You Know You're in Don Bosco When...

A Bosconian will always think of Don Bosco (I am referring to the school, Parish, or Youth Center) as a home. It is our one and true home as a Bosconian. And whether you are a Bosconian from a certain Don Bosco setting and you chanced to visit a different one, you cannot but still feel a sense of kinship. This is an experience of mine in my trips to different Don Bosco settings. I began to wonder why there is always a sense of affinity as I go from one Don Bosco setting to the other. After much careful musings, I think I was able to realize why. Different Don Bosco settings share similar characteristics and it is so effective in forming young people to be good Christians and honest citizens.

So my dear friends, you know you're in Don Bosco when…

1. There is a big and open space

The reason behind the big and open space is for Bosconians to be able to run, jump, shout, and make noise. Bosconians need a big space so that they can enjoy themselves and enjoy the company of others. In this big open space, Bosconians can just play around and be busy with many worthwhile activities. Through these many activities that they do, they are able to avoid committing any form of sin. As you can see, this big open space is more than just a big open space, it is an opportunity to grow in holiness.

2. There are inspirational messages and reminders that can be seen around

Whether it is a wall, a pillar, or a bulletin board, you will definitely see messages or reminders around. Usually they are in big bold letters. They serve as a reminder for Bosconians to do their best at the right time and at the right place. They are also reminders on the best ways in which we can be holy.

3. There are statues and images of the Blessed Mother

Don Bosco himself did say, "have devotion to Mary Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are." Aside from that he also said that every boy who comes to any Salesian setting is brought there by the blessed mother. The many images of the blessed mother in a Don Bosco setting serves as a symbol of the great love that we Bosconians have for the blessed mother. We cannot deny it. We are certified mama's boy/ girl.

4. There are young people running to and fro

What's a place of Don Bosco if it is not filled with young people? Don Bosco is a safe haven for young people where they can be themselves and grow into becoming a better version of themselves. Young people in Don Bosco are a joyful and happy bunch since it is a common fact that becoming a saint is by being happy.

5.  There is a church accessible to everyone

At the center of everything is the church/ chapel. It will never be a Don Bosco setting without one. This is a very pivotal characteristic of every Don Bosco setting because this is the very reason why we are Bosconians, we should be led or we should lead ourselves to Christ. The presence of a church should make us close to Jesus and love him more in the blessed sacrament. It's very typical to see Bosconians visiting the chapel in the morning as they arrive and visiting once again in the afternoon before going home.

So there you have it. Don Bosco is our home. I know that you know that these are the things that make our home truly a home. More than anything else, we should be open to Don Bosco's teachings if we truly want to be what Don Bosco dreamt for all of us and that is to be good Christians and honest citizens.

P.S. The pictures that you have seen above are the different areas of Don Bosco College-Canlubang, a place so dear to my heart.

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