Saint of the Day for 31 January: St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco: Life, Works and Legacy of the Father and Teacher of Youth
Name
St. John Bosco
Title
Priest
Birth
August 16, 1815, Castelnuovo d’Asti
Death
January 31, 1888, Turin
Recurrence
31 January
Martyrology
2004 edition
Beatification
June 2, 1929, Rome, Pope Pius XI
Canonisation
April 1, 1934, Rome, Pope Pius XI
Prayer
O St. John Bosco, who, in order to be able to study, overcame difficulties that seemed insurmountable, and loved young people holily and ardently and made yourself their father and teacher, deh! grant that I may overcome every difficulty I encounter in my studies; grant that I may be diligent, humble, and pure: that I may beware of bad companions and bad readings, and that I may always cultivate in my heart the fear of God; grant that I may strive every day to progress not only in science, but above all in virtue, so that I may be the consolation of those who care for me and become useful to the family, the Church, and the Fatherland Amen.
Patron of
Podenzano, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Arborea
Protector
Of publishers, educators, young people, schoolchildren, students
Relics place
Basilica of Don Bosco
Roman Martyrology
In Turin St. John Bosco, Confessor, Founder of the Salesian Society and the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, distinguished for his zeal for souls and the propagation of the faith, ascribed by Pope Pius XI in the glories of the Saints.
The Saint and Mission
St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesians and a key figure in the history of youth education, is an emblematic example of a mission dedicated to the service and guidance of young people. His life and work represent a profound commitment to the moral, spiritual and physical development of boys, particularly the most disadvantaged. Don Bosco’s mission was animated by an innovative vision of education, based on love rather than punishment, an approach he called the “preventive system.” This system emphasized the importance of reason, religion and loving-kindness as fundamental tools in the formation of young people. He firmly believed that educating was not only a process of transmitting knowledge, but above all a way of forming whole and responsible individuals. At the heart of Don Bosco’s mission was his tireless commitment to the welfare of young people. Through the foundation of schools, oratories and vocational centers, he provided a safe and welcoming environment where boys could learn, grow and develop away from the dangers and temptations of the streets. His approach was always personalized and attentive to the needs of each boy, showing a deep understanding of their individuality and potential. Don Bosco was not only an educator but also a spiritual guide. His Salesian spirituality was marked by joy, optimism and trust in divine providence. This spirituality permeated all his work, offering young people not only education and vocational training, but also a path of spiritual and moral growth. St. John Bosco leaves us a legacy of love and dedication to youth, a model of how education can be a powerful tool for social transformation. His life is a warning and an inspiration, showing us that caring for young people, especially the most vulnerable, is one of the most effective ways to build a better future.
The Saint and Mercy
St. John Bosco, known affectionately as Don Bosco, is a figure who deeply embodied mercy in the context of education and youth work. His life and ministry were a shining example of how mercy can transform lives, especially those of less fortunate youth. Don Bosco’s mercy was manifest in every aspect of his work. He saw each young person not only in terms of material or educational needs, but also as an individual in need of love, understanding and guidance. This approach was reflected in his famous phrase “It is not enough to love young people, they must know that they are loved.” In this vision, mercy was not simply an act of charity, but a deep relationship based on mutual respect and genuine concern for the well-being of each boy. Don Bosco’s educational approach, based on the preventive system that emphasized love and reason rather than punishment, was itself an act of mercy. He understood that many of the young people he worked with came from difficult and often painful backgrounds, and he believed that showing them love and trust could guide them to a better path in life. Moreover, Don Bosco’s mercy was not limited to his direct interaction with young people; it also extended to the way he trained teachers and other members of the Salesian community. He instilled in them a sense of compassion and understanding, creating an environment where mercy was the foundation of all educational action. St. John Bosco’s life teaches us that mercy is a powerful force, capable of unlocking human potential and opening doors to a brighter future. His example remains a beacon of inspiration, showing how empathy, understanding and love can create a lasting impact in the lives of young people and in society as a whole.
The Salesian Congregation
The Salesian Congregation, founded by St. John Bosco, represents a monumental contribution to the world of youth education and care. This congregation, with its deep roots in the vision and spirituality of Don Bosco, has dedicated itself to carrying out its mission of nurturing and developing youth, especially the disadvantaged. At the heart of the Salesian Congregation is its commitment to holistic education. This means not simply providing academic education, but caring for the integral development of young people-emotional, social, physical and spiritual. The Salesians, following Don Bosco’s example, have created an environment where education is intertwined with love, respect and understanding, offering young people not only the skills for success in life, but also the values and moral guidance to live well. The congregation has always stood out for its innovative and practical approach to education. Salesian schools, oratories and vocational centers are more than just institutions; they are communities where young people can feel safe, valued and understood. This approach has enabled the Salesian Congregation to reach out and positively influence the lives of countless young people around the world. In addition, the Salesian Congregation is also dedicated to the spiritual formation of young people. Inspired by Don Bosco’s joyful and optimistic spirituality, the Salesians promote a living faith that encourages young people to become active and positive members of their communities, carrying out Gospel values in their daily lives. The Salesian Congregation is a shining example of how love, dedication and faith can create a real and positive impact in the world. Their work continues to be a source of inspiration, showing how investing in young people, particularly the most vulnerable, can build a better future for all.
Hagiography
This very popular and much revered name recalls a grand and beneficent institution that for years assisted and Christianly educated the youth gathered in hundreds of homes scattered throughout the world. John Bosco was born on August 16, 1815, at Becchi, a hamlet of Murialdo near Castelnuovo d’Asti, to a poor farming family. His mother, Margaret, was a holy woman all dedicated to work and to her duties as a Christian: to instill in her children the holy fear of God. Of her father she could not taste the smile and…