BIS # 4142 CELEBRATION OF SCHOOL RED HOUSE PATRON: MICHAEL MAGONE

by BIS CORRESPONDENT

MATUNGA, MUMBAI, 22 SEPTEMBER 2014: "The taming of the firebrand" was how the students of Don Bosco, Matunga, titled their School Academy.  Guided by their teachers, they were able to vividly portray brief glimpses into the life of their mentor, Michael Magone. Mickey was the leader of a gang of street kids and his voice commanded respect. Don Bosco,while waiting to catch the train at Carmagnola, happened to have a chance meeting with Michael one evening. That meeting changed the course of Michael's life.


Michael's fiery nature made Don Bosco realize that if lively nature and evident leadership qualities were to be cultivated, Michael would do great things. Divine providence led Michael into the able hands of Don Bosco at his Oratory in Turin. While enacting specific episodes that happened there, the audience was brought to understand how a life lived under the guidance of the Salesian system of education helped a youngster discover the true mission of his life.


''If a ruffian like me could become good enough to become a priest, then I will most certainly become one!" affirmed Michael Magone who in time transformed his life to an admirable degree. He did not live long enough to fulfill his dream. He died at the tender age of fourteen. The boys of the Red House backed up their presentation with a colourfully prepared backdrop and posters pasted around the school, offering inspirational thoughts.