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.
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 inscriptions 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 credentium (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 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. They bombard it with everything they have: books and pamphlets, incendiary 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 on it 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 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.
---Memoirs of St. John Bosco, Vol. VII. Pages 107-108
I get excited every time I read that. Granted, I don't put much faith in interpreting prophecy (it's a fickle business); however, I love finding (at least) symbolism in our times from this writing.
Pope Benedict XVI fits the profile laid out by St.Bosco. Pope John Paul II was wounded once (by a bullet), and then wounded again (by Parkinson’s). Pope Benedict XVI took the helm, and with his deeply theological mind (thank G-d!) has tried to steer the ship solidly.
The Church has, also, been hurt and suffered “gashes”. The sexual abuse crises is one example, the Great Schism and Protestant Reformation are two others. Every time, however, the Church has fought through.
Furthermore, I like the idea of the battle. Of Swiss Guards being wounded with the Pope, of the Cardinals fight back the enemy, of bishops in their auxiliary ships (diocese) fighting back the enemy.
What do you guys see in this writing by St.Bosco? What symbolism do you see, what relation do you find to real life?
I see a lamb pursued by wolves, attacked and hounded by this self serving pack. They pounce on her and almost bring her to the ground but by the grace of God she continues on her path. The wolves hold chunks of bloodied wool in their teeth and howl about their victory. Soon they will see the Son of man stand before them and they will tuck tail and run, showing their true cowardly nature. The Lamb will be victorious over all things regardless of all things. It is up to us to join the flock and follow the lamb along this path, a path that takes us through the valley of the shadow of death.
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