The life of Saint John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, is an extraordinary story of love and dedication to young people. Born on 16 August 1815, in Becchi, in the Italian Piedmont region, he was the son of a poor peasant family. Orphaned at the age of two, he was brought up by his mother Margherita Occhiena, a woman of deep faith who had a considerable influence on his spiritual development.
From an early age, John Bosco showed signs of a religious vocation. At the age of nine, he had a prophetic dream that left a deep impression on him. In the dream, he found himself surrounded by undisciplined young people who were making fun of him. Guided by the Virgin Mary, he managed to calm the situation using gentleness and love. This dream was to become the cornerstone of his future educational method.
At the age of nine, he went to Turin to study with the Franciscans. From then on, his desire to become a priest and help disadvantaged young people grew stronger. However, the road to the priesthood was not an easy one for a boy from a poor family. He overcame huge financial obstacles with the help of benefactors, including a wealthy lawyer, Mr Pinardi.
He was ordained a priest on 5 June 1841 and devoted his life to educating Turin's marginalised youth, a task that led him to found the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, better known as the Salesians, in 1859. His educational approach was innovative, combining academic instruction with spiritual and professional formation. He sought to create an educational environment based on love, prevention rather than correction, and respect for the dignity of each young person.
Don Bosco was also aware of the importance of evangelisation through the media and founded the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales, where he organised recreational activities, games and theatrical performances to attract young people. He also created the Bulletin Salesien, an educational and evangelical periodical aimed at young people.
His love for the Holy Eucharist was profound, and he encouraged a special devotion to the Virgin Mary, which many of his followers adopted. Don Bosco was also a mystic and visionary, receiving dreams and visions that guided his actions and provided advice for the future.
Don Bosco became involved in charitable and educational works throughout Italy and Europe. He also founded the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, a religious congregation dedicated to the education of young girls. He devoted his entire life to the education and training of young people, and his work continued to grow even after his death.
Saint John Bosco died on 31 January 1888 in Turin. He was canonised by Pope Pius XI in 1934 and today is venerated as the patron saint of educators and young people. Don Bosco's legacy lives on through the many Salesian institutions throughout the world, continuing his work of education, formation and evangelisation among young people.
