St. John Bosco – Father, Founder, and Teacher of Youth

Founder: Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians of Don Bosco), and Co-Founder with St. Mary Mazzarello: Daughters of Our Lady Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters).

At the age of nine, John had a dream of being in a field with a large group of boys. Some were playing and having fun while others were fighting and swearing. Hearing their bad language, John lost his temper and began hitting them. The group fought back drawing everyone into a huge fight.

In this dream a man appeared and said to John, “You will never help these boys by beating them. Be kind to them, lead them, and teach them.”

This dream led him to the priesthood and a life dedicated caring for neglected boys. He learned acrobatics and magic tricks to entertain them. He taught them with encouragement and an appreciation of effort. And their lives revolved around the presence of a loving and merciful God.

St. John Bosco – Patron of Apprentices, Editors, and Publishers

• Born August 15, 1815 Becchi, Italy
• Died January 31, 1888 Turin, Italy
• Ordained in 1841
• Gave his first Catechism class on December 8, 1841 to a young orphan, Bart Garelli.
• Founded the Salesians December 1859 with 22 companions
• Today, over 11,000 Salesian Fathers minister to the needs of youth in schools, hospitals, and churches around the world.
• Canonized April 1, 1934 by Pope Pius XI
• Feast Day is January 31

Check it Out…

Spiritual Works of Mercy
Counseling the doubtful
Instructing the ignorant
Admonishing sinners
Comforting the afflicted
Forgiving offenses
Bearing wrongs patiently
Praying for the living and the dead

Reprinted with permission Holy Traders

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