St. John Bosco

Father, Teacher, and Friend

Who was St. John Bosco?

Saint John Bosco (1815–1888) was an Italian priest, educator, and founder of the Salesian Society, known for his deep commitment to the education and welfare of young people, especially those from poor or neglected backgrounds. Celebrated for his innovative approach to teaching and pastoral care, he emphasized reason, religion, and loving-kindness as the foundation of education, creating the widely known "Salesian Preventive System." His work led to the establishment of numerous schools, orphanages, and other institutions to support disadvantaged youth. Bosco's life was also marked by extraordinary faith and divine favor, surviving assassination attempts, receiving the protection of a mysterious guardian dog, and witnessing countless miracles and prophecies, all of which affirmed his piety and strengthened his commitment to his mission. Born in humble circumstances, he dedicated himself to the service of the poor and marginalized, founding the Salesian Society to continue his work of spiritual and educational transformation. Saint John Bosco was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1934 and is the patron saint of young people and educators. Through his unwavering dedication to God and his innovative methods of teaching, Bosco changed the lives of countless individuals, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire people around the world today.

The Life of St. John Bosco

Saint John Bosco was born on August 16, 1815, in the small village in northern Italy, to a poor farming family. His father, Francesco Bosco, passed away when John was just two years old, leaving his mother, Margaret, to raise him and his brothers. Despite their financial struggles, Margaret was a deeply devout woman who instilled in John a strong sense of faith and the importance of education. From a young age, John demonstrated a remarkable intellect and a deep desire to help others, often using his talents to entertain and teach his friends through tricks, games, and stories. His early years were marked by a series of dreams and visions, which he believed were divine messages, guiding him toward his future mission to care for and educate young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. After attending local schools, he entered the seminary in 1835, where he faced significant challenges, including poverty, but his determination and spiritual calling propelled him forward. These formative years set the foundation for his later work as a priest, educator, and founder of the Salesian Society, dedicated to the welfare of youth.

Ordained a priest in 1841, Saint John Bosco went to Turin, where the industrial revolution was drawing many young people to the city. Witnessing their poverty and abandonment, he was deeply moved and felt called to serve and educate these vulnerable youths, especially the poor and marginalized. This marked the beginning of his lifelong mission to help them. Initially assigned to a parish in Turin, Don Bosco quickly realized the dire need for a safe and supportive environment for the many abandoned and at-risk boys living on the streets. He then started hostels and boarding schools, where he taught them trades. In 1845, he established the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales, a place where boys could receive education, spiritual guidance, and vocational training. His educational approach, known as the Preventive System, emphasized reason, religion, and loving-kindness, focusing on preventing wrongdoing through positive engagement rather than punishment. Over time, the Oratory grew, and Don Bosco's influence expanded as he attracted a team of dedicated collaborators. In 1859, he founded the Salesian Society, a religious order focused on the education of youth, particularly in the context of poverty and hardship. Despite facing significant opposition and financial struggles, Don Bosco remained unwavering in his commitment to his mission, relying on his deep faith and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Trust in Her and you will see miracles“. John Bosco built the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians as an expression of his profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he considered a central figure in his spiritual and educational mission.

In the final years of his life, Saint John Bosco continued to dedicate himself to his mission despite declining health. As his influence grew, so did the challenges of managing the expanding Salesian Society, which by then had established schools, orphanages, and missions across Italy and beyond. Despite facing physical weakness, including frequent illness, Don Bosco remained actively involved in the work of the Salesians, offering spiritual guidance to his followers and continuing to develop his educational system. His health worsened in the late 1880s, and he spent his final months in the company of his Salesian brothers, remaining steadfast in his faith and commitment to his mission. Don Bosco died on January 31, 1888, at the age of 72. To the Salesians who were keeping vigil around his bed he said in a whisper these last words: “Love each other as brothers. Do good to all and evil to none... Tell my boys that I wait for them all in Paradise.”

Teachings of St. John Bosco

Saint John Bosco’s teachings primarily focused on the education and spiritual development of young people, particularly the poor and disadvantaged. His educational approach and methods were innovative for his time, emphasizing reason, religion, and loving-kindness as the cornerstones of effective teaching.

The teachings of Saint John Bosco were rooted in his deep faith, love for young people, and commitment to education as a means of social and spiritual transformation. His legacy continues through the Salesian Society, which upholds his vision of an education that is grounded in reason, faith, and love.

The Preventive System

  • The core of Don Bosco’s educational philosophy is the Preventive System. Instead of punishing students for misbehavior, the Preventive System aimed to prevent misconduct through a positive, loving environment.

  • Reason, Religion, and Loving-kindness were the three pillars of the Preventive System:

    • Reason: Educators should be rational and explain the reasons behind rules and behavior, fostering a sense of personal responsibility.

    • Religion: Faith, prayer, and the teachings of the Church should be central to the educational process, guiding students toward moral and spiritual development.

    • Loving-kindness: Teachers and educators should show love, patience, and care toward students, offering guidance and support rather than resorting to punishment.

The Importance of Education

  • Don Bosco believed that education was the key to transforming the lives of young people, particularly the poor. He focused on both academic and moral education, believing that both were necessary for young people to grow into responsible, ethical adults.

  • Education should not only equip young people with skills for life and work but also help them develop their character, cultivate virtues, and form a close relationship with God.

The Role of the Family

  • Don Bosco emphasized the role of the family in the education of young people. He believed that strong family values and the involvement of parents were vital to the success of any educational process.

  • He encouraged the creation of a supportive, loving community for children, whether at home or in the school environment.

The Salesian Mission

  • Through the Salesian Society, Don Bosco trained young men to be teachers, priests, and lay educators who would continue his work. The Salesians took a special vow to serve the young, particularly those in need, following Don Bosco's example of pastoral care.

  • His educational mission extended far beyond Italy, and the Salesians established schools, orphanages, and missions in many countries around the world.

The Love of Mary Help of Christians

  • Don Bosco had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and saw her as the protector and guide of his educational mission. He often referred to Mary as "Help of Christians" and believed that invoking her intercession was central to the success of his work.

  • His love for Mary and his belief in her protective role are reflected in the name of his major religious order, the Salesians, and the Marian shrine he built at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin.

The Sacraments and Spiritual Life

  • For Don Bosco, the spiritual life was at the center of education. He encouraged young people to cultivate a deep life of prayer, including regular attendance at Mass, receiving the Eucharist, and frequent confession.

  • He believed in the importance of personal holiness and encouraged his students to live lives of virtue, avoiding sinful behaviors and cultivating a love for God.

Work and Recreation

  • Don Bosco also emphasized the importance of work as part of the educational process. He believed that work helped build character, discipline, and a sense of responsibility.

  • However, he also recognized the need for recreation. Young people should have time for fun, sports, and leisure activities to help them develop social skills and relieve stress.

A Focus on the Poor and Marginalized

  • One of Don Bosco’s core missions was to care for the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. He worked tirelessly to support orphans, street children, and those at risk of falling into poverty, crime, and despair.

  • He advocated for an educational system that was inclusive and designed to meet the needs of all young people, particularly those without access to resources.