Like so many great saints, St. John Bosco led an unusual life. He was aised in great poverty and with little education, yet today his name is beloved all over the world.
St. John Bosco was born Giovanni Melchior Bosco in Italy in 1888, during a harsh time of drought and famine. His father died when he was 2 years-old, leaving his mother to raise him and his two older brothers as subsistence farmers and shepherds.
Young Giovanni had little access to education but felt called to the priesthood. Eventually a kindhearted priest helped him with some basic education, but one of his older brothers harshly discouraged his dream of becoming a priest.
At age 12, he left home and worked odd jobs to support himself until he met future saint Joseph Cafasso, who helped him get an education at a seminary. He was ordained at last in 1841.
He never forgot his tough upbringing, and as a priest, he turned his considerable efforts and talents to helping poor and neglected boys in Turin. He helped boys to access education, catechesis, and recreational activities, eventually running a large establishment that included a grammar school, technical school, and church.
Besides helping countless children, he was a popular and eloquent preacher, and eventually founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (also known as the Salesians of Don Bosco) as well as the Daughters of Our Lady Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco), which did similar work among girls, with co-founder St. Mary Mazzarello.
It turns out that there’s a story about St. John Bosco for just about every person and every occasion.
Here are some connections he might have to you and your life
For teachers and educators … 5 Keys to a good education according to St. John Bosco
For teenagers and those who love them … 6 Short quotes from St. John Bosco for the modern-day teen
For children … A simple child’s prayer by St. John Bosco
For when you’re feeling afraid of ghosts … St. John Bosco’s first-hand account of seeing a ghost
For dog owners and animal lovers … How St. John Bosco’s life was saved by a mysterious dog
For when you’re sensing some spiritual warfare … St. John Bosco’s prayer to the Virgin Mary against demonic spirits
For writers, especially if you’re self-published … Could St. John Bosco be the patron of self-publishing?
For entertainers … Why St. John Bosco is patron saint of entertainers
For parents and grandparents everywhere … How parents can make John Bosco their patron saint
For parents of boys especially … 3 Survival tips for parenting boys from St. John Bosco
For when you’re praying the Rosary … This dream of St. John Bosco highlights the power of the Rosary over the devil
And naturally, for anyone who spends time with children … 7 Saintly tips on how to discipline a child, from Don Bosco
And today we celebrate...