THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
attend with a celerity and unanimity which amazed the bystanders. Catechism followed, then breakfast; the grass or the rocks supplied the place of tables, forks were unnecessary; as for wine, the rivulets or fountains supplied what was needful; those who had too much shared with less fortunate boys; and Don Bosco fed those who had none. It is true, bread failed now and then; but gaiety and a good appetite never. Continuing our walk, we stopped somewhere to chant Vespers, the itinerant Oratory already possessing a good choir: catechism was heard a second time; the rosary was recited while walking; and at sunset we marched again into Turin, fatigued, but with light consciences and contented hearts."
A beautiful picture, that might have been drawn by a hundred thousand boys and more since those early days of test and trial. Trial—yes, for God's works are built on a foundation of pain. It was in keeping with the divine plan that harsh and severe criticisms of Don Bosco and his work began to be circulated; the clergy of Turin complained; the civil authorities saw danger lurking in those large gatherings; persecution set in from all sides; and Don Bosco's friends at last said: "Give up the boys! You can't fight against all this prejudice and opposition; no one will rent you a house for them; the authorities are against you; even good people are down on you. Give it all up, in the name of God!"
"God's mercy has sent me these boys," an-
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