St. John Bosco, born Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco, and widely known as Don Bosco, entered the world in Becchi, Italy, on August 16, 1815. His arrival occurred during a tumultuous period, shortly after the Napoleonic Wars had ravaged the region, leaving behind widespread hardship. Adding to the difficulties of the time, his birth coincided with a severe drought and famine.
Tragedy struck the Bosco family when John was just two years old with the death of his father. This left his mother, Margherita Occhiena, to raise John and his two older brothers alone. “Mama Margherita,” as she was affectionately known, was a woman of deep faith and resilience, later declared venerable by the Church in 2006, a testament to her profound influence on St. John Bosco’s life and work.
Under the steadfast guidance of his mother, John grew up immersed in the Catholic faith, regularly attending church and developing a strong sense of piety. Beyond his religious devotion, he contributed to the family’s livelihood by assisting in growing food and tending sheep. Despite their impoverished circumstances, Margherita instilled in her children the importance of charity, always finding resources to share with the homeless who sought assistance at their door, offering food, shelter, or clothing. This early exposure to compassion and generosity profoundly shaped St. John Bosco’s future dedication to serving the marginalized youth.
A pivotal moment in young John’s life occurred at the age of nine when he experienced the first in a series of vivid, prophetic dreams that would guide his path. In this dream, he found himself amidst a boisterous group of boys, their play punctuated by coarse language. Suddenly, a majestic man and woman appeared. The man instructed him that through meekness and charity, he would “conquer these your friends.” The woman, equally majestic, added, “Be strong, humble and robust. When the time comes, you will understand everything.” This dream, with its powerful imagery and message, resonated deeply within John and served as a lifelong inspiration for his work with young people.
Shortly after this significant dream, John encountered a traveling circus troupe. He was captivated by their mesmerizing performances, particularly the magic tricks and acrobatics. It dawned on him that if he could master these skills, he could use them to attract and engage others, holding their attention in a positive way. He diligently studied the performers, learning their tricks and practicing until he could perform some himself. This marked the beginning of St. John Bosco’s innovative approach to education, using engaging methods to connect with youth.
One Sunday evening, John put on a show for the neighborhood children, showcasing his newly acquired skills. The performance was met with enthusiastic applause. Following the entertainment, John surprised his young audience by reciting the homily he had heard at church earlier that day. He concluded by inviting everyone to join him in prayer. These gatherings, blending entertainment with religious instruction, became a regular occurrence, and it was during this period that John felt a clear calling to the priesthood. This early ministry foreshadowed his future oratories, places of joyful learning and faith formation.
Pursuing the priesthood required education, a significant obstacle for John due to his family’s poverty. However, he found a priest willing to provide him with lessons and books, a crucial step in his journey. This decision was met with disapproval from his older brother, who, according to accounts, physically reprimanded John, insisting he should remain a farmer like the rest of the family. Despite this opposition, St. John Bosco remained resolute in his calling.
Undeterred, and further motivated by his brother’s hostility, John left home at the age of twelve to seek work as a farmhand. Finding employment proved challenging initially, but he eventually secured a position at a vineyard. He worked there for two years before a providential meeting with Joseph Cafasso, a priest renowned for his charitable work, especially his ministry to prisoners and those condemned to death. Cafasso, later canonized as a saint, recognized John’s potential and became a mentor, guiding him towards his priestly aspirations.
In 1835, St. John Bosco entered the seminary. After six years of dedicated study and spiritual preparation, he was ordained a priest in 1841. His early life experiences, marked by poverty, faith, and a profound dream, had uniquely prepared him for his future mission.
His first assignment as a priest was in the rapidly industrializing city of Turin. Industrialization had brought about significant social problems, including the growth of slums and widespread poverty. It was in these impoverished neighborhoods that Fr. Bosco, as he was now known, began his tireless work with the marginalized children of the city. He was deeply affected by the plight of these young people, many of whom were vulnerable and at risk.
During visits to local prisons, Fr. Bosco was struck by the large number of young boys, aged between 12 and 18, incarcerated within the harsh conditions. Witnessing their vulnerability and despair ignited a fervent desire in him to prevent other boys from suffering the same fate. This experience solidified his commitment to working with at-risk youth and led him to innovative approaches to their care and education.
Fr. Bosco ventured into the streets, seeking out young men and boys in their workplaces and places of recreation. He employed his performance skills, using tricks and engaging activities to capture their attention, and then sharing his religious and moral message. This unconventional approach proved highly effective in reaching young people who were often resistant to traditional forms of religious instruction.
Beyond preaching, Fr. Bosco worked relentlessly to find employment and lodging for the boys he encountered. His mother, Margherita, joined him in Turin and became an indispensable partner in his mission. She became affectionately known as “Mamma Margherita” by the countless boys they cared for. By the 1860s, Fr. Bosco and his mother were providing lodging for as many as 800 boys, a remarkable testament to their dedication and the scale of their work.
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Fr. Bosco also became an advocate for the rights of young apprentices. Apprentices were often exploited, forced to perform manual labor and menial tasks unrelated to their apprenticeships. Fr. Bosco negotiated contracts with employers that prohibited such abuses, a groundbreaking reform for the time. He ensured that the boys he placed in apprenticeships were granted feast days off and protected from physical abuse, significantly improving their working conditions and overall well-being.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing vocations, Fr. Bosco identified boys he believed had the potential for priesthood and encouraged them to consider this path. He then provided guidance and support to those who responded positively, preparing them for their journey to ordination. This focus on fostering vocations was crucial to the long-term sustainability of his work.
Fr. Bosco’s innovative and impactful work was not without its challenges. He faced criticism and opposition, with some parish priests accusing him of “stealing boys” from their parishes. The Chief of Police of Turin viewed his street catechism as politically subversive. Despite these controversies, St. John Bosco persevered, driven by his unwavering commitment to his mission.
In 1859, Fr. Bosco formally established the Society of St. Francis de Sales, also known as the Salesians. He gathered fifteen seminarians and one teenage boy to form the initial group. Their mission was to continue his charitable work, focusing on the faith formation and welfare of young people, helping them to stay on a positive path. The Salesian Society continues to thrive globally today, carrying on St. John Bosco’s legacy of service to children and youth around the world.
In the years that followed the founding of the Salesians, St. John Bosco expanded his mission even further, recognizing the ever-growing need for his work. His dedication and tireless efforts left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young people.
St. John Bosco died on January 31, 1888. The call for his canonization arose almost immediately after his death. Pope Pius XI, who had known Fr. Bosco personally, readily supported the cause, declaring him blessed in 1929. St. John Bosco was canonized as a saint on Easter Sunday, 1934, and given the fitting title, “Father and Teacher of Youth,” acknowledging his profound impact on education and youth ministry.
In 2002, Pope John Paul II received a petition to declare St. John Bosco the Patron Saint of Stage Magicians. This petition recognized St. Bosco’s pioneering use of magic and similar performance arts, today known as “Gospel Magic,” to attract and engage young audiences with faith-based messages.
Today, Saint John Bosco is recognized as the patron saint of a diverse group, including apprentices, editors and publishers, schoolchildren, magicians, and juvenile delinquents. His feast day is celebrated annually on January 31st, commemorating his life and enduring legacy.
Continue reading about St. John Bosco and his lasting impact on youth education and the Catholic Church.
