St. John Bosco
Father and Teacher of Youth, Founder of the Salesians
📖 Life of St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco (1815–1888), also known as Don Bosco, was an Italian priest dedicated to the education and formation of youth. Born in Becchi, Italy, into a poor family, from an early age he demonstrated a vocation for the priesthood and love for young people.
At the age of nine, he had a prophetic dream that marked his life: he saw a crowd of boys fighting and blaspheming, and a majestic figure told him that with meekness and charity he would "win these friends of his." This dream guided his entire mission.
Ordained a priest in 1841, he dedicated himself to the poor youth of Turin, creating oratories where he offered education, Christian formation, and recreation. He used magic tricks and acrobatics to attract the attention of young people, then taught them the Gospel.
In 1859, he founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians), which today is one of the largest religious congregations in the world. He died on January 31, 1888, and was canonized in 1934, being proclaimed "Father and Teacher of Youth."
🌟 Legacy of St. John Bosco: Father and Teacher of Youth
Spiritual Legacy
St. John Bosco left a legacy of unconditional love for youth and a revolutionary educational method based on "reason, religion, and love." His preventive pedagogy continues to be a model for Catholic educators.
Educational Innovation
Don Bosco revolutionized education by creating a system that combined academic, professional, and spiritual formation. His oratories offered integral education, healthy recreation, and Christian formation.
Salesian Family
He founded the Salesians, who today are more than 30,000 members in 134 countries, serving millions of young people through schools, youth centers, parishes, and social works.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. John Bosco
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. John Bosco is celebrated on January 31, the date of his death. It is a special day to pray for youth, educators, and Salesian vocations.
Traditions and Customs
Salesian schools promote special celebrations, masses, and youth activities in his memory, highlighting his dedication to education and youth formation.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Youth: Patron of young people and youth ministry
- • Educators: Patron of teachers and educators
- • Apprentices: Patron of apprentices and vocational training
- • Magicians: Patron of stage magicians and performers
- • Publishers: Patron of editors and publishers
- • Schoolchildren: Patron of students and schoolchildren
Special Intentions
- • Juvenile Delinquents: Intercessor for troubled youth
- • Vocational Training: Patron of skill development
- • Youth Ministry: Model for youth workers
- • Salesian Vocations: Patron of Salesian family
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. John Bosco
"St. John Bosco, father and teacher of youth, intercede for all young people, educators, and families. Help us to follow your example of love and dedication to youth."
St. John Bosco, pray for us!
Short Prayer
"St. John Bosco, patron of youth and educators, pray for us!"