Officially born August 16th, 1815, and named Giovanni ,today he is more widely known as John Bosco or Don Bosco, an Italian priest, educator, and a writer of the 19th century.
Being the third son of peasant parents, Don Bosco’s childhood was quite difficult. Orphaned of a father at an early age, the young man was entrusted with helping his mother with field work just to avoid starvation. Despite the inconveniences he faced, the very wise young man found time to share wisdom with other peers his age who also found themselves in precarious circumstances.
Though impoverished and in need, the young Don Bosco loved inspiring newfound faith among his peers, and guiding them toward a personal as well as intimate relationship with Jesus Christ:
“Don Bosco had a gift for delivering God’s message, often referred to as a saint sent by God himself,” said Mr. David Shultz, the psychology teacher at ILS.
Later on in his life, Don Bosco gained much knowledge which often came to his advantage, but on rare occasions to his detriment. As a motivated, but stubborn child, he was prone to disagreements with others and family members. One of those disputes with his older brother led him to leave the small family business. He eventually worked multiple small shifts until finally benefiting from the teachings of a priest, Don Callosso. After becoming a young priest himself, Don Bosco really began to discover the miserable conditions of the young people in Turin, Italy. Subsequently, he went on to dedicate his life to the well-being and happiness of underprivileged youth.
“I learned more about Don Bosco and his story in Sister Myriam’s class a couple years ago and found it really inspiring. He truly had a passion for helping others and bringing them closer to God by helping them reach salvation,” said senior Isaiah Williams.
In 1859, Don Bosco assembled 17 adolescents and created the Salesian Society. Named after Saint Francis de Sales, whose intelligence and goodness he admired, one of Don Bosco’s many projects included creating their first oratory in the neighborhood of Valdocco:
“Entrust everything to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are.”
— Don Bosco
This explains the basis of Don Bosco’s persona and why he is so important to all Salesians.
“He founded the Salesian order, and they wouldn’t be anywhere without him,” said junior Sofi Lambert.
