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DISCOURSE OF THE HOLY FATHER POPE FRANCIS
TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE GENERAL CHAPTER OF THE
SALESIAN SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN BOSCO (SALESIANS)
I imagine that during the Chapter — which had the theme “Witnesses to the Radical Approach of the Gospel” — you always had Don Bosco and young people before you; and Don Bosco with his motto: “Da mihi animas, cetera tolle.” He reinforced this programme with two other elements: work and temperance. I remember that in school it was forbidden to have a siesta! … Temperance! For the Salesians and for us! “Work and temperance” – he said – will make the Congregation flourish.” When one thinks of working for the good of souls, one overcomes the temptation of spiritual worldliness; one does not look for other things, but God alone and his Kingdom. Temperance, then, is the sense of due measure, being content, being simple. May the poverty of Don Bosco and of Mother Margaret inspire every Salesian and every community of yours to an essential and austere way of life, closeness to the poor, transparency and responsibility in the management of goods.
