Reflection
The Holy Spirit spoke to Don Bosco through many different means, including dreams. As a nine year old boy, the Spirit revealed to him the scope and purpose of his life: to teach the young the ugliness of sin (life outside the life giving power of the Spirit) and the beauty of virtue (a life crafted in response to the Spirit's promptings).
To the young, the poor and the abandoned of Turin’s Industrial revolution, the Holy Spirit sent Don Bosco to stir up new flames of hope from the ashes of despair, to breathe transforming dignity into places of shame, and to enkindle a network of meaningful relationships through education, faith formation and responsible social service. Thus, generations were freed from the bleak, dehumanizing cycle of poverty and exploitation… and the ever-expanding Salesian family was born.
In apostolic times, the Holy Spirit commissioned Christian disciples to become witnesses of the Lord, even to the ends of the earth. That same Spirit would inspire Don Bosco to send Salesian missionaries beyond Italy to every continent on the planet. Ever since November 11, 1875, Salesian missionaries have brought the Gospel to every continent, to peoples awaiting the Springtime of Divine Love, inviting them to join the symphony of joy and optimism that comes through knowledge of Christ and active membership in his Body, the Church.
Summary of latest Covid guidelines from the Archbishop
Face coverings are strongly recommended for everyone attending services. There should be the opportunity to sanitise hands before and after entry into church. There should be a return to the normal mode of celebrating Mass and other liturgies though Holy Communion will remain under one kind only (The Sacred Host). There is no longer any need for social distancing. Good ventilation should continue. Holy Water, the sign of peace and use of hymn books can be restored.
Funeral
The funeral Mass for Mary Dunne will take place here in St James’ on Thursday 3rd February at 10am. Please pray for the repose of Mary’s soul and the comfort of the family.