While a young man, St. John Bosco already showed his missionary zeal. He befriended a Jewish boy named Jonah, but found no opportunity to bring him to the Catholic faith until, one day, after arguing with his Jewish friends, Jonah sought comfort from John Bosco. When John Bosco told him about Confession which was open to baptized Catholics, Jonah replied that the rabbis could also give confession. But John Bosco pointed out that the rabbis had neither an obligation to secrecy nor power to forgive sins. Jonah suddenly expressed his desire to be baptized and receive Confession, so John Bosco gave him a book explaining Catholic teachings. Over two months, Jonah would investigate the Catholic faith by discussing with John Bosco and secretly reading his book. One day, his mother discovered the book and angrily accused John Bosco of inducing her son to apostatize against their Jewish faith. John Bosco replied that, once one understands Catholicism, they will realize that it is the true Church on earth. Jonah was ostracized by his family and community, but he persisted and was baptized in Chieri Cathedral. Later on, after founding the Salesian Order, John Bosco would send missionaries to spread the Catholic faith abroad.
Spiritual Talk – Fr Ho talks about St. John Bosco (25)
