Saint John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, is one of the most important figures of the Catholic Church of the 19th century. Founder of the Salesian Congregation , he dedicated his life to the education of young people, especially the poorest and most abandoned. His commitment to childhood and youth is distinguished by his educational passion and deep Christian faith.
The Life of John Bosco
Giovanni Bosco was born on August 16, 1815 in Becchi, a small Piedmontese village near Turin, into a poor family. Having lost his father at the age of two, he was raised by his mother, Margherita, who had a decisive influence on his growth. His mother transmitted fundamental values such as faith in God and love for others and, from a young age, Giovanni demonstrated a natural inclination towards education and teaching.
During his adolescence, he had prophetic experiences and dreams that directed him towards his priestly vocation and his attention to young people. His religious formation began with great commitment, despite economic difficulties, and materialized with his priestly ordination in 1841.
The beginning of Don Bosco's educational work
In 1845, Don Bosco founded the first oratory in Turin, initially in an unsuitable environment, but the project soon grew and became a point of reference for the city's youth. Don Bosco's oratory was not only a place of prayer, but also of education and socialization, where children could learn and have fun in a safe environment. The goal was to offer young people a positive alternative to street life, basing education on principles of love and reason, rather than punishment.
The “Preventive System”, an educational method developed by Don Bosco, was based on three principles: reason , religion and loving kindness . The approach was positive, seeking to educate young people with gentleness, guiding them through dialogue and mutual respect.
The foundation of the Salesian Congregation
In 1859, Don Bosco founded the Salesian Congregation, a religious order dedicated to the education of young people, especially the poorest. The name of the congregation was chosen in honor of Saint Francis de Sales, whom Don Bosco considered a model of gentleness and charity. The Salesian Congregation spread rapidly in Italy and the rest of the world, with the creation of schools, oratories and missions.
The Salesians dedicate themselves not only to religious education, but also to professional training, offering young people the tools to integrate into society.
The "Preventive System" and its impact
Don Bosco's "Preventive System" is considered one of his major contributions to education. It is based on creating a positive environment in which young people can develop, learn and grow in a balanced and healthy way. In this system, education was based on trust and motivation, rather than punishment.
Don Bosco rejected the use of violence and favored counseling and accompaniment. His pedagogy was closely linked to the Christian faith, as education was seen as a path of spiritual growth, but at the same time he welcomed all young people, regardless of their religion or social condition.
He had a deep bond with young people, treating them as his "spiritual children". His ability to empathize with young people and understand their needs made him particularly loved and respected, also thanks to the use of simple and direct language, managing to easily gain the trust of young people. His educational approach focused on strengthening the values of community, responsibility and solidarity, and teaching was not only scholastic, but also human and Christian. Love for God and for others was the core of all his educational action.
The expansion of the work
Don Bosco's educational work was not limited to Italy, but extended globally. Starting in 1875, the Salesians settled in Latin America, and then expanded to other continents. The Salesian missions were fundamental for the education and assistance of young people in difficulty in many areas of the world.
Don Bosco also founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, a female religious order dedicated to the education of girls. Devotion to Mary Help of Christians became a central symbol of Don Bosco's work.
Holiness and iconography of John Bosco
Don Bosco died on January 31, 1888, leaving a legacy that would continue to live through his disciples. He was beatified in 1929 and canonized on April 1, 1934. His liturgical feast is celebrated on January 31. His figure continues to inspire generations of educators, priests and young people.
The iconography of Saint John Bosco today reflects the main aspects of his life and mission. He is often represented with young people, emphasizing his role as an educator and spiritual father, or with Our Lady Help of Christians, a symbol of his devotion. Other images portray him while preaching or teaching, often with a crucifix in his hand, symbolizing his religious mission.
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