Today we celebrate the birthday of Don Bosco and we begin our journey of preparation for the bicentennial celebration of Don Bosco’s birth which will be celebrated on August 16, 2015.

Just before Don Bosco’s death, he said “Do not ever forget these three things: devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and devotion to the Holy Father!” On January 31, 1888, Don Bosco’s worn-out body finally returned to its creator. Don Bosco left a legacy. His ideals, his spirit, his constant activity lives on through his sons and daughters. On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1934, Pope Pius XI declared Don Bosco a saint. As for himself, Don Bosco would say, “I have been an instrument in the hands of Mary. She has done everything. Had I been a worthier instrument, I would have accomplished a great deal more.”