Well, the first month of the year is now in history's journals. However, on this last day of the month ... when many annual resolutions are probably forgotten ... we celebrate the feast of a saint who knew resolve: St. John Bosco. In the first reading today, http://www.usccb.org/nab/, Paul brings to our minds a word that many eschew in our culture: discipline. For Paul, and John Bosco, the word had a positive significance. Discipline is the formation instrument of any formation. Strange isn't it for those of us who somewhat older: so often we find personal discipline difficult but willingly and easily try to teach younger folks its importance. Have we forgotten its personal value or does growing older interfere with formation??? Bosco was know for his formation of youth. He saw needs for spiritual as well as physical formation. For students in his schools workshops that fostered skills were important. In his work he rejected corporal punishment ... unlike many of his contemporaries ... because he believed that the crises of life were God's positive discipline that would help develop a stronger faith. In doing this, Bosco tried to teach all that God was present in all our actions making them holy. To Fr. Ivan Sibalic, the Croatian Salesian priest living with us and caring for the Croatian community in DC, we can join in his celebration of the founder of the religious community to which he and Fr. Damir have given their lives. Happy Feast Day, Fr. Ivan!
