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Introduction: A Vision That Transcends the Centuries
Amid the turbulence of the 19th century—when the world was becoming increasingly seduced by rationalism, secularism, and the early waves of modernism—St. John Bosco received a series of prophetic dreams. One of them, known as The Dream of the Two Columns, stands as one of the most powerful and mysterious visions in Catholic spirituality. It reveals not only the burning heart of this great saint for the Church, but also a prophetic map that, with astonishing relevance, echoes in our own times.
This dream is not a pious allegory without practical consequences. It is a spiritual, theological, and pastoral guide for all who love the Church and wish to persevere in the faith in stormy times. Today, more than ever, we need to understand the deep message of this vision to guide our lives amid confusion, apostasy, and the struggles of the modern world.
The Dream of the Two Columns: Full Account and Symbolism
The Dream Account
St. John Bosco shared this dream on May 30, 1862, in the presence of his Salesians. In the vision, he sees himself as the commander of a great fleet of ships engaged in a fierce battle at sea against numerous enemies. The main ship, which represents the Church, is the largest of all and is captained by the Pope. The storm is violent, the enemies surround it, and it seems the ship is about to sink.
But in the midst of the chaos, two enormous columns rise from the sea. On top of one is the Blessed Sacrament, with the inscription Salus Credentium (“Salvation of the Believers”); on the other stands the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with the inscription Auxilium Christianorum (“Help of Christians”).
The Pope, guided by Providence, manages to anchor the ship between these two columns. Immediately, the storm calms and the enemies flee. The Church is saved.
Theological Interpretation of the Dream
This dream has been studied by theologians, saints, and spiritual leaders for over a century. Its message is as deep as it is clear: the Church will only find safety and salvation when it anchors itself firmly to two fundamental pillars: the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.
1. The Holy Eucharist: “Salus Credentium”
The Eucharist is the center and summit of Christian life. As the Second Vatican Council affirms, it is the “source and summit of the Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, 11). Christ is truly and substantially present in it: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:51)
In a secularized world that denies the divinity of Christ—and in a faith that is often lukewarm or superficial—the Eucharist becomes the anchor that sustains our belief. Without it, the Church loses its inner strength, its supernatural nourishment, its deepest identity.
2. The Blessed Virgin Mary: “Auxilium Christianorum”
From the wedding at Cana to Calvary, the Virgin Mary has been the comfort and help of Christians. She is not a decorative or sentimental figure; she is the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. Her role in the history of salvation continues, and her intercession is powerful.
“All generations shall call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48)
Mary is the star that guides in the darkness, the safe refuge in the midst of battle. Anchoring the Christian life in her is not optional: it is vital.
Relevance for Today’s World
The storm in the dream is not limited to the 19th century. It is the storm of our time: wars, persecution, moral relativism, division within the Church, scandals, attacks on the family and on life, the loss of spiritual meaning, the abandonment of faith…
Many faithful, priests, and communities feel disoriented. Where should we anchor ourselves? Where do we find spiritual security? The answer lies in these two columns: the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.
Practical Guide: How to Anchor Ourselves to the Two Columns
What follows is a concrete and pastoral guide to living out this vision day by day. It is not enough to admire it; we must live it with fidelity and decision.
1. Anchoring Ourselves in the Eucharist
a. Frequent Attendance at Holy Mass
Not just on Sundays, but as often as possible. The Mass is the Sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, made present sacramentally. Participating with devotion transforms our soul.
b. Worthy Reception of Communion
Avoid sacrilegious Communion. Go to confession regularly. Holy Communion is union with Christ and must be received in a state of grace.
c. Eucharistic Adoration
Spend time adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He is there, alive, waiting for our love. Many saints became holy before the tabernacle.
d. Eucharistic Catechesis
Study the mystery of the Eucharist. Read Church documents such as Ecclesia de Eucharistia by St. John Paul II or Redemptionis Sacramentum. Form your heart and your mind.
2. Anchoring Ourselves in the Virgin Mary
a. Daily Rosary
The Rosary is a powerful prayer. Meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life with Mary strengthens the soul, drives away the devil, and protects our faith.
b. Marian Consecration
Following the method of St. Louis de Montfort, consecrate yourself to the Virgin as her slave of love. It is a deep way of entrusting your entire life to her.
c. Celebrate Her Feasts
Joyfully participate in Marian solemnities and feasts. Live the liturgical calendar with your heart set on Mary.
d. Promote Her Devotion
Speak about Mary, give out rosaries, share her images, wear her scapular. Make her known and loved.
The Role of the Pope in the Dream
We cannot ignore a key detail: the ship is captained by the Pope. St. John Bosco does not speak of a leaderless group but of a Church that—even in the storm—is guided by Peter. This reminds us that communion with the Pope, despite any difficulties or confusion, is an essential part of the Catholic faith.
But it also implies that the Pope and all the Church’s pastors have the responsibility to steer the ship toward the two columns, not away from them. Today more than ever we need a hierarchy faithful to Christ, centered on the Eucharist and Mary.
And You? Where Are You Anchored?
We live in an age where many Christians seek security in ideologies, artificial spiritualities, or self-help philosophies. St. John Bosco’s message is simple but demanding: there are only two safe columns. Everything else is sinking sand.
Is your life centered on the Eucharist? Do you have a living relationship with the Virgin Mary? Are your family, your parish, your community anchored in these two pillars?
Conclusion: The Future of the Church Lies in Fidelity
The dream of St. John Bosco is no fantasy. It is a prophetic call to fidelity. It shows us that victory will not come through human strategies, political speeches, or adapting to the world. It will come through holiness, adoration, and total trust in Christ and Mary.
“Then the ship will be saved, and many other ships, scattered across the sea, will follow its example and likewise reach the harbor safely.” – the dream concludes.
You and I are called to be part of that victory. Let us not fear the raging sea. Let us fix our eyes on the columns. And let us move forward, with firm faith and burning hearts, toward the harbor of salvation.
Final Prayer:
O Jesus in the Eucharist, sure anchor of the soul, strengthen our faith and lead us to You.
O Mary, Help of Christians, guide our hearts, protect us in battle, and lead us to the Heart of Your Son.
Amen.
