We Are Salesian - Priests & Brothers
The Salesians of Don Bosco are a worldwide organization founded by St. John Bosco, the second largest Catholic religious order in the world! Following are a listing of some of our key traits as Salesians. (Source: Const. Arts:10-20)
- A special concern for the welfare of young people wherever we are.
- Loving kindness and a welcoming attitude – lived out in openness, cordiality, readiness to make the first approach and to put others at ease with our friendship, respect and patience.
- Optimism and Joy. There is no place for discouragement in the face of difficulties, but a calm and serene acceptance of whatever is good.
- Work and temperance or learning how to balance tireless energy and hard work with simplicity and moderation. It also means knowing how to control the promptings of the heart in order to remain even-tempered and serene.
- Acceptance of daily routine with cheerfulness. “Here we make sanctity consist in doing our duty cheerfully.”
- Creativity and flexibility - hallmarks of Salesian presence in our works among the young.
- A realistic perspective on life coupled with our attentiveness to the promptings of the Spirit manifested through the signs of the times.
- Our educative method - ‘The Preventive System’ – is a system based entirely on reason, religion and loving kindness, a unique spiritual and educational experience of working with and through the young for their and our salvation.
- Deep trust in God and a constant listening to His will are the spiritual foundations of our work. In this way we strive to keep alive our collaboration in God’s creative and loving action in history.
Priests
A Salesian priest is called to be a sign of Christ the Good Shepherd. A large number of Salesians have felt the call to priesthood. Working together with the Salesian Brother, the Salesian Priest is ordained to serve the needs of the young to whom he is sent. His greatest gift is to bring them the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
He is, above all, their teacher in the faith of the Catholic Church. As a spiritual leader to their generation, the Salesian Priest is specifically trained to 'tune in' to the needs and interests of the young and he pays attention to their particular craving for understanding, love and guidance. Always young at heart, he becomes their friend!
Fr. Dominic Danh Tran (center) cleaning up after dinner with a group of Novices.
It is a common sight to find a Salesian priest in all kinds of recreational settings with theyoung, involved in their leisure activities and helping them to prepare for the future through a solid Christian education with values that will last a lifetime.
He helps young people develop a spiritual life, so as to become integral parts of the local church. The Salesian priest brings the church to the young through his presence in schools, parishes, youth centers, retreat houses, and in any worthwhile activity in which young people can be found.
Brothers
The Salesian Brothers commit themselves to follow the call of Christ who welcomes the young and the poor in their midst. As a vowed member of the Salesian community, each Brother brings his own talents, gifts and personality to the service of the Church. He shares the Gospel message of hope and life with the young to whom he ministers. He joins other professed Salesian priests, brothers and sisters, in the vision and the meaning of life in a community setting. Living as members of the Salesian Family, they contribute responsibilities, talents and ministry experiences to help serve and educate the young of the world.
Brother Minh Dang passing the time with neighborhood kids in South Orange, NJ.As a Salesian, the Brother is first and foremost an educator, dedicated by vow to the overall advancement of the young and working class people. Through ministry at church, in a school, or on a playground, the Brother reaches out and teaches the young through music and drama, art and technology, sports and education, counseling or the communications media. Yet the list of what Brothers do is as limitless as their talents and the needs of the young they are called by the Gospel and their vows to serve. As a member of the Salesian community, the brother receives his mission from the Church and from Don Bosco. In doing this, he lives out his baptismal calling.
Lay members of the Salesian Society bring the Gospel convincingly to places where priests might not go. In technical education, in crisis centers, in inner city playgrounds, and in guidance, the Salesian Brother easily identifies with the lives of the young, and is called to help them experience and respond to the love of Christ.
As a witness of faith, a Salesian Brother is one who recognizes the goodness and the value of the young he is called to serve. He is a man acting as a sign of God's love for the young.