“With a feeling of humble gratitude we believe that the Society of St Francis de Sales came into being not as a merely human venture but by the initiative of God. Through the motherly intervention of Mary, the Holy Spirit raised up St John Bosco to contribute to the salvation of youth, “that part of human society which is so exposed and yet so rich in promise”. …
From this active presence of the Holy Spirit we draw strength for our fidelity and support for our hope.”  (Constitution of SDB, art. 1)