St. John Bosco (1815–1888) – Father and Friend of Youths – Our Inspiration
St. John Bosco, fondly known as Don Bosco, was born on 16 August 1815, in Becchi, a small hamlet in Castelnuovo d’Asti, Italy. Born into a poor family, John lost his father, Francesco, at the tender age of two. His mother, Margaret, played a pivotal role in shaping his character and spirituality, teaching him farming, praying, and seeing God in the beauty of creation, the harvest, and the face of the poor who sought shelter at their home.
At the age of nine, John Bosco had a prophetic dream that changed his life. He saw a multitude of poor boys playing and blaspheming, and a Man told him he would conquer them with meekness and charity. A majestic Lady, who appeared in the dream, assured him that she would be his teacher and guide. The Man was Jesus, and the Lady was Mother Mary. This dream would lay the foundation for his future mission.
As a boy, John entertained neighbourhood children with juggling and acrobatics, combining these with moral lessons and sermons. Determined to become a priest to help poor boys, he left home at 12 to work as a farm labourer while studying at night. He later returned to school and pursued various trades, including shoemaking, blacksmithing, carpentry, and tailoring, while tutoring others to support himself. During his student years, he founded the “Happy Club” to organize and inspire his peers.
Don Bosco: The Priest and Educator
At 20, John Bosco joined the Seminary at Chieri and was ordained a priest on 5 June 1841, becoming “Don Bosco” (“Don” being an Italian title for priests). He began his mission in Turin, gathering poor street boys—peddlers, cobblers, stable boys, and others—and starting an Oratory at Valdocco. This was not merely a shelter but a home where boys could work, study, and grow.
Despite financial hardships, Don Bosco’s mother, Mama Margaret, supported him by becoming a mother to the boys and even selling her wedding ring and jewellery to sustain the mission. Don Bosco established workshops for tailoring, shoemaking, bookbinding, carpentry, printing, and mechanics, equipping the boys with skills for life.
The Salesian Legacy
Some of Don Bosco’s boys chose to dedicate their lives to his mission, leading to the founding of the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesian Congregation) in 1859. This congregation, comprising priests and brothers, was committed to continuing his work. Among its pioneers were Michael Rua, John Cagliero (later a Cardinal), and John Baptist Francesia. Don Bosco also founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters – FMA) and the Salesian Co-operators, enabling laypeople to contribute to the mission while living in their families.
Don Bosco expanded his work globally, establishing 59 Salesian houses in six nations and initiating missions in Latin America. His educational approach, known as the Preventive System, was based on Reason, Religion, and Loving-kindness, emphasizing holistic development and care.
A Saint for the Youth
Don Bosco passed away on 31 January 1888, at 73, leaving a legacy of love and dedication. His final words to his Salesians were, “Love each other as brothers. Do good to all and evil to none… Tell my boys that I wait for them all in Paradise.”
Declared ‘Blessed’ in 1929, he was canonized by Pope Pius XI on Easter Sunday in 1934. Pope John Paul II honoured him with the title “Father and Teacher of Youth.”
Don Bosco Today
Today, Don Bosco’s mission thrives in 136 countries, with 13,576 Salesians working in 1845 Houses worldwide. Inspired by his life, these institutions continue to transform lives, fostering faith, education, and opportunity for the young, especially the poor and marginalized.
The Salesians of Don Bosco are managing, administering and running the institution – St Xavier’s School, Harmutty.