Don Bosco's Dream

Try to picture yourself with me on the seashore

or, better still, on an outlying cliff with no other land in sight

The vast expanse of water is covered with a formidable array of ships in battle formation

Prows fitted with sharp spear-like beaks capable of breaking through any defense

All are heavily armed with cannons, incendiary bombs, and firearms of all sorts

Even books - and are heading toward one stately ship, mightier than them all

As they try to close in, they try to ram it, set it afire, and cripple it as much as possible

This stately vessel is shielded by a flotilla escort. Winds and waves are with the enemy

In the midst of this endless sea, two solid columns or pillars, 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: Help of Christians