St. John Bosco — The Founder
St. John Bosco was born in Turin, Italy in 1815. When he was two years old, his father died. This future saint, raised by his mother, experienced the pains of poverty at a very tender age. John's future work was inspired by a dream he had at the age of nine. He wanted to become a priest, especially to assist youth. In order to pursue his dream, John had to leave home at a young age to join the city school. Being bigger than his classmates, he was often the object of much ridicule. After school he worked as a tailor, a cobbler or a waiter, often studying by candlelight late into the night. On completing his education he began his studies to become a priest.
John Bosco was ordained a priest at the age of twenty-six. He was now called Don Bosco. He immediately began his work with orphans — opening a hospice for boys where his mother served as housekeeper. He not only fed the homeless boys but provided them with livelihood skills: reading, writing, tailoring, shoemaking and a printing press. Above all, he created a family atmosphere of trust and caring. Those who helped him were amazed at the transformation in the youngsters.
“It is enough to know that you are young and abandoned for me to love you very much.” — St. John Bosco
Soon those associated with Don Bosco began to accept him as their father and guide. Some expressed their desire to become like him, and so the Salesian Society — consisting of priests and lay brothers — was born. The word Salesian was derived from St. Francis de Sales, a bishop noted for his gentle kindness and holiness, whom Don Bosco chose as his personal model and patron.
The “Salesians of Don Bosco” is today an international society whose Catholic priests and Brothers work for the development and education of young people, especially those most at risk. Through its 3,000 schools, colleges, technical institutes and youth centres in 125 countries, the Salesians serve all young people irrespective of religious differences or social inequalities. In India, Don Bosco educational institutions are spread across the country and are in great demand, guided by the Preventive System of Don Bosco — grounded in Reason, Faith in God and Loving Kindness — with the goal of integral human development.