DON BOSCO: A Spiritual Portrait

by Edna Beyer Phelan ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 15, 1963

What makes a man dedicate his life to the selfless service of his fellow man out of love for God becomes manifestly clear in this spiritual odyssey of that ""great friend"" of boys, Don Bosco. In these days when public charity is associated with the benefices of the very rich, this story of a man who gave everything and lived in the spirit of true Christian poverty so that he might serve his charges better should rate as an unusual source of inspiration. This version of the spiritual life of the man who used his great physical strength and skill as a juggler and acrobat to impress on his youthful audiences the benefits to be obtained from living for God further recommends itself to wide acceptance for its fluid and readable style. There are some lapses in credibility, for example, in attributing laudable motives to questionable actions of individuals connected with Don Bosco's own youth. Though strained, even these fit, however loosely, into the pattern and will be acceptable to the uncritical reader. This study of the spiritual formation of a great saint of the Church will rate highly for its contribution to understanding of how sanctity by all is achievable through full cooperation with the grace God offers to man.

Pub Date: March 15, 1963

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1963

Categories: NONFICTION