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When we talk about saints who have left an indelible mark on the history of the Church, the name Saint John Bosco shines with a special light. He was not only an exemplary priest but also a true spiritual father to thousands of young people who found in him a guide, a teacher, and a friend. His life and teachings continue to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration today, especially in a world that desperately needs educators with heart and evangelizers with passion.
A Child Chosen by God
John Melchior Bosco Occhiena was born on August 16, 1815, into a humble farming family in Italy. His childhood was marked by poverty and suffering, as he lost his father at the age of two. However, God had a plan for him. From a young age, he felt the call to the priesthood and had a prophetic dream that would define his mission: he saw a group of boys fighting, and a mysterious figure told him:
“Not with blows, but with love and kindness, you will win them over.”
This dream was the beginning of his vocation as an educator and evangelizer of youth.
A Priest with a Passion for Souls
Ordained as a priest in 1841, Don Bosco encountered a heartbreaking reality: thousands of young people in Turin were living in misery, without education, without family, and without God. Moved by charity, he began to gather them in what would later become the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, where he taught them catechism, provided vocational training, and, above all, loved them with an authentic and paternal love.
At a time when education was rigid and punitive, Don Bosco revolutionized the system with his “Preventive Method,” based on three pillars:
- Reason – Teaching with clarity and patience, guiding with logic and good counsel.
- Religion – Presenting Christ as the center of life and transmitting the faith with joy.
- Love – Creating a family-like atmosphere where young people felt welcomed and valued.
This method remains highly relevant today. In a world where young people face identity crises, loneliness, and the loss of values, Don Bosco’s approach continues to offer answers.
A Saint Who Challenged His Time
Saint John Bosco lived in an era marked by the Industrial Revolution and the secularization of society. He faced persecution, criticism, and financial difficulties, yet he never gave up. He had complete trust in Divine Providence and in the Virgin Mary, whom he called “Mary Help of Christians,” his great protector.
Thanks to his unwavering faith, he founded the Salesian Congregation, which today continues his mission in more than 130 countries, forming millions of young people in schools, universities, and vocational training centers.
His life is proof that when a soul is fully surrendered to God, no obstacle can hinder its mission.
The Legacy of Saint John Bosco Today
Why is Saint John Bosco still so relevant in our time?
- He is a model for educators and parents – He taught that education is an act of love, not of imposition. In a world where the family crisis is profound, his testimony is a guiding light for those who lead children and young people.
- He is a powerful intercessor for the youth – Today, more than ever, young people need saints who inspire them to live with joy and holiness in a culture that often leads them away from God.
- He reminds us that holiness is a joyful adventure – For Don Bosco, being a saint did not mean being sad or rigid but living with enthusiasm, humor, and a heart full of love for God.
A Path to Follow
Saint John Bosco leaves us a clear message: “God wants us to be saints, and holiness is possible for everyone.” No matter our life circumstances, our mistakes, or our difficulties. If we trust in God, surrender to Mary, and serve with love, we can transform the world just as he did.
May his example inspire us to bring hope to those around us, especially to young people who so desperately need authentic witnesses of God’s love.
Prayer to Saint John Bosco
“Saint John Bosco, friend and father of youth,
teach us to live with joy,
to always trust in God,
and to love with all our hearts.
Guide our young people on the path of faith
and help us educate with love and patience.
Through your intercession,
may we become saints like you.
Amen.”
May Saint John Bosco inspire us to be educators with faith, evangelizers with love, and Christians with joy.
