About St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco, known as Don Bosco, was a 19th-century Italian priest who revolutionized youth education and care for the poor. Born into poverty in 1815, he developed a unique educational approach called the “Preventive System,” based on reason, religion, and loving kindness rather than punishment. In Turin, during the industrial revolution, he devoted himself to helping homeless and at-risk boys, teaching them trades and providing them with education, while also caring for their spiritual needs. Despite facing opposition and even assassination attempts, he established oratories (youth centers) that combined play, learning, and prayer. Through remarkable dreams that often proved prophetic, he guided his work and founded two religious orders: the Salesians for men and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for women, both dedicated to education and missionary work. His innovative methods, which emphasized joy and love over harsh discipline, were ahead of their time and continue to influence modern educational practices. He worked tirelessly until his death in 1888, leaving behind a legacy of schools and youth programs that spread worldwide. His body remains incorrupt in Turin, where he is particularly remembered for his saying, “It is not enough to love the young; they must know that they are loved.”
Prayers & Devotions
