DON BOSCO THE PUPPETEER

DON BOSCO THE PUPPETEER

The way Sieger Koeder has depicted Don Bosco is surprising. There is no photo or picture anything like it as yet in existence. But in many ways it is a painting that goes to the heart of what Don Bosco means to us.

The way Sieger Koeder has depicted Don Bosco is surprising. There is no photo or picture anything like it as yet in existence. But in many ways it is a painting that goes to the heart of what Don Bosco means to us.

Don Bosco is hidden behind a screen. Don Bosco is hidden behind a screen.

Don Bosco the enthusiastic glove-puppeteer

Don Bosco the enthusiastic glove-puppeteer

He is invisible to the spectators who can only see the two puppets.

He is invisible to the spectators who can only see the two puppets.Don Bosco is seen smiling at the back of the stage, happy that the audience is enjoying itself.

Don Bosco is seen smiling at the back of the stage, happy that the audience is enjoying itself.

Don Bosco the educator rich in ideas

Don Bosco the educator rich in ideas

Don Bosco knows how to conquer the hearts of his young followers. He gives us space to be creative. He studies all the possibilities of passing on the message of Christ.

Don Bosco knows how to conquer the hearts of his young followers. He gives us space to be creative. He studies all the possibilities of passing on the message of Christ.

With his puppets Don Bosco lets the youngsters know and experience the Love of God and His mercy. The scene is the return of the Prodigal Son to the embrace of his Father.

With his puppets Don Bosco lets the youngsters know and experience the Love of God and His mercy. The scene is the return of the Prodigal Son to the embrace of his Father.

Don Bosco the passionate catechist

Don Bosco the passionate catechist

This might depict one of the many boys rescued from the streets or from prison who sought shelter, affection and security in the house of Don Bosco.

This might depict one of the many boys rescued from the streets or from prison who sought shelter, affection and security in the house of Don Bosco.

Don Bosco himself a ‘Merciful Father’

Don Bosco himself a ‘Merciful Father’In the picture, on the leftIn the picture, on the leftof Don Bosco, we see thatof Don Bosco, we see that

he is protecting a youngsterhe is protecting a youngsterwho, dressed in the samewho, dressed in the same

blue robe as the Prodigal Sonblue robe as the Prodigal Sonabove, has his gazeabove, has his gazefixed on the priest.fixed on the priest.

Don Bosco is acting out the parable of the Merciful Father for children of all ages. In the picture they follow the story with great interest. In Don Bosco’s company they feel themselves accepted and loved.

Don Bosco is acting out the parable of the Merciful Father for children of all ages. In the picture they follow the story with great interest. In Don Bosco’s company they feel themselves accepted and loved.

Don Bosco among his boys

Don Bosco among his boys

Don Bosco goes looking for the boys wherever he can find them. Evangelization takes place where the children are to be found.

Don Bosco goes looking for the boys wherever he can find them. Evangelization takes place where the children are to be found.

Don Bosco an apostle for the world

Don Bosco an apostle for the world

The scene is in the open air,The scene is in the open air,in no defined locality,in no defined locality,perhaps on the outskirtsperhaps on the outskirtsof a city.of a city.

Don Bosco the witnessDon Bosco the witness

‘Live what you preach and teach!’Don Bosco believedwith unshakable faithin the Love of Godfor all mankind.

No matter where he was,No matter where he was,whether it was thewhether it was theplayground, a workshop,playground, a workshop,the classroom or the church,the classroom or the church,he always witnessedhe always witnessedto the Love of God.to the Love of God.

It is not enough to look at Sieger Koeder’s painting; we have to meditate on it. Don Bosco invites us to ‘Be merciful because your Heavenly Father is merciful’.

It is not enough to look at Sieger Koeder’s painting; we have to meditate on it. Don Bosco invites us to ‘Be merciful because your Heavenly Father is merciful’.

DON BOSCO THE PUPPETEER

DON BOSCO THE PUPPETEER

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