THE APOSTLE OF YOUTH
modelled upon the gentleness of St. Francis of Sales—the preventive system. In every case he endeavored to hinder the entrance of evil amongst the young by kindly treatment and constant watchfulness. Games, music, etc., were for him efficacious means for securing good order, cultivating virtue and preserving health By his marvellous natural gifts in the guidance of the young, by his perseverance, by the incredible practical results he obtained, he has become immortal, and not without reason is he called a world-wide miraculous teacher."
Among the pupils of Don Bosco there were some who attained in their early years to remarkable sanctity. The biographies of several of these lovers of Jesus, who died young, were written by Don Bosco himself in picturesque and touching detail. There was Michael Magone, thirteen years of age, whom Don Bosco, while waiting an hour at Carmagnola for the Turin train, had found ruling in the street as a general a large band of boys. After a little friendly conversation with the Apostle of Youth, begun with a good deal of bravado, Magone confessed shamefacedly that he would like to be a priest. This was the boy for Don Bosco. In a few days he was installed in the Oratory. From that day, diligent and serious, he made still more rapid strides in virtue than he did in his studies. His horror of sin was intense, and his burning love of the Blessed Sacrament led him to spend hours at the foot of the altar. If Magone had lived he
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