Catholic Schools Week and St. John Bosco

How perfect!  We are celebrating the feast of St. John Bosco during Catholic Schools Week!  Saint John, who lived in the 19th century, was an amazing advocate of educating children in all areas of their lives, including spiritually.  Rejecting corporal punishment, Saint John advocated treating children with love and respect, and giving them frequent access to the Sacraments, especially Eucharist and Reconciliation.  In a letter that he wrote, Saint John gives encouragement and inspiration to all of us who are involved in the formation of children--

It is easier to become angry than to restrain oneself, and to threaten a boy than to persuade him.  Yes, indeed, it is more fitting to be persistent in punishing our own impatience and pride than to correct the boys. We must be firm but kind, and be patient with them....  Let us regard those boys over whom we have some authority as our own sons. Let us place ourselves in their service.  Let us be ashamed to assume an attitude of superiority.  Let us not rule over them except for the purpose of serving them better....  They are our sons, and so in correcting their mistakes we must lay aside all anger and restrain it so firmly that it is extinguished entirely.  There must be no hostility in our minds, no contempt in our eyes, no insult on our lips.  We must use mercy for the present and have hope for the future, as is fitting for true fathers who are eager for real correction and improvement.

Today, let's thank God for the gift of Catholic education, which forms the whole child--academically, athletically, and spiritually.  Let's pray for the intercession of Saint John Bosco in continuing our mission of education and formation with patience and love.