One Minute Meditations

St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco was moved by the plight of young abandoned boys in Rome.  Using reason, religion and kindness he taught the boys how to unite their faith with work and play.
By opening the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, he provided workshops for boys in shoemaking and tailoring.  He got them off the streets, educated them, and helped them find jobs.  In 1859, he founded the Salesians who were committed to education and mission work.

Never too busy
As Chancellor of England, St. Thomas More was swamped yet always found time to pray.  He said, "I have much very important business to handle and I need light and wisdom....."  When you feel overwhelmed, remember St. Thomas and ask God for the "light and wisdom" to meet your challenges.

St. Josephine Bahkita
Born in Darfur, Sudan around 1869, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery.  Her captors gave her the name Bahkita, which means "fortunate."  After several years of serving under cruel masters, she was bought by Augusto Michieli.  The Michielis sent Bahkita with their daughter to Italy, where Bahkita encountered Catholicism.  Overjoyed, she was baptized and took the name Josephine.  In 1893, instead of returning to Africa with the Michielis, she decided to enter the Institute of St. Magdalene of Canossa.

Forgiveness
The advice, "forgive and forget" isn't easy to follow.  Forgiveness means letting go of your anger so you are free to heal.  Do you need to forgive anyone?  Pray for the grace to forgive as God forgives you:  freely, totally, and quickly.