Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Don Bosco as Patron Saint of Detroit?

Our friend Diane over at Te Deum laudamus! hopes so:

Archbishop Vigneron seeks a patron saint for Detroit

"It's little details such as this that I find heart-warming about Archbishop Vigneron.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:

It has been the ancient practice of the Church to seek the intercession of a saint or a group of saints canonized together, such as the North American Martyrs, for a particular need or needs. Similarly, saints have been assigned to various entities in the Church, including dioceses, for intercession and protection. Going back as far as Cardinal Mooney's tenure as Archbishop of Detroit, the question has been raised: Who is the patron of the Archdiocese? Ste. Anne has certainly been considered by many, through many generations, to be the patron of the Archdiocese but she has never been officially designated as such. In seeking designation of a patron by the Holy See, I am required to carry out a broad-based consultation with the faithful of the Archdiocese.

The faithful of the Archdiocese now have the opportunity to submit names of saints as possible patrons. After these submissions have been collected, I will review them with the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Presbyteral Council, and Council of Vicars. I will then ask the Holy See to designate our choice as patron for the Archdiocese...."


Diane then offers her pick:

"I pondered St. Michael the Archangel, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. At the same time I was thinking how it might help to have someone who is not as well known, but can offer much in the example they lived, and in their written works. I especially pondered the Fathers and Doctors of the Church - specifically because of the wisdom they offer.


For whatever reason, I settled on St. John Bosco. I know it is a long shot, but I feel it's worth the try. This Italian saint is not just the patron of youth, but is also the patron of Mexican youth, children and students. We are also a heavy blue collar community and St. John Bosco is the patron saint of apprentices and laborers. The Italian priest lived a very holy life rooted in love for the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother. He encouraged a virtue driven life and the use of sacramental confession - something seriously lacking today. Reading any works on his life reveals how God's grace can work in us, and for the benefit of those around us. It's also noteworthy that Don Bosco brings us in close proximity to other saints such as St. Dominic Savio - the 'teenage saint' and St. Joseph Cafasso - the priests, priest who was a guide to St. John Bosco."

God willing, may it come to pass!

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