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.