In every individual's life, advice from family, especially from parents, has a profound and lasting impact. For St. John Bosco, the words of his mother, Margaret Bosco, were not merely words of encouragement but valuable lessons on self-discipline, virtue, and love for the Blessed Virgin. The story of her advice when St. John Bosco decided to become a priest is a clear example of the deep connection between family and faith on his journey to sanctity.
When John Bosco made the life-changing decision to wear the cassock and dedicate himself to the priesthood, his mother’s response was both heartfelt and deeply insightful. She expressed her joy for his decision but reminded him that the honor of his state did not come from the habit itself, but from the practice of virtues. Her words, "It is not the habit that honors your state, but the practice of the virtues," were a powerful call for him to live a life worthy of his vocation. She cautioned him that if he were not going to live as a saint, he should take off the cassock immediately, as she would rather see him as a poor peasant than a priest neglecting his duties.
Beneath these words lay a profound maternal love and an understanding of the deeper meaning of vocation. She had consecrated him to the Blessed Virgin at his birth, entrusted him with devotion to Mary during his studies, and now, she implored him to be fully hers. Her plea was not only a request for personal piety but also a call to serve and spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
This dialogue between mother and son highlights the central role of the Blessed Virgin in John Bosco’s life and mission. His mother’s advice to love and serve the devotees of Mary and to spread devotion to such a good Mother remained a guiding principle throughout his priesthood, particularly in his work with youth and his founding of the Salesian Congregation.
Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, a place that became a symbol of the Salesian devotion to Mary, was born out of this strong commitment to the Blessed Virgin, inspired by Margaret Bosco’s guidance. Her maternal wisdom was not just a personal blessing for John Bosco but became the cornerstone of his spiritual mission, guiding him to dedicate his life to education and the salvation of souls.
In conclusion, the words of St. John Bosco’s mother serve as a reminder that true honor in life is not found in titles or outward appearances, but in living a life dedicated to virtue, faith, and service to others. Her call for her son to spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin remains a lesson for all generations: that it is not the habit that honors us, but the virtues we practice and the love we share with those we serve.
