“…that they are aware that they are loved” - Saint John Bosco
1815–1888
Patron Saint of apprentices, boys, editors, laborers, magicians, students
Canonized by Pope Pius XI on April 1, 1934
The Church celebrates Saint John Bosco’s feast day on January 31. Popularly known as Don Bosco, this 19th-century saint is esteemed as a model of joy and care of youth. The way he loved the children in his care has been taken as an example by his devotees and members of Religious communities devoted to his work.
“It’s not enough to love the children, it is necessary that they are aware that they are loved” Saint John Bosco proclaimed. We hear often that we must love one another, we must practice Christian charity. We learn each day how hard this is. Saint John Bosco urges us to renew our commitment to love.
There are many ways to show people love. We all give and receive love in different ways. If we set our intention as the well-being of the other, actions follow naturally. We must aim to show our love, not prove our love. There are a thousand unique, creative ways to do this. It does not need to be anything extravagant or even noticeable. It may be holding a door for someone, warming up the car, writing a note to remind a friend they are thought of, or letting someone know they are worth your time. Over time, little acts of love like this become a habit and then a way of life.
We must trust John Bosco that it is not enough to simply say “I love you” with no intention or action to show it. As faith without works is dead (James 2:17), love without intention and action is stale (at best). He made the children aware that they are loved. He expected nothing in return. And he loved them all. With no conditions. Love like this, coupled with a Sacramental life, transforms us into images of God.
How can we make our loved ones aware that they are loved? What do we have to give? And how might they desire to receive our love?
Saint John Bosco, teach us how to make others “aware that they are loved.”
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