St. John Bosco (1815-1888)

He knew from an early age that he wanted to be a priest and help poor boys know Jesus . . .

Feast Day: January 31
Canonized: April 1, 1934

John Bosco’s father, a peasant farmer, died when John was two. When he was nine, John had the first of many powerful dreams which would influence his future vocation. In this first dream, he was surrounded by fighting and blaspheming children. He tried in vain to pacify them, at first by argument and then with his fists. A mysterious lady suddenly appeared, saying, “Softly, softly … if you wish to win them! Take your shepherd’s staff and lead them to pasture.” The children were transformed into wild beasts and then into lambs. From that moment, John wanted to be a priest and help poor boys.

John used acrobatics and magic tricks to draw crowds of youth and then masterfully weave lessons of faith into his act. He also learned tailoring, shoe repair, candy making and restaurant management in the seminary. He put these skills to use in his service to the poor, tough youth of Turin, Italy.

During the week John would go through the slums, building rapport with the youth. On Sundays, he gathered them at his college for prayer and recreation. His group soon numbered close to 500. He obtained an old barn and a small piece of property which became home to John and his youth. His mother, affectionately known as “Mama Margaret,” assisted him. John established boys’ orphanages, chapels, workshops and vocational schools. He founded a religious order and named it after his favorite saint, Francis de Sales. He lived to see many of his youth become members of his Salesian order.

In spite of physical attacks by enemies of the Church, failing health and the rough Turin environment, he heroically continued his work, laboring for the boys’ temporal and spiritual needs. When he died, more than 40,000 mourners paid their respects.

This column is produced for Legatus by the Dead Theologians Society, a Catholic apostolate for high school age teens and college age young adults. On the web: deadtheologianssociety.com