Mayo community celebrates official unveiling of new Don Bosco monument

By Michael Byrne

A LITTLE bit of history was created in the village of Tooreen with the launch of a monument depicting the dream experienced by Saint John Bosco, or Don Bosco, back in 1862.

Don Bosco was born into a poor family on August 16, 1815, in Castelnuuovo, Italy, and died, aged 72, in 1882, in Turin. Founder of the Selesian Congregation, he was canonised by Pope Pius XI, and had the title 'Father, Teacher and Friend of the Youth' conferred on him by Pope St. John Paul II.

In the vision, now brought to life in Tooreen in the first ever replica of the vision anywhere in the world, Don Bosco recounted: “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 column, far loftier and stronger, supports a Host of proportionate size, and bears beneath it the inscription: 'Salus Credentium' ('Salvation of Believers').

“Between these two columns, a ship and 'the flagship commander - the Roman Pontiff - standing at the helm, strains every muscle to steer his ship between the two columns, from whose summits hang many anchors and strong hooks linked to chains. The entire enemy fleet closes in to intercept and sink the flagship at all costs. The battle rages ever more furious. Hooked prows ram the flagship again and again, but to no avail, as, unharmed and undaunted, it keeps on its course. At times, a formidable ram splinters a gaping hole in its hull, but immediately, a breeze from the two columns instantly seals the gash.

“Meanwhile, enemy cannons blow up; firearms and beaks fall to pieces; ships crack up and sink to the bottom. 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, dies. A shout of victory rises from the enemy, and wild rejoicing seeps 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 ship safely between the two columns; first, to the one surmounted by the Host, and then the other, topped by the statue of the Virgin. At this point, something unexpected happens. The enemy ships panic and disperse, colliding with and scurrying 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.”

When taking up duty as Administrator of Aghamore parish in September 2020, which incorporates Tooreen Church, Fr. Jerald David was introduced to St. Mary's Church in Tooreen where he witnessed a number of boys kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament at prayer.

The first thought which struck him was the vision of St. John Bosco, and he thought instantly of the connection between the vision of Don Bosco, with the two columns, the Blessed Virgin and the Host, representing the Blessed Sacrament, which is venerated and adored in Our Lady's Church in Tooreen Church 24 hours a day seven days a week since 2011.

This dream of Don Bosco most likely was realised in a mystical sense, when John Paul II was speedily elected after Pope John Paul I's death, only 33 days after his election.

Through the centuries many attempts have been made to terminate the Papacy and topple the Holy Church with corruption. Despite all efforts of opposition to the Papacy and the Church, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the powerful intercession of Our Lady, the Church continues to prevail against all odds.

Fr. Jerald commissioned this 'Dream of Two Columns'. St. Mary's Church represents the two pillars of Don Bosco's dream in a lively manner, with perpetual adoration and the church dedicated to Our Lady.

Speaking at the launch, Fr. Jerald said: “The Church now needs to anchor itself to those two pillars, the Eucharist and Our Blessed Lady.”

He paid tribute to the Tooreen community who have succeeded in keeping the practice of Eucharistic adoration alive 24 hours a day every day of the week for the past 12 years. He thanked and paid tribute to local craftsman Paul Tant who gave so much of his time and talent to put this magnificent monument together.

Jimmy Kelly, chairman of Tooreen's Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Committee, paid tribute to Fr. Jerald for taking up the challenge in putting the monument in place and also took the opportunity to thank the many devoted Eucharistic adorers who have continued to keep their weekly hour of adoration alive since 2011.

He said: “We are always seeking new adorers to come along and spare just one hour per week.” And he invited new adorers to come on board to keep this tradition going into the future.

Music for the launch was provided by the Tooreen Choir, directed by Siobhán Coyne, with a community gathering after in Tooreen Hall.