Salesian Cooperators of St Philip the Apostle Province at Eastern United States, Eastern United States 00000 - Sayings of Don Bosco

Take Away the Rest

(da mihi animas, caetera tolle)

St. John Bosco took as his motto that of his patron, St. Francis de Sales, from whom we derive the name Salesian.  Give me souls, take away the rest captures the secret of his apostolic heart.  It calls us to grow in our relationship with God precisely by giving ourselves in service to others, especially with the desire to bring them closer to God.  “The most divine of all divine things is to cooperate with God for the salvation of souls; this is a sure path to the heights of holiness” (Don Bosco).

The Salesian Cooperator does not look for personal gain or fame.  The sacrifices of a parish religious education teacher or the hidden prayers of an elder rather than causing sadness brings comfort and strength to one whose sole desire is the material and spiritual good of others.