son. After that, he says to the disciple: Behold your mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.” (John 19: 25-27)

We can never forget the words of the dying Jesus, “Mother, behold thy son. Son, behold thy Mother." Before dying, he entrusted his mother Mary to his disciple so that the faithful might have such a Mother present in their last agony.

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 7

SEVENTH DAY:

Praise be to God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.

PRAYER: O Mary, Mother of mercy, who so often saved Christians from the plague and other bodily scourges by your powerful intercession, help them and deliver them now from the plague of impiety and irreligion, which insinuates itself in a thousand ways into their souls keeping them from the Church and pious practices, especially through sects, the press and perverse schools. I humbly ask you to help the good, that they may persevere; strengthen the weak; call the wayward and sinners to repentance, so that the Truth and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ may triumph here on earth, thus increasing your glory and that of your Son, and saving souls.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…
Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.

A SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount that is called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, within a Sabbath day's journey. And when they had come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James of Alpheus, Simon Zelotes, and Jude, the brother of James. All these were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1: 12-14)

O Mary, teach us to pray, trust and persevere.

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 6

SIXTH DAY:

Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.

PRAYER: O Mary, Queen of the Apostles, take under thy precious protection the Sacred Ministers and all the faithful of the Catholic Church, obtain for them the spirit of unity, and fervent zeal for the salvation of souls; particularly extend your loving help to missionaries, so they may lead all peoples of the earth to the true faith. Thus may the world become one fold under the guidance of only one Shepherd, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…
Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.

 A SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

The Lord “is your praise, and your God, that has done for you these great and terrible things, which your eyes have seen.” (Deut. 10:21)

In fact, God, gazing at the humility of his faithful servant, Mary Most Holy, gave us through her the Savior of all men, Our Lord Jesus Christ. "O Mary, grant us the grace to imitate thy love of God and neighbor."

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 5

FIFTH DAY:

O Virgin unexcelled and most gentle, make us meek and pure and preserve us from evil.

 PRAYER: Mary, beloved Mother, who showed your precious Patronage in the triumph of Pope Pius VII, extend your holy mantle over Holy Mother Church, especially over her august head, against the assaults of so many enemies; deliver him from temporal sufferings and assist him always that he may securely steer the barque of Peter in Truth, and overcome the proud waves attempting to sink it.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…
Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.

 A SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

“And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.” (John 2:1)

And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage. Realizing that the wedding feast lacked wine, Jesus performed a miracle upon the trusting entreaty of his mother. She invites us to also obey Jesus in a special way, saying:

"Whatsoever he shall say to you, do it." (John 2:5)

"Happy are those that hear the Word of God and keep it" (Luke 11:28).

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 4

FOURTH DAY:

Show thyself our Mother by taking our voice to the One Who deigned to be born for us, from you.  

 PRAYER: O Mary, my most sweet Mother, you who are Queen of Martyrs, through so many heroic acts of courage and fortitude, which you performed on earth, deign to instill in my heart the necessary strength to always serve you. Help me to despise human respect, and fulfill all my religious duties openly and without shame; may I remain your devout child at all times, even unto death.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…
Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.

 A SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

“And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why have you done so to us? Behold your father and I have sought you sorrowing.” (Luke: 2, 48)

With what admirable kindness Mary admonishes her lost Son found in the temple. It is a beautiful example to parents. Children grow in wisdom, stature and grace before God and men when they receive the good example of their parents. In raising my children, I promise to always practice patience, prudence and seriousness.

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 3

THIRD DAY:

Break the sinners' fetters, make our blindness day; chase from us all evils, for all blessings pray.

PRAYER: O Mary, most powerful Queen, who alone triumphed over the false doctrines that sought to take away so many children from the bosom of Holy Mother Church, help me, I beg you, to keep and preserve my faith firmly and my heart pure amidst the snares and venom of such harmful errors.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…
Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.

Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us. 

 A SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

“And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. And she entered into the house of Zachary and saluted Elizabeth… And Mary abode with her about three months. And she returned to her own house.” (Luke 1: 39-40, 56)

Certainly, Mary remained until the birth of St. John the Baptist, for she knew that expectant mothers need special care and help. Here, we have a beautiful example of charity. I too promise to always practice charity and acts of mercy.

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 2

SECOND DAY:

Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came, peace confirm within us, changing Eve's name.

PRAYER: Mary Most Holy, Mother of goodness and mercy, who with your visible help oftentimes freed the Christian people from the assaults and barbarism of Moslems, I ask you, my Lady, to deliver my soul from the onslaughts of the world, the devil and the flesh; and grant that I may obtain, at all times, complete victory over the enemies of my soul.

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…

Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.

A SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

“And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1: 38)

In short, Mary Most Holy offers us an example of humility, obedience and readiness to do the Will of God and to cooperate in bringing about His Plan of Salvation. "Lord, what do You wish me to do? Make me an instrument of Your peace."

Novena to Mary Help of Christians - Day 1

PRAYER: O Virgin Most Holy, powerful help of Christians, I confidently appeal to the throne of your mercy. Hear the prayers of this poor sinner that begs your help, so I may always flee from sin and from the occasions of sin. Behold the first grace that I ask from this novena. Amen 
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
Hail Holy Queen…
Mary, Help of Christians, Pray for us.


A SHORT BIBLICAL READING:

“And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Apoc. 12: 1)

“And the dragon was angry against the woman: and went to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Apoc. 12: 17)

Two distinguishing signs of the authentic faithful: Jesus and Mary, salvation of believers and help of Christians. Unto death I promise that I shall remain faithful to my religion: the Holy, Roman, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Saint Mary Mazzarello part 1

Catholic Converts

3 Steps to Unceasing Prayer

Happy Feast of St. Dominic Savio

Wishing you dear n your family a very happy feast of St Dominic Savio, the Little Giant of the Lord.

May his human n spiritual life guide you n me to become saints.

Happy feast n God bless

🙏😇🙏😇🙏😇

*Don Bosco watched over him and restrained him*

There were some in the Oratory who knew that Dominic seemed to ‘exaggerate’ his penance and Don Bosco never subscribed to such excesses in fervor. Here is the loving testimony of Francis Cerruti and Michael Rua

Francis Cerruti: “Dominic Savio was an angel in human form. This has always been my intimate conviction from the moment I came to know him. I never found in him any action that was indecent or inappropriate; he was chaste in his words and his looks too. I am convinced that he has gone to heaven with his baptismal innocence intact. Indeed it was true from many incidents in his life. I know that Don Bosco wanted internal mortifications. He did not allow external mortifications, those that could harm one’s health and the fulfilment of one’s duties.”

Michael Rua: “If it was true that Dominic did not fall into excesses he owed it to the vigilant attention that Don Bosco exercised on him, especially knowing his spirit of penance and the way he regulated his food and his rest.”

*How Don Bosco Helped Dominic to become a saint*

Giovanni B. Anfossi has testified under oath:

“I remember every evening, according to the custom of the Oratory, prayers were recited in common after which Don Bosco addressed a few words of advice to the youngsters and after that he would remain around to wish each of them a good night. At that time he took the opportunity to give a particular piece of advice to one, to help him to excel in virtue or a word of correction to another. All this caused much excitement among the 14 youngsters. It must be noted that Don Bosco, in a special way and with particular solicitude gave a word of advice to Dominic Savio and after this the boy would withdraw with deep recollection and silence and go to the dormi- tory. His deportment revealed the great importance that he gave to this suggestion and how he wished to profit from it.”

We get so much advice through sermons, or in the confessional or from some concerned relative or companion or colleague. God uses these unassuming means to communicate with us. Dominic realized that and cherished that. It stood him in good stead.

Novena to St. Dominic Savio - Day 9

COURAGE*

Dear St. Dominic, I am deeply impressed by your WISDOM​ in using every means to save your soul and the souls of others.  I admire your COURAGE​ in preferring death to a single mortal sin.  I need these two gifts very badly.  Help me to place the salvation of my soul above everything else.  Teach me to fight against the devil and my evil tendencies.  May I never weaken in my struggle and may I one day deserve your companionship in heaven.  Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be,

St Dominic Savio, Pray for us.

*Practice*: ​Conclude this Novena with a good confession and perfect Communion.  Consecrate yourself to Our Lady.

🙏😇🙏😇🙏😇

*PRAYER OF EXPECTANT MOTHERS*

Lord Jesus I bring to you with love the sweet hope that I carry within my womb.  You have given me the gift of this tiny living being within me.  I thank you for choosing me as your instrument of love.  As I wait in expectation, help me to surrender myself joyfully to your will.  Make my heart Pure, strong and generous.  To you I offer my preoccupation about what is to come, along with my fears, anxieties and expectations about the little creature which I do not as yet know fully.  Grant that the baby may be born healthy.  Keep every bodily illness away from my baby and above all preserve it from all spiritual harm.

O Mary, you who have experienced the ineffable joys of a holy motherhood, obtains for me a heart capable of transmitting life of ardent and living faith.  Sanctify my expectation; bless my joy-filled hope so that the fruit of my womb may grow in virtue and holiness with y0our prayers and the grace of your Son.  Amen.

🌹🌹🌹

Ninth day

‘Jesus said to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me shall never die. He who believes in me though he die, yet shall he live.”’ (Jn 11. 25, 26)

A City Street and the Road to Heaven

The streets of Turin were dark that night, lit up by a rare oil lamp here and there. As on other nights, Don Bosco was hunched over his writing table. Before him was a pile of letters awaiting a response and he was trying to get this done in the next couple of hours. But then, there was a gentle knock on the door:

- Come in, who is it?

- It’s me, - said Dominic – stepping in.

- Oh, Dominic, what are you doing out of bed at this hour?

- Quick, come with me, there’s good deed to be done.

- Now, at this hour of the night? Where are you taking me?

- Hurry up, Don Bosco, quick!

Don Bosco hesitated, but looking at Dominic Savio, a youngster, not yet 15 years old. He looked at him…the usually serene face was very serious. Even the way he spoke was as decisive as a command. Don Bosco got up, took his hat and followed him.

Dominic climbed up some precipitously steep stairs. He left a courtyard, slipped into another lane and then a third. He said nothing and paused nowhere. In that maze of dark streets he walked as if guided by radar. Along the road, there were doors after doors. Dominic stopped before one of them. He had not read the number neither did he look around to see if he was in the right place. He decided to take the stairs. Don Bosco simply followed him: the first floor, the second and then the third. Don Bosco stopped before a little door. Before anyone could open it he told Don Bosco:

- You should go in here.

Without another word he turned around and retuned home.

The door opened. There before him was a disheveled woman. Seeing a priest she raised her hands to heaven:

- It is the Lord who has sent you. Hurry, hurry, there’s no more time. My husband was a priest. He became a Protestant Pastor for the money. Now he is dying and asking for mercy and to make his Confession.

Don Bosco went in and comforted the dying man. He found the poor man on the point of despair.

He heard his Confession, reconciling him with God. A few minutes later the man was dead.

A few days went by. Don Bosco was still shaken by what had taken place. How could Dominic Savio have known about that sick man? He came just at the nick of time when no one could have expected. He asked:

- Dominic, that evening when you came to my office to call me, who told you about the sick man? How did you know?

Then something happened that Don Bosco didn’t expect. Dominic looked at him sadly and began to cry. Don Bosco did not dare to ask him any more questions, but understood that in his Oratory there was a boy to whom God was speaking to in mysterious and inexpressible ways.

A few months went by and God called Dominic to himself. A terrible cough tore at his lungs for several days. He had to return home to his family, where he was to spend his days and gently fade away.

It was the evening of March 9, 1857. Mrs Anastasia Molino, a neighbour of the Savio family was present at Dominic’s last moments and recounted her sworn testimony with these words:

“I saw Dominic often during his last illness. I never heard him utter a word of complaint. During the last moments his illness worsened and seeing his mother so distraught he consoled her saying:

- Mamma! Don’t cry, I’m going to heaven. He also said that he was going to see the Madonna and the saints. He died peacefully. Present around his bed were his mother, father and some of his neighbours.”

It was the night of March 9, 1857. Dominic was born a second time, to the life of Heaven.

Time for Reflection

Don Bosco wrote and spoke several times: “Death is a debt we all must pay. But after that God will give us a great reward for all the efforts we have sustained for his sake. At the end of life we will reap the fruit of our good works.”

Dominic Savio heard him say those words several times. And after his short life he truly met Jesus and thanked him for what he had done and Jesus crowned him with joy and peace. Today there is little talk of death. Many people are not only afraid of death but also of talking about it. This is not a Christian attitude: if we live under God’s gaze we will never be afraid of meeting him and receiving from him the reward for all the good we have done.

A Moment of Prayer

Saint Dominic Savio, Don Bosco taught you how to live and how to die well. Help me also to live beneath God’s gaze by doing good, so that whenever God calls me I too will receive the Father’s embrace.

Novena to St. Dominic Savio - Day 7 (May 3)

*HOLY COMMUNION*

Help me, dear St. Dominic, to realize the priceless treasure Jesus has given me in HOLY COMMUNION.  It is a treasure always open to me.  Why then, should I starve myself spiritually when God Himself makes it so easy for me to receive Him?  How foolish I’ve been in the past to keep putting off Holy Communion; I must not let it happen again, because it is the source of my happiness, and holiness.  Please, help me dear St. Dominic to grow in Eucharistic love.  Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be,

St Dominic Savio, Pray for us.

*Practice*: ​Receive Holy Communion.  Ask Jesus to keep your heart pure.

🌹🌹🌹

Seventh day

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13.34,35)

The Traits of a Soldier

“Preventing evil” is not always an easy thing. It takes courage and love. “Doing something positively good” is even more difficult. It takes courage and love; it also takes prudence, kindness and intelligence. Dominic tried it and it gradually learned it.

The way to and from prof. Bonzanino’s school to the Oratory and back was lined with a continuous parade of carriages and wagons and one often heard the screams, curses and even the blasphemies of carters.

Dominic’s companion saw him suddenly take off his cap and whisper a few words. He asked:

- What did you say?

- Did you hear that? Replied Dominic - That cart driver has just blasphemed. If I could get closer, I would tell him to stop, but I’m afraid it could get worse. So I said: Praised be Jesus Christ, to repair the offense against the Lord.

Another time, on entering via Barbaroux, Dominic heard a cart driver swearing like a Turk. At the third blasphemy he could bear it no longer and so he approached the man. He tried to smile and asked:

- Excuse me, can you show me the way to the Oratory of Don Bosco?

Before that smiling face, the big man broke off his string of curses and replied:

- I don’t really know, my boy, I’m sorry.

- So, could do me another favour?

- Happily, what’s that?

Dominic whispered:

- I would be very pleased, if, when you’re angry you don’t use such nasty curses.

The huge man was stunned; then he muttered:

- You are right. I’m an old blasphemer and that’s not good.

One morning the road was slushy because it had rained. Dominic was on his way to school with his companion when, over the din, he heard the sound of the Viaticum bell.

In those days, when the Eucharist was brought to some sick person as a comfort on his way to eternity, it was carried solemnly. A priest dressed in white walked under a small canopy, with the Host wrapped in an embroidered cloth. He would be accompanied by two altar boys carrying lighted candles and a bell. At that sound, Dominic along with the people present knelt down. But next to him was a soldier who remained rigid and impaled. Maybe he was afraid of getting his uniform dirty. Dominic then took out a white handkerchief from his pocket and spread it on the ground and with a smile invited the gentleman to kneel. The confused soldier knelt down too.

These incidents happened “outside” the Oratory. Some might ask but “inside the Oratory, among his companions did Dominic “do good”?

Don Bosco answered this question himself as he wrote the “Life” of Dominic immediately after his death. He declared: “Where there is a gathering so many youngsters there are usually some who are less educated, more ignorant, rude or afflicted with some illness that makes their companions shun them. Though it may not seem obvious, they do suffer being shunned and left alone. They are the most in need of friends, not the others. Well, these were Dominic Savio’s dearest friends. He approached them, kept them happy and encouraged them to join in the games…. If someone had matter he needed to confide to someone, Dominic was the one... If there was someone sick in the infirmary and a nurse requested, Dominic was always the most popular one.”

Time for Reflection

“To love others” is the second greatest commandment that Jesus gave us and it comes after the first: “Love God with all your strength above all else.” This love is rarely exercised in big things. It is manifested several times and in ordinary ways: clearing the table, making the beds, helping mummy clear out the garbage before going to pray, keeping company with someone who is sick, spending time chatting with a senior citizen, “making his day,” helping a classmate or a younger brother figure out a problem that he has not

understood. It sounds easy, however many of us let selfishness take over and others don’t care. It almost seems that we “don’t see them.” Do a little reflection: how many times yesterday have I thought of someone else? What do I want to concretely do, to get out of selfishness?

Moment of prayer

Saint Dominic Savio, you were able to overcome selfishness and think of others, being able to help them. Help me also to assist others in ordinary and hidden ways: in my family, school and my parish. Help me to observe the great “new commandment” that Jesus gave us.

Novena to St. Dominic Savio - Day 6 (May 2)

Sixth day

“As he who has called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct. Conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile.” (1 Pt, 15.17)

A “Saint” means being a “Real Christian”

By now, Dominic has been in the Oratory for six months. He had returned after the winter break and it was now spring and the playfields of the Oratory had tall grass growing in them and swallows were flying around.

During that spring of 1855 Dominic began to daydream.

This was how it went. On the first Sunday of April Don Bosco had given a talk to his boys: they were always beautiful sermons and everyone listened willingly to his lively and vivid narrations on topics that were easy to understand.

That Sunday Don Bosco spoke about holiness and he divided his talk into three points:

1) It is God’s will that we should be saints.

2) It is very easy to become a saint.

3) In heaven a great reward awaits those who become saints.

From that moment Dominic began to dream about holiness. He went up to Don Bosco and said: “I want to become a saint. But I don’t know what to do, how should I behave?”

Don Bosco smiled. Dominic was already well on the way to holiness, even if he was unaware of it. He told him:

- When your mom wants to bake a cake she takes three things (flour, eggs and butter) and mixes them well together. If you want to become a saint you have to mix well three things in your life.

Here they are:

First: Cheerfulness. Whatever disturbs you and robs you of your peace does not come from the Lord; this is not the cheerfulness of scoundrels but the joy that comes from being at peace with God and with others

Second: your duty of study and prayer. Attention in school, commitment to study, commitment to prayer. None of this is done out of pride or to receive the praise of others but out of love for the Lord and to become a real man.

Third: help others. Always help your companions even at the cost of sacrifice. That’s holiness.

Being “holy” means becoming a “true Christian.” And a “real” Christian is one who knows Jesus and loves him and tries to live like him.

Dominic thought about the above. It was fine doing one’s duty towards God and towards one’s studies; that seemed to be okay. But there was a third thing that had to be “mixed well together” was “helping others to be good.”

That was really necessary. In those days Don Bosco had no helpers to help to keep the youngsters cheerful in the playground and away from danger and bad talk. In addition, the playground at the Oratory was in the open countryside and those who wished to get in, even to hurt the boys, had only to pass through the gate which Don Bosco often left open.

One day, at the height of the recreation a well-dressed gentleman appeared at the edge of the playground with a walking stick and a bowler hat. He eyed a group of youngsters and resolutely walked towards them. While some were beginning to look at him cautiously and out of curiosity he began talking loudly and attracting the attention of those who were playing further afield.

Within minutes he had around him a small crowd. The distinguished gentleman then began to have a real conversation with them speaking ill about the Pope, priests and Religion. Dominic Savio reached the group. He was listening and he made his way to get right under the nose of that distinguished gentlemen. Then he turned and faced his

companions and shouted:

- Come along! Don’t you see this unfortunate gentleman wants to steal your souls? Let’s go play and leave him alone!

One day a youngster happened to bring to the Oratory an illustrated magazine with indecent pictures in it. Very soon two or three others gathered around him and then others joined in and looked on and laughed.

Dominic was passing by and he came up. He made his way to the centre and snatched the magazine from the owner’s hand and tore it up. The youngster wanted to protest but Dominic did not give him time, he protested first.

- This is not acceptable! This is so wrong. Indecent stuff like this mustn’t enter our house! Don Bosco spends his life for us and he helps us to study and you bring into the house these ‘things’! Aren’t you ashamed?

- But he just laughed.

- Do you want to go to hell laughing?

- But in the end, what’s wrong?

Dominic became serious:

- Do you not find looking at these things harmful? It only means that you are used to looking at them.

No one dared protest. They all went back to their games while the wind dispersed the shreds of the magazine across the countryside.

Time for Reflection

Don Bosco taught his boys: “Jesus is our model, our life, our example in everything.” Dominic Savio had taken these words seriously. He had taken Jesus as his model and become a real Christian, a saint.

Since Dominic was still very young and did not know the whole Gospel, Don Bosco gave him a formula for holiness (that is for living real Christianity) that was very simple for a boy to understand the whole Gospel: joy that is born of peace with God and with others; fidelity to one’s duty of study and prayer; doing good to others. This is a formula that’s good for you too. Would you want to try to apply this in your life?

Moment of prayer

Saint Dominic Savio, you became a saint in no time, a true Christian. Help me also to know and love Jesus and take him as my model throughout life even in difficult times.

*CONFESSION*

Dear St Dominic, help me to convince myself that CONFESSION is the Sacrament of God’s love.  No matter how bad I may have been, Jesus is waiting for me in the secrecy of the confessional, ready to forgive me.  Teach me to confess my sins properly, humbly, sincerely with a true purpose of amendment.  Like you, may I profit by my confessor’s advice to avoid the occasions of sin and to grow in holiness and sanctity.  Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be,

St Dominic Savio, Pray for us.

*Practice*: ​Prepare to make a good confession.