Saint John Bosco – Father and Teacher of Youth

ST. JOHN BOSCO

Saint John Bosco, known as Don Bosco, was an Italian priest devoted to the care and education of disadvantaged youth. He founded the Salesians and used kindness and faith to guide troubled boys, leaving a legacy that continues globally today.

John Bosco, affectionately called Don Bosco, was born on August 16, 1815, in Becchi, near Turin, Italy. He lost his father at a young age and was raised by his devout and hardworking mother, Margaret Occhiena. From early on, Don Bosco demonstrated a remarkable compassion for the poor and a strong sense of faith. A pivotal moment in his childhood was a vivid dream at the age of nine, in which he saw himself surrounded by a group of unruly boys. A man and a woman—whom he later believed to be Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary—appeared and instructed him to lead the boys with kindness and love. This vision shaped his entire life’s mission.

Ordained as a priest in 1841, Don Bosco dedicated his ministry to the welfare and education of young people, especially those marginalized by poverty and industrialization. Turin at the time was a city filled with abandoned and neglected children, many of whom turned to crime and vagrancy. He began gathering boys off the streets, providing them with food, shelter, religious instruction, and practical education. Don Bosco believed that to effectively teach and transform the lives of youth, one must combine discipline with love and understanding.

In 1859, he founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales—known today as the Salesians—whose purpose was to continue his mission of educating and supporting underprivileged boys. He developed a pedagogical method known as the "Preventive System," which emphasized reason, religion, and loving-kindness rather than punishment. He created a nurturing environment where boys could grow in faith and acquire skills for life. His charisma and revolutionary teaching model quickly attracted others to join his cause.

Not limiting his work to boys, Don Bosco collaborated with Saint Maria Domenica Mazzarello to co-found the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in 1872. This community of religious women focused on the education and care of young girls, further broadening the scope of his mission.

Don Bosco was tireless in his efforts. Despite enduring criticism, financial hardship, and political obstacles, he continued to build schools, technical workshops, and youth centers. He also authored numerous works on education, spirituality, and moral instruction. By the time of his death on January 31, 1888, the Salesian movement had spread far beyond Italy.

His legacy continues in more than 130 countries through the work of the Salesian Family, which includes the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Salesian Sisters, and lay collaborators known as Salesian Cooperators. They operate schools, technical institutes, youth centers, and shelters, always inspired by Don Bosco’s principles of gentle guidance, reason, and faith.

He was canonized a saint by Pope Pius XI on April 1, 1934. In 1988, Pope John Paul II honored him with the title “Father and Teacher of Youth,” reaffirming his timeless influence on education and spiritual formation for young people. His feast day is celebrated annually on January 31.

Feast Day

31-1-1888

Birth Date

16-8-1815

Died Date

31-1-1888

Canonised Date

1-4-1934

Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, Turin, Italy

St. Don Bosco, Great teacher, guide, and friend of youth, Pray for us to nurture the hearts and minds of young people, And to lead them with love, wisdom, and faith. Help us to follow your example of devotion to God, And to serve others with kindness, patience, and understanding. Amen.
ST. JOHN BOSCO

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ST. JOHN BOSCO

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