St. John Bosco
Feast Day: January 31
“Run, jump, play, but do not sin.” – St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco, priest, educator, and founder, is honored for his tireless dedication to the spiritual and practical education of poor and abandoned youth. His feast day, celebrated on January 31, commemorates his role as a father, teacher, and friend to countless young people.
A Childhood Marked by Faith and Hardship
John Bosco was born in 1815 in Castelnuovo, Italy, into a poor farming family. His father died when John was just two years old, leaving his mother, Mama Margaret, to raise the family in deep faith and hard work.
From a young age, John was known for his intelligence, joy, and creativity. He would perform magic tricks, acrobatics, and storytelling to draw other children together, followed by teaching them catechism and leading them in prayer.
A Priest for the Young
John discerned a call to the priesthood and was ordained in 1841. Upon arriving in Turin, he was deeply moved by the plight of poor, orphaned, and neglected boys living in the streets and prisons.
Determined to help them, he founded oratories—safe spaces where boys could receive education, job training, recreation, and spiritual formation.
Founder of the Salesians
In 1859, John founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians), named after his patron, St. Francis de Sales, emphasizing gentleness, kindness, and reason in working with the young.
Later, with St. Mary Mazzarello, he also founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, dedicated to educating and serving young girls.
His approach to education, called the “Preventive System,” was based on reason, religion, and loving-kindness, focusing on forming the heart, mind, and soul.
A Legacy of Joy, Holiness, and Service
John Bosco’s tireless work extended beyond Italy, sending missionaries around the world to serve youth and the poor. Despite constant challenges, including opposition from political authorities, he remained joyful and completely trusting in Mary Help of Christians, to whom he had a strong devotion.
He died in 1888, and his work continues today in Salesian schools, missions, and centers across the globe.
Patron of Youth and Educators
St. John Bosco is the patron saint of young people, students, schoolchildren, apprentices, and youth workers, a model of how love, patience, and joy can transform lives.
A Witness to Love and Holiness for the Young
St. John Bosco’s life reminds the faithful that the path to holiness can be filled with joy, laughter, learning, and community. His legacy continues to inspire educators, parents, and all who work with young people to form them in love of Christ.
St. John Bosco, pray for us!