The Venerable Don Bosco, the Apostle of Youth/Chapter XX
CHAPTER XX
THE SALESIAN CO-OPERATORS
The Society of Salesian Co-operators was canonically established by a brief of May 9, 1876, in which Pius IX sets forth its holy purpose; and in order "that the Society may progress from day to day," he confers upon it singular spiritual favors and copious indulgences. To ensure a claim to these benefits and to a participation in all the Masses and prayers of Salesian missionaries, nuns and lay-brothers throughout the world, the conditions will appear easy, since one need be only a practical Catholic in the true sense. Members may inscribe their names at any Salesian house; and these are all written in the original register at the mother-house in Turin. They are to approach the Sacraments frequently, make the practice for a happy death monthly, if possible, and strive to advance in Christian virtue. They are expected to help destitute children to the extent of their means, and to use their influence that others may contribute to this sacred charity so dear to the Heart of Jesus, who said: "Suffer the little children to come unto Me"; and again, "As long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it unto Me."
The associates are to have a loving devotion to Our Lady, Help of Christians, the distinctive badge of the Salesian Co-operators, to pray fervently for one another, and to contribute toward the maintenance of the Salesian missions by a monthly or yearly offering. Among their works of charity are catechetical instructions to children, the fostering of religious and priestly vocations, and the diffusion of good Catholic literature in homes.
An annual conference of the Co-operators is held in every Salesian center on January 29th, the feast of their holy patron, St. Francis of Sales, and the best sacred orators have felt it an honor to address their distinguished and zealous hearers on that day during the splendid functions of the Solemn Pontifical Mass. Moreover, great Congresses of three days have long been in vogue in Turin, Italy, in Buenos Ayres, S. A., and in other centers, where vital questions are discussed and the ripe experiences of the most capable and influential members of the three Orders are communicated for the betterment and increased succes of their holy enterprises. At these conventions some of the highest dignitaries of the Church preside, and take an active and interested part in the proceedings of the various sessions.
The Salesian Bulletin is the official organ of the Salesian Co-operators; it is edited at the mother-house, Turin, Italy, 32 Via Cottolengo; translated into eight different languages, it has a circulation of more than three hundred thousand copies. The magazine is sent regularly to all the operators in order to keep them in touch with the happenings in the widespread Salesian institutes and missions; its editorials are masterly, and its records and biographical notices are full of edification, instruction, charm and interest.
Don Bosco, in the fullness of his heart, addressed a letter yearly to his beloved Co-operators, a mark of courtesy and affection which he enjoined upon his successors. These letters seem like a breath from the spirit of God, overflowing with divine charity, heartfelt gratitude, and paternal benedictions on their generosity, yet not without burning appeals for their continued assistance: while he promises the overflow of God's bounty upon them and their families in spiritual graces and temporal benefits. In one letter to his fellow-laborers, using as a text our Saviour's words: "Make unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity, that when you shall fail they may receive you into everlasting dwellings," he said, "Who are these friends that shall receive you into the abode of the blessed? These friends are the numerous children rescued from perdition and saved by your charity—Christians and converted pagans—infants of infidels, baptised and become angels in paradise—parents of children, now in their arms in heaven, reclaimed from vice to virtue—the angel guardians of souls already admitted through your care, or who will be—the saints, joyous at their augmented number, thanks to you. Finally, these friends are God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and the Blessed Virgin, whom you will have caused to be known, loved and glorified on earth."
One of the most beautiful and affecting human documents I have ever read is "The Last Will and Testament of Don Bosco," addressed to Salesian Co-operators, which I quote in entirety in a later chapter. I would that every reader of mine in perusing these few pages would lay deeply to heart the beautiful lessons contained in this dying memorial of gratitude and love.
Leo XIII said one day to Don Bosco: "Every time you speak to the Co-operators tell them that I bless them from my heart; that their scope must be to place a barrier against the evils that beset youth, and they should form but one heart and soul to aid in gaining the ends which the Society of St. Francis of Sales proposes to itself." And who knew better the needs of our times and had a more intimate knowledge of parochial work than our late beloved Pontiff, Pius X? In one of his letters cor ad cor to Don Rua, the second Superior General, he wrote: "I most fervently hope that this association of Salesian Co-operators will spread its organization every day, so that it may exert its influence in every village and town, and that through the zeal of the Bishops the spirit of the founder of the Salesians may live and flourish, and the number of his followers continually increase."