THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
elected for six years. Each house has its rector, prefect, steward, catechist and councillors, and every foundation must have at least six Salesian members.
The first vows are binding only for three years, when final vows may be taken. As in other orders, the Society is bound only to those who have pronounced their final vows. The members celebrate Mass daily, or, if not priests, assist at the holy Sacrifice. A half-hour, at least, of morning mental prayer is required, with the recitation of five mysteries of the rosary, and spiritual reading for a stated time. Weekly confession, the Friday fast, and a day's retreat every month are prescribed, with an annual retreat of from six to ten days.
The Constitutions remark: "Salesians should take particular care even of trifles, and keep clothes, beds, and cells tidy. Holiness of life is the adornment of religious. Should necessity arise, heat, cold, hunger, thirst, hard work, and contempt from men must be courageously endured, if conductive to the glory of God, their own salvation or that of their neighbor."
Shortly after Pius IX by his bull of approbation, had confirmed the Salesian Order and brought it definitively into the great religious family of the Church, he set the seal of his solemn approval upon the Rules and Constitutions of the new Congregation of Mary, Help of Christians.
"This Institute is for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls," his Holiness declared
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