FINALITÀ
To provide the students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Salesian Spirituality, that is, the spirituality of St Francis de Sales and of St John Bosco.
“We must have a deep knowledge of Don Bosco’s spirituality and also live it. A knowledge of the external aspects of Don Bosco’s life and activities and of his method of education is not enough. At the foundation of everything, as the source of the fruitful results of his actions and activities, there is something we may often overlook: his deep spiritual experience, what we might call his familiarity with God.” [CHAVEZ P., ACG N. 394]
ARGOMENTI
1. Guidelines from the Congregation
a. General Chapter 26
b. General Chapter 27
c. Constitutions & General Regulations
2. Definitions of Spirituality
a. Universal definition
b. Christian definition
3. Spirituality of St Francis de Sales
a. Biography of St Francis de Sales
b. Some of the main themes of the saint’s spirituality
4. Influence of St Francis de Sales and his spirituality on the life and spirituality of St John Bosco
a. St Francis de Sales and Don Bosco’s pastoral spirit
b. Historical and spiritual salesian connection
c. Optimism and Joy (C17)
5. Spirituality of St John Bosco
a. Principal sources and models of the saint’s spirituality
b. Biographies of Dominic Savio, Michael Magone, & Francis Besucco as special sources of the saint’s spirituality for young people
c. Some of the main themes of the saint’s spirituality and his concerns in his ministry as spiritual director of the young
6. Concluding comments
a. Don Bosco’s motto (C 4)
b. Salesian Spirituality & Salesian Youth Ministry (C 2, C 3, C 21)
7. Knowledge of Don Bosco as a person (C 21) Guidelines from the Congregation
a. General Chapter 26
b. General Chapter 27
c. Constitutions & General Regulations
8. Definitions of Spirituality
a. Universal definition
b. Christian definition
9. Spirituality of St Francis de Sales
a. Biography of St Francis de Sales
b. Some of the main themes of the saint’s spirituality
10. Influence of St Francis de Sales and his spirituality on the life and spirituality of St. John Bosco
a. St Francis de Sales and Don Bosco’s pastoral spirit
b. Historical and spiritual salesian connection
c. Optimism and Joy (C17)
11. Spirituality of St John Bosco
a. Principal sources and models of the saint’s spirituality
b. Biographies of Dominic Savio, Michael Magone, & Francis Besucco as special sources of the saint’s spirituality for young people
c. Some of the main themes of the saint’s spirituality and his concerns in his ministry as spiritual director of the young
12. Concluding comments
a. Don Bosco’s motto (C 4)
b. Salesian Spirituality & Salesian Youth Ministry (C 2, C 3, C 21)
c. Knowledge of Don Bosco as a person (C 21)
Learning Outcomes:
• Students will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the sources and points of reference of the spirituality of Don Bosco, viz. the models of holiness that influenced him, particularly that of St. Francis of Sales, and the principal elements of Don Bosco’s spirituality.
TESTI
Aubry, J. The Spiritual Writings of Saint John Bosco. New York, Salesiana Publications, 1984.
_____. The Renewal of our Salesian Life. vol. 2, New York, Salesiana Publications, 1984.
Bosco, G. Memoirs of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales. New York: Salesiana Publications, 1989.
Ceria E. Don Bosco with God. Nairobi: Salesiana Publications, 2008.
Cornell, W.C. Don Bosco: Spiritual Director of Young People. Manila: Salesiana Publishers, 1986.
Corrignan, F. The Spirituality of Francis de Sales: A Way of Life. Bangalore: sFs. Publications, 1992.
Desramaut, F. Don Bosco and the Spiritual Life. New York, Salesiana Publications, 1979.
Lenti, A. Don Bosco: History and Spirit. Rome: LAS, 2012.
McDonnell, E. God Desires You. Dublin: Colunba Press, 2003.
Power, J.F. Francis de Sales: Finding God Wherever You Are. New York: New city Press, 2002.
Stella, P. Don Bosco: Religious Outlook and Spirituality. New York: Salesiana Publications, 1995.
_____. Various articles in the Journal of Salesian Studies. Berkeley, California: Institute of Salesian Studies.