St. Don Bosco's Famous Prophecy

God spoke to Don Bosco in dreams. Who would ignore dreaming of dreams which the prophet Joel counts among the gifts that were to gladden, by a generous effusion of the Holy Spirit, the latter days, that is, as St. Peter explains, the days of the Messiah? (Acts 2:17).

Don Bosco's hearers gathered more than 150 dreams.

Some of Don Bosco's dreams are prophetic, others are pedagogical (educational), and some are parables. Some concern the Church, some nations, others the Salesian Congregation, the missions, the Oratory (the first Salesian institution), etc.

Most of Don Bosco's dreams are certainly supernatural events.

On May 30, 1862, Don Bosco recounted that, in a dream, he had seen an immense sea, on which a great many ships were arranged for battle, against a larger and taller ship. He also saw others which were defending the tall ship. Here are his words:

"In the midst of this endless sea, two solid columns, a short distance apart, soar high into the sky. One is surmounted by a statue of the Immaculate Virgin, at whose feet a large inscription reads: 'Auxilium Christianorum' (Help of Christians). The other, far loftier and sturdier, supports a Host of Proportionate size, and bears beneath it the inscription: 'Salus credentuim' (Salvation of believers).

"The flagship commander - the Roman Pontiff - standing at the helm, strains every muscle to steer his ship between the two columns, from whose summit hang many anchors, and strong hooks linked to chains. The entire enemy fleet closes in, to intercept and sink the flagship at all costs. They bombard it with everything they have: books and pamphlets, incendiary (inflammable) bombs, firearms, cannons. The battle rages ever more furious. Beaked prows ram the flagship again and again, but to no avail, as, unscathed and undaunted, it keeps to its course. At times a formidable ram splinters a gaping hole into its hull, but, immediately, a breeze from the two columns instantly seals the gash.

In blind fury, the enemy takes to hand-to-hand combat, cursing and blaspheming. Suddenly the Pope falls, seriously wounded, he is instantly helped up, but, struck a second time, and dies. A shout of victory rises from the enemy, and wild rejoicing sweeps their ships. But no sooner is the Pope dead, than another takes his place. The captains of the auxiliary ships elected him so quickly, that the news of the Pope's death coincides with that of his successor's election. The enemy's self-assurance wanes.

"Breaking through all resistance, the new Pope steers his ships safely between the two columns; first, to the one surmounted by the Host, and then to the other, topped by the statue of the Virgin. At this point, something unexpected happens. The enemy ships panic and disperse, colliding with and scuttling each other.

"Some auxiliary ships, which had gallantly fought alongside their flagship, are the first to tie up at the two columns. Many others, which had fearfully kept far away from the fight, stand still, cautiously waiting until the wrecked enemy ships vanish under the waves. Then they too, head for the two columns, tie up at the swinging hooks, and ride safe and tranquil beside their flagship. A great calm now covers the sea!"

Don Bosco used to narrate his dreams with a very great spirit of humility, thinking only of the spiritual benefit of his hearers. The good effects were evident, especially a greater horror for sin, better Confessions, General Confessions, more frequent Holy Communions. It was, as he sometimes put it, "The Devil's Bankruptcy."

Source: Mary Help Of Christians magazine.