Born
1815 m. rugpjūčio 16 d., Becchi, Italija
Died
1888 m. sausio 31 d., Turinas, Italija
Feast day: January 31
John Bosco was born in 1815. August 16 in a poor Piedmontese peasant family near Turin. He lost his father at the age of two, and his mother Margarita raised her three sons alone in extremely difficult conditions.
From his childhood, John felt that the Lord was calling him to dedicate his life to the benefit of poor youth. After becoming a priest, he began to gather hundreds of young people around him, whom he brought closer to God with friendliness and tenderness. In order to expand his activities, he was looking for associates. He founded the Salesian congregation, the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the group of Salesian collaborators (lay people who live according to the spirit and charism of the Salesians). Established many colleges, schools and shelters for poor youth both in Italy and abroad. He trusted Providence all his life, devoted himself completely to God, even though he experienced many obstacles and difficulties. After implementing his Preventive System (it is better to educate a young man before he does something bad than to wait for him to stumble and then punish him), he became the patron saint of educators and Catholic teachers. His spirit lives on today, and the system of education he created is the path to holiness. The fact that many members of the Salesian family have merited the honor of the altar is an authentic and Church-recognized monument of this community.
The young priest Jonas Boska was shocked by the number of young people who ended up in prisons. Returning from one such visit, he said: "These young men should find a friend when they go out on the ship, to take care of them, protect them, teach them and bring them to church on holidays. Then they will not go back to prison."
Don Bosco created a preventive education system based on three pillars: reason, religion and love. Instead of punishment and fear, he offered warmth, understanding and genuine care.
in 1859 founded the Salesian Society (Societas Sancti Francisci Salesii), and together with St. Marija Domininka Mazzarello — Institute of the Daughters of Mary's Christian Aid.
His oratories, schools and craft workshops changed the lives of thousands of young people. Until his death in 1888 Salesian activity was already widespread in several countries.
"My dear young men, I love you with all my heart. I love you just because you are young. I can assure you that you will meet many more intelligent and virtuous persons, but you will hardly find another person who loves you so much in Christ Jesus and desires your happiness." (Fr. J. Bosko).
Canonized in 1934. Pope Pius XI. Is a patron of youth and vocational training.