January 31

Saint John Bosco

Memorial

Priest who gave a home, schooling and a trade to the poor boys of Turin

John Bosco was born in 1815 into a poor farming family near Castelnuovo d'Asti, in Piedmont, northern Italy. His father died when John was two. As a boy he learned juggling and conjuring tricks to draw other children to watch, then repeated the Sunday sermon to them.

Ordained a priest in 1841, he went to Turin, a fast-growing industrial city full of teenage boys looking for work, many homeless or in prison. He gathered them on Sundays for games, lessons and prayer, and in 1846 settled at Valdocco, where his “oratory” grew into a home, schools and workshops. He wanted to win the young through reason, faith and kindness, not punishment. Money was always short, and some officials saw his crowds of boys as trouble.

To carry on the work he founded the Salesians in 1859 and, with Mary Mazzarello, a congregation of sisters in 1872. He died in Turin in 1888. His communities still run schools and youth centres around the world.

Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

Mark 10:13–16 · BSB

A prayer

God of mercy, you gave John Bosco a father's heart for poor and forgotten young people, and the patience to win them with kindness. Help us to see the young around us as you see them, to welcome them with joy, and to guide them gently toward you. Amen.