the full expression of the principle of cheerfulness, as Don Bosco describes it with candid simplicity in the circular letter of 20 December 1851:
Various little games were introduced which would help develop the physical strength of the
boys and provide respectable recreation for their spirit. This is how we tried to make their
time with us both useful and delightful.1269
If game s and joy, according to Don Bosco, make up the essential atmosphere and setting for all his
educational institutions, they must be like this in even more generous measure for the weekend oratory.
The reason is that the oratory is a 'free' educational insti tution where compulsion and imposition of rules are substituted by the captivating aura of a festive environment, and charity.
The above -mentioned deliberations of the General Chapters insisted on the following:
Especially recommended are the various kinds of games and amusements suited to the age
of the youngsters and to customs of their own towns, for this is one of the most effective
means to attract youths to the oratory. Quite useful to promote the frequent attendance at
festive oratories are the distr ibution of prizes at given times, for instance such prizes as
books, devotional objects, clothing.. The same can be said for raffles, outings, performance
of easy to understand and morally sound plays, music classes, little parties etc.
1270
Games and festivit y were the privileged moments for creating familiarity, gregariousness, friendship and facilitating the sharing of human and religious values.
1271
But besides piety and joy, the irreplaceable bond for the oratory more than any other is the bond of
charity. Ch arity is first of all undoubtedly love supported by strong moral, religious and social
motivations. However charity had also to be translated into human, tangible loving kindness. This is
the way charity makes itself evident and becomes a human way of attr acting and winning over the young.
The smooth running of the festive oratory depends, after all and above all on a true spirit of
sacrifice, a great amount of patience, charity and benevolence towards all. This is the way
the boys will be able to have and keep an ever dear memory of the Oratory and will attend
it also when they are grown -up.
1272
"The Rector”, so the Regulations say “should... constantly show himself a friend, companion and brother to all”.1273
Besides, “Every Catechist should be cheerful and show the importance of what he teaches. When he corrects or warns he should always use encouraging words and never humiliating ones. He should praise those who deserve to be praised and be slow to blame anyone”.1274
And finally, everyone is reminded of the following:
Mutual charity and patience in bearing with the defects of others, the championing of the
good name of the Oratory and those employed there, and encouragement to everyone to be
kind and to trust the Rector. These are the things which are warmly recommended to all.
Without them we will never be able to keep order, promote the glory of God and the well-
1269 Em I 139
1270 Deliberazioni del terzo e quarto capitolo generale..., art. 7 and 8, p. 24 OE XXXVI 276.
1271 G. Chiosso, Don Bosco e l'oratorio..., in M. Midali (Ed.), Don Bosco nella storia..., p. 301
1272 Deliberazioni del terzo e quarto capitolo generale..., p. 24, OE XXXVI 276.
1273 Regolamento dell'Oratorio...per gli esterni, part I, part I, Chap 1, art. 2, p. 5, OE XXIX 35.
1274 Regolamento dell'Oratorio...per gli esterni, part I, Chap VIII Dei catechisti, art. 16-17, p. 18, OE XXIX 48.