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Reason The use of Reason emphasises basic human values. It requires that we respect the dignity of every young person, the beauty of creation, cultural differences, the value of work balanced by relaxation and the need for socialization. Reason is a human project that gives life through the formal and non-formal education young people receive. Reason also involves the ability to understand young people and to enter into relationship with them as well as to dialogue and communicate with them. By first entering into their world, understanding their values and appreciating them, the educator can then lead them to a greater and more mature appreciation of human and christian values. |
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Religion While reason refers to human activity and human relationships, the term religion indicates connectedness to the transcendental, i.e. orientation towards God. Don Bosco did not make sharp distinctions between the sacred and the profane, but he believed that a life plan cannot be fulfilled without faith in God. To this end, he emphasised the grace of the sacraments, particularly those of reconciliation and eucharist. The journey to holiness, he says, is none other than carrying out to the best of our ability our ordinary duties as a Christian and a citizen. For Don Bosco, citizenship and christianity went together and so he aimed at forming good, honest citizens. |
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Loving-Kindness Loving kindness is generated in an environment where young people are made to feel at home. In a family atmosphere they can be themselves. For this to happen, there needs to be a range of joyful activities in the non-formal educational setup. Loving kindness calls for the educator’s ability to be attentive to the hopes, fears and anxieties of young people. It means being able to discern their needs and the means by which they can be helped to make a meaningful contribution to society and the church. |
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