superiors on Sundays, for those who, in every class, had distinguished themselves by their conduct.1245 It was a constant conce rn of Don Bosco's that award and praise should not be exclusively given for the

natural or innate talents of the pupils, without considering their goodwill and diligence.

1246

Don Bosco, as we already seen in the Rules for the houses, addresses the boys frankly: “A proud student is a stupid ignoramus”, and he insistently recommends that teachers avoid giving in to awarding innate talents or things that the simply like seeing in a boy.

Never praise any young man in a special manner. Praises ruin the best natural gifts. One

boy may sing well, another may perform on the stage with self-assurance…and he is

immediately praised, courted and considered special.... Be sure not to praise them for their

natural looks. The better students of the school become proud if they are overly praised,

while certain less-talented individuals may get discouraged and since they cannot achieve

like the others they hate the teacher, saying that he really does not care much for them.

These ones are in need of some recognition.1247

1245 Cf MB III 440-441; VI 437; XI 111.For 1876 in his diary, Fr Lazzero notes: “Generally during the month of St

Joseph, those who stood out in every class dined with Don Bosco. On the feast itself the working boys would begin.

This however was 'ad libitum superioris'”. (J. M. Prellezzo, Valdocco..., p. 109)

1246 Regolamento per le case..., p.part II, Chap VI, art. 22. p. 73, OE XXIX 169.

1247 MB XIV 847.