The Salesian way of life

What is it in action?

• The Way of life (Preventive System) of Don Bosco can never be reduced to a technique or a simple method.
  
• It is not a quick fix program that we can learn from a text book.
  
• The Preventive System can be described as love in action. Bosco saw himself as the indicator of a divine love that is patient and kind. He lived and worked for and with the young to lead them to God.
  
• The Salesian Way of life has as its foundation a family spirit and is based on relationships.
  
• Don Bosco strove to break down barriers that separated superiors and students.
  
• He replaced cold rules with relationships and friendships.
  
• He based relationships with the young on three principles: joy, freedom and love.
  
• Following Don Bosco, a Salesian uses Joy as a key to unlocking the minds of the young - joy removes fear and apprehensions and replaces them with enthusiasm and affection.
  
• Like Don Bosco every Salesian works with the young in an atmosphere of respect and freedom. Loving what the young love and seeking their good.
  
• The family spirit or way of life is based on presence among the young. A presence that is active and joyful.
  
• Those who choose to live the Salesian way, believe that when the young are affirmed - and when they know they are loved and affirmed - respond and give of their very best.
  
• Those who choose to live the Salesian way of life, and to be part of the Salesian family, must love the young and believe that the young are lovable
  
• The Salesian way of life is A MATTER OF THE HEART and is therefore caught not taught.
  
• The Salesian way of life is not a set of rules - though this is important - it is essentially relational.
  

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