Saint John Bosco, affectionately known as Don Bosco, was the visionary founder of the Salesian Society. Born to impoverished parents in Becchi, near Castelnuovo in Piedmont, Italy, on August 16, 1815, he passed away on January 31, 1888. Recognized for his sanctity, he was declared Venerable by Pope Pius X on July 21, 1907.

Losing his father at just over two years old, young John, along with his brothers, was raised by their mother, Margaret Bosco. His childhood was split between shepherding and receiving rudimentary education from the local parish priest. Despite financial constraints often pulling him away from his studies and into field work, John harbored a relentless passion for learning.

In 1835, he commenced his seminary studies at Chieri, culminating in his ordination as a priest in 1841 by Archbishop Franzoni of Turin. Post-ordination, Don Bosco moved to Turin, dedicating himself to priestly duties with fervor. A significant turning point in his life occurred during prison visits with Don Cafasso, where the plight of incarcerated children deeply moved him, steering him towards his life’s mission of aiding these marginalized youth.

The inception of the “Oratory” traces back to December 8, 1841, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. A pivotal moment occurred when Don Bosco encountered Bartollomea Garelli, a young boy mistreated in a church. This encounter laid the foundation of the Oratory, named possibly after St. Philip Neri and characterized by its emphasis on prayer. Starting with Bartholomeo and a few others attracted by Don Bosco’s kindness, the Oratory grew rapidly, reaching 400 boys by March 1846.

The Oratory’s expansion necessitated a stable location. Activities ranged from outdoor excursions to music classes, recognizing the positive impact of music on the youth. After moving through several temporary locations due to various challenges and opposition, Don Bosco, with his mother’s support, established the first permanent Salesian home, eventually accommodating around a thousand boys.

Acknowledging the transformative power of his work, local authorities eventually supported Don Bosco’s initiatives, including the establishment of technical schools and workshops. In 1868, he undertook the construction of a church in the Valdocco area of Turin, dedicated to Our Lady, Help of Christians, overcoming financial hurdles to realize this vision.

The success of the Oratory and Don Bosco’s approach lay in his profound understanding and empathy towards disadvantaged youth. He championed a method of education rooted in love, kindness, and encouragement, eschewing punitive measures. He believed in nurturing the children’s interests, especially in music, and emphasized the formation of character and will over mere academic achievement.

Don Bosco’s preventive approach in education and his belief in the power of confession and communion were central to his philosophy. He saw recreation and play as vital components of child development, living by the principle of avoiding sin rather than imposing strict discipline.

By the time of his death, the Salesian Society had expanded globally, with 250 houses serving 130,000 children. His educational legacy continued through his pupils, many of whom became priests and teachers, spreading the Salesian method across various continents.

Don Bosco’s life and work exemplify his belief in the transformative power of education and compassion, leaving an enduring impact on the care and upbringing of youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Photo credit: Lawrence OP via Flickr
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12 COMMENTS

  1. ST. JOHN BOSCO . NEED HELP REALLY BAD , HAVE MANY ETE PRAOBLEMS AN D HEARING LOSS AND MANY IERATIONS AS GOING BLIND TO SAVE MY EYES. . HAVE ALSO NON FAMILY EVIL IN MY HO– USEHPLD AND NEEDS TO BE REMOVED AS THREAT TO MY SAFETLY AMD MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CAPACITY, I AM EXPREMELEY DEPRESSED AND NEED DIVINE INTERVENTION AS I STAND TO ALSO LOSE MY HOME AND LOVE OF MY SISTER AND TRUST. PRAY FOR THE SOULS IN PERGATORY. I HAD GONE TO GEARGETOWN UNVERSITY IN D.C. EARLY IN LIFE PRAY FOR MME AND MY FAMILY LEFT AND CLOSE FRIENDS TO BE SUCCESSFUL. SO I CAN RECIVE SOME INCOME,

    • Dear Lenny Woynoski Lean onto God every second of the day. Recite these words at any evil provocation outloud (go somewhere in private – I go into the bathroom or outside) “Get Behind ME Satan in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!” and your heart will immediately be at peace and know that the Holy Spirit is with you. Also when truly wrought with fear of mental or physical attack say the Lord’s Prayer and your fear will be gone.
      I will pray for y our,
      Love your sister in Jesus Christ,
      Laura

  2. I will add you to my Daily Prayers that include asking Jesus, The Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Paul, St. John Bosco, St. Jude, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen; praying “Our Daily Bread”,”The Word Among Us” and the Rosary.
    I will also pray for you at Mass twice a week in addition to the Daily Prayer regimen.

    “A Friend in Christ”

  3. Pray the UCATHOLIC will be protected from any hackers and anyone that don’t believe in the Pope, Catholic Church Trinity and the HOly Family..Our Lady, Her Son Jesus Christ and St. Joseph. May you asked Jesus Christ to asked the nine choirs of angels to put a hedge of protection around the writers, those printing and gathering the information. May the standards of theinformation always be morally right, and intentionally good.

    Amen
    Black CAaholics of America, Editor

  4. Pray the UCATHOLIC will be protected from any hackers and anyone that don’t believe in the Pope, Catholic Church Trinity and the Holy Family..Our Lady, Her Son Jesus Christ and St. Joseph. May you asked Jesus Christ to asked the nine choirs of angels to put a hedge of protection around the writers, those printing and gathering the information. May the standards of the information always be morally right, and intentionally good.

    Amen
    Black Catholics of America, Editor

  5. O glorious Saint John Bosco, who in order to lead young people to the feet of the divine Master and to mould them in the light of faith and Christian morality didst heroically sacrifice thyself to the very end of thy life and didst set up a proper religious Institute destined to endure and to bring to the farthest boundaries of the earth thy glorious work, obtain also for us from Our Lord a holy love for young people who are exposed to so many seductions in order that we may generously spend ourselves in supporting them against the snares of the devil, in keeping them safe from the dangers of the world, and in guiding them, pure and holy, in the path that leads to God. Amen.

  6. Don Bosco, pray for us. For our children/YA to seek Jesus.
    All holy men and women, martyrs, saints, angels, pray for us.
    Let Truth be honoured and Light be cast into every shadow.
    Holy Family of Nazareth, restore matrimony and family life.
    Transform all of mankind’s iniquity into integrity. Amen.
    Ecce Crucem Domini!
    Fugite partes adversae!
    Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
    Radix David! Alleluia!
    Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us. For the Church.
    Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us. For the media.

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