GOD’S DREAM IN OUR LIFE
Dear friends,
This year, the 9th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians will be held at Fatima, from 29th August to 1st September 2024, and the theme will be: "I will give you the teacher", in line with the Strenna of the Rector Major, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco's dream at the age of 9.
The importance of Mary as a teacher in Salesian spirituality is manifested in a very special way in the story of St. John Bosco's dream at the age of nine, which touched him deeply and guided him in his spiritual and pastoral path throughout his life. This dream-prophecy also sheds light on our journey, preparing for the Congress at Fatima.
It is undoubtedly appropriate to recall a part of the story in which Jesus presents Mary as ‘the teacher’, because it is from these words that the reflections will be made.
- “Who are you that command me what is impossible?
- Precisely because such things seem impossible to you, you must make them possible by obedience and the acquisition of knowledge.
- Where, by what means shall I acquire knowledge?
- I will give you the teacher, under whose guidance you can become wise, and without whom all wisdom becomes foolishness.
- But who are you who speak thus?
- I am the son of her whom your mother taught you to greet three times a day.
- My mother tells me not to associate with those I do not know without her permission. Therefore, tell me your name.
- My name, ask my mother.
At that moment, I saw beside him a woman of majestic appearance, clothed in a mantle, shining on all sides, as if every point of it were a shining star. As I became more and more confused in my questions and answers, he beckoned me to approach her, took me kindly by the hand and said:
- Look.
- As I looked, I saw that those children had all fled, and in their place, I saw a multitude of kids, dogs, bears and several other animals.
- Here is your field; here is where you must work. Make yourself humble, strong and robust: and what you see happening to these animals at this moment, you must do for my children."
The meeting begins with a challenging question: "Who are you, that you should command me an impossible thing?" This question serves as the gateway to a journey into wisdom, where the figure of Mary is revealed as the key to unlocking the seemingly impossible. From the perspective of this revelatory dialogue, the depth and relevance of Mary as teacher will be explored.
The first indication comes from Jesus, Shepherd and guide: “Precisely because such things seem impossible to you, you must make them possible through obedience and the acquisition of knowledge”. All teachings flow ‘from the Master’. Obedience is presented as the key that opens the door to knowledge, manifesting the importance of the intimate link between humility and knowledge, suggesting that effective learning requires not only the active pursuit of knowledge, but also the willingness to submit oneself to the guidance of a teacher. Mary is presented in this context not only as the Teacher who teaches, but also shows the way to understanding through humility, of which she is also an example.
"Where, by what means can I acquire knowledge?" is a question that reveals a thirst in John Bosco for knowledge that resonates in his heart. The answer, enigmatic and divine, points to Mary as the dispenser under whose discipline wisdom will be attained. Mary thus becomes the link between little John and the very source of knowledge, Jesus, a knowledge guided by Mary, much deeper than ordinary knowledge, since the ultimate goal will be to attain wisdom, the gift of the Spirit.
The intrigue intensifies when John seeks to know the identity of the one who speaks to him so enigmatically. "My name, ask my mother," he replies. This beautiful revelation adds a further layer to Mary's importance as a teacher, as she is also presented as a 'Mother' with a connection to the divine, thus offering her teaching as sacred and transcendental. The secret of this man's name undoubtedly invites little John to explore the relationship with the transcendental, to recognise that wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge, but a spiritual connection with the very source of being, and it is here that Mary-Mother plays a very important role.
The description of Mary as a majestic figure, clothed in a shining robe, adds a celestial dimension to her importance as a teacher. The mantle shining like stars suggests that her teaching illuminates minds just as the stars illuminate the darkness of the night sky. Mary is not just the teacher who provides information; she is the source of a wisdom that illuminates the path, dispelling the darkness of ignorance.
John Bosco is led to a particular moment of revelation when Mary invites him to "look". This act of looking reveals a profound transformation. The aggressive children disappear, making way for a multitude of tame and tranquil animals. This change symbolises a metamorphosis, indicating that, under Mary's tutelage, the worldview is transformed. The field becomes the stage for John to work on, indicating that Mary's teaching is not just an abstraction, but an instruction to be transformed into reality. "Here is your field, here is where you must work. Make yourself humble, strong, robust...". Mary's words indicate a call to action. Mary not only guides in the intellectual sphere, but also instructs in the practice of wisdom. The instruction to become humble, strong and robust indicates that her teaching is a process, a path of inner transformation, a life project for the good of oneself and others.
Thus, in preparation for and during this Congress, an invitation is made to allow oneself to be enveloped by the words and guidance of Mary, our Mother and Teacher. From unravelling the impossible to highlighting the link between humility and knowledge, Mary emerges as a guide who not only imparts information, but leads those who allow themselves to be taught by her to a deeper connection with the divine. Ultimately, the importance of Mary, the Teacher, lies in her ability to illuminate the path to spiritual realisation, inviting us not only to seek wisdom, but to live it. Mary, the divine teacher, becomes the compass that directs us towards the good, revealing what seems impossible and guiding us towards a deeper understanding of the purpose of existence.
To prepare us for this important moment, a training course is being organised, and the proposed materials can be found on the ADMA website, www.admadonbosco.org/adma-on-line.
Information about the event can be found on the Congress website,
As Mary guided and taught the three shepherd children of Fatima the horror of sin and the beauty of virtue, as she guided John Bosco throughout his life on a path of obedience and humility, may she also guide the Salesian Family to this Congress which is imminent. Under his protection and guided by his hand, we too want to realise God's dream in our lives.
Fr Gabriel Cruz Trejo, Sdb, Spiritual Animator ADMA Valdocco.
Renato Valera, ADMA Valdocco President
