[This is a repeat post from the past. I am reposting it here, with some addition info at the bottom because EWTN will air the first part of a movie on Saint John Bosco which is among my favorites... catch it if you can. I'm sure it is probably broken up into two parts].
Edit: Part 2 is airing tonite, so I would recommend watching it another time when you can see the first part. Do read my review below.
I can't remember when I last sat down to watch a movie. Normally, my day consists of work (job), prayer, managing my house, assisting my elderly mother, and endless "Grotto projects" including this blog. Ideally, I like to read before going to bed, but I needed a change in routine and borrowed a movie on the life of Don Bosco from the Grotto Giftshop (yes, they loan out movies - just ask).
This movie was outstanding. It was in Italian (with English subtitles, or dubbed English) and actor Flavio Insinna did an outstanding job. I had no idea the movie was over 3 hours long. I just remember getting up once at the intermission and diving right back into it.
It is an incredible story - the life of Don Bosco, who founded the Salesians. His profound charity is worth examining for our daily life. If you want to see how to deal with adversity, watch this movie because he had plenty of challenges in just trying to provide a home for homeless and deliquent boys. Some of those challenges were coming from the government while others from the local Church.
The movie also introduces us to important characters in the history of the oratory founded by Saint John Bosco and the Salesians, among whom is Saint Dominic Savio (pictured at right). Many other young men were inspired to pursue holiness in daily life and his oratory yielded many priests, religious, and secular order vocations. The heroic level to which the boys lived their lives through the inspiration and teachings of Don Bosco leaves us with much to contemplate and learn from. The importance of holy obedience is visible, but charity is at the forefront. I found myself thinking how interiorly, I was reacting like the boys in certain situations - wanting to confront the offenders, only to find myself humbled by the lessons this saint taught. I highly recommend watching the movie tonight, and/or buying or renting this movie.
I have also read the Forty Dreams of Saint John Bosco. This is a fantasic read. I am currently reading the kindle version of the Life of Saint Dominic Savio by Don Bosco. These books, and the movie can be purchased by following the links in the carousel widget below.
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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!
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