Sunday, January 4, 2009

How Saint John Bosco handled insults and praise

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Saint John Bosco once had a letter praising him from the bishop of Spoleto read to a group of friends over dinner. 

Father Francesia asked:

- Don't you get vain from all the praise?

- No.  I'm used to hearing all kinds of things.  It's the same to me to read a letter full of insults or praise.  When I get a letter of praise like this one I compare it with the insults I've received and think:

How off base are the judgments of men.  Men can say what they will, but I am what I am before God.

(Source: Marquês Felipe Crispolti, "Dom Bosco", Salesiana, SP, 1945)

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