One of the most important aspects of reflecting on founders or influencers, is to see where they came from. What was the place like? How did their families influence them? Is there a special 'feel' about the place? As members of the Salesian family, there is a wonderful experience to be had when you visit Valdocco. Praying at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, and touring the extensive facilities for young people, makes you aware of the simplicity of the Pinardi Shed. It is on this busy Turin street that the global Salesian began. However, I feel that there is something even more special when one goes up onto the Piedmont Hills and visit the tiny village of Becchi. It was here that John Bosco was born and received that great family support that was to be a hallmark of his ministry. In poverty and hardship, the young John learnt how to survive in the most difficult of circumstances. It was in this simple farmhouse that John had the dream that would shape his life. In walking through the ring village, now dominated by the large Salesian church and residential centre, one can be very much in touch with Salesian charism of 'bonta' or kindness. In his dream, John was told quite clearly by the 'beautiful lady' that the only way to win difficult and disruptive adolescents over was to show true kindness—a kindness that respected their individuality, while challenging their behaviour. In the Becchi and Valdocco, we come face to face with the idealism of Don Bosco—there is a strong sense that one stands on holy ground. Salesian Sisters experience a similar feeling as they enter Mornese. As you sit at the open window of the Mazzarello family home, gazing onto the parish church, you can share the contemplative charism that moved Mary Dominica to give her life in the service of the young. There is something very special in sharing such a simple moment. As one is connected with the founders in such a unique, almost mystical way.

I expect that if you talk to Franciscans then they would share similar feelings when they visit Assisi. There is something powerful when one returns to a place of significance in our lives: for my own father, it was visiting the graves of our ancestors. These regular pilgrimages to tiny burial plots across Ireland helped us to appreciate where we had come from. It helped us, as a family, to see that we were not alone, and that we were part of a rich and varied tradition.

May 2023 saw me join a group of Salesians from across our Province in a pilgrimage to Annecy and the places associated with Francis de Sales. The wise Bishop, Doctor of the Church, and patron saint of journalists was born and ministered in this beautiful area of France, now bordered by Switzerland and Italy. Having taken many school holidays to the region during my teaching career, I thought I knew the area fairly well. Nothing could be further from the truth: through the insights and reflections of our retreat preacher, John Dickson SDB, I discovered so much more about the saint who has given us our Salesian name.

The picture that accompanies these notes is very special to me, as it captures the importance of Francis' birthplace in Thorens. The light steaming through the open door of his parish church of St Maurice is symbolic of his baptism and episcopal ordination. Francis grew up here in an area noted for its strength and independence. For centuries they stood against powerful enemies—even the power of the Nazi regime could not penetrate this region of pastoral and secluded valleys, protected by sheer mountains. A premature and sickly child, Francis was brought to this parish church to be baptised. Supported by a strong family and an excellent education, he went on to become a priest to serve a region divided by the horrors of the reformation. His gentle pastoral approach to his ministry was coupled with a strong sense of justice and right, and could lead him to proclaim that there was:

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.

It was in this simple parish church that Francis was ordained as the Bishop of Geneva in 1602. The religious and political divide of this time meant that he could not take up residence in the beautiful city on the banks of Lake Leman, rather setting up a home and a cathedral in the city of Annecy. Taking the First Letter of St John to heart, Francis saw that 'God is love'—a message needed in these times every bit as much as in the fractured reformation period. As the presiding bishop laid hands on him, as he was made a bishop, Francis had a vision of God reaching out to him. The Trinity of love would help him to bring light to the darkened places. This was especially true in his missionary journeys to the Chamblais and to the court of the French King, Henry V: he brought that trademark resilience, tempered by pastoral care and gentleness. As I wandered in Haute-Savoie, guided by John's own gentle approach, I realised just how much I owed to this saint. He inspired Don Bosco to make the dream he had as a nine-year-old in the Becchi, a living reality. As we visited ancient chateaus and medieval churches, I came to appreciate the need for his approach in modern ministry. I also realise just how blessed I am to share this pilgrimage with men, young and old, who share the conviction of St Francis de Sales and Don Bosco in our British province. Our communities, youth ministry in parishes, youth centres and schools continue to be inspired and in need of that live-giving light and love of the Holy Trinity whose feast we celebrate in these days. My pilgrimage has helped me see Francis beyond the great basilica of the Visitation, towering majestically above Lake Annecy. I recognise, with Pope Francis, a saint that speaks to our times in a universal language of love:

Francis was the fine "interpreter" of his time, who, in a new way, had a thirst for God, and was an extraordinary director of souls, capable of helping people seek the Lord in their hearts and find Him in love…in reflecting on the legacy of Saint Francis de Sales for our time, we find a flexibility and his far-sighted vision that enlightens our Church…We are challenged to be a Church that is outward-looking and free of all worldliness, even as we live in this world, share people's lives and journey with them in attentive listening and acceptance. That is what Francis de Sales did when he discerned the events of his times with the help of God's grace. Today his bidding sets aside undue concern for ourselves, for our structures and for what society thinks about us and consider instead the real spiritual needs and expectations of our people.

Author: Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

Image: © Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy/Salesians