9 Thrilling Facts about St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco is one of the most famous saints of our time. He had a mission, a calling, and it changed the world!
Now, even after his death, he is still changing lives! Isn’t this the ultimate goal of our lives?
As Scripture says…
“My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” – Galatians 4:19
Facts About St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, was an Italian Catholic priest and educator who lived in the nineteenth century. He is best known for his work with disadvantaged and impoverished youth in Turin, Italy, where he established a network of schools, technical training centers, and orphanages.
He established the Salesian Society, a religious order of priests and brothers dedicated to child education and care. The Catholic Church declared him a saint in 1934. He is the patron saint of apprentices, editors, magicians, and juvenile delinquents.
Don Bosco was born in Becchi, a small village near Turin, Italy, in 1815. His parents were farmers, and he was the eldest of three children. When he was two years old, his mother died, and his father struggled to raise the family on his own. Don Bosco, despite this, had a happy childhood and was known for his love of people and desire to help others.
Don Bosco had a dream at the age of nine that would shape the rest of his life. A man appeared to him in his dream and said, “You will be a priest, and you will have to work hard for the salvation of souls.”
From that moment on, Don Bosco knew that he was called to be a priest and to work with young people. (EWTN)
After completing his education, Don Bosco was ordained a priest in 1841. He began his ministry by assisting poor and disadvantaged youth in Turin. He quickly realized that many of these young people were uneducated and lacked vocational training, so he established a technical school for them. The school was a huge success, and other schools sprouted up all over Italy.
Don Bosco also founded the Salesians religious order. The Salesians were a religious order of priests and brothers who dedicated their lives to the education and care of children. The Salesians now work with children all over the world, running schools, vocational training centers, and orphanages.
Don Bosco’s work with young people extended beyond the borders of Italy. He toured Europe extensively, including South America. He was well-known for his ability to connect with and care about young people. He believed that the best way to help young people become responsible and productive citizens was to educate and train them.
Don Bosco died in 1888, but his legacy lives on. Salesians now work with youth in over 130 countries worldwide. He was declared a saint by the Catholic Church in 1934, and he is remembered as a great educator, a friend of young people, and a model of holiness. Many people are still inspired by his devotion to young people, as well as his commitment to their education and welfare.
What happened to St John Bosco?
St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, died on January 31, 1888, in Turin, Italy. He had a number of illnesses in the years leading up to his death, including pneumonia, which eventually killed him.
Before his death, Don Bosco was involved in the establishment of schools, technical training centers, and orphanages for poor and disadvantaged youth in Turin and other parts of Italy. He also founded the Salesian Society, a religious order of priests and brothers dedicated to children’s education and care.
Thousands of young people whose lives had been touched by Don Bosco’s work mourned his death. Many of the young people he had helped attended his funeral, which drew a large crowd.
Following his death, the Salesian Society grew and spread worldwide, with Salesians now working with young people in over 130 countries. Furthermore, many of Don Bosco’s schools, technical training centers, and orphanages are still in operation today, providing education and assistance to disadvantaged young people.
Don Bosco was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1934, and he is remembered as a great educator, a friend of young people, and a model of holiness. He is the patron saint of apprentices, editors, magicians, and juvenile delinquents. Many people are still inspired by his devotion to young people, as well as his commitment to their education and welfare.
Where did St. Don Bosco Teach?
St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, taught in a variety of settings throughout his life. He is best known as an educator and the founder of the Salesian Society, which was dedicated to improving the lives of young people, particularly those in need.
One of his most significant educational endeavors was the establishment of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Turin, Italy. This was a center for the education and care of young people, including homeless and disadvantaged youth.
In addition to his work in Turin, Don Bosco established numerous schools, technical institutes, and vocational training centers throughout Italy and later in other countries such as Spain, France, and South America. He became known as the “Father and Teacher of Youth” as a result of his work with the Salesian Society.
What miracles did St John Bosco perform?
There is no evidence that St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, performed any miracles. He is best known as an educator and the founder of the Salesian Society, which is dedicated to the betterment of young people, especially those in need.
Quotes of St John Bosco
Here are a few famous quotes attributed to St. John Bosco:
- “Love and tenderness are the basis of all educational work.”
- “The best way to make a saint is to let him work.”
- “Help the young, and in old age you will be glad you did.”
- “Do not let yourself be discouraged by any failure, as long as you have done your best.”
- “Do not be afraid of loving the young. Even though they will grow old, you will always have this satisfaction of having helped the young, and that is a sign of true greatness.”
- “The most powerful weapon to conquer the devil is humility. For, as he does not know at all how to employ it, neither does he know how to defend himself from it.”
I absolutely LOVE quotes of the saints. That’s why I made a cool shirt with my favorite St. John Bosco quote just for you so you can wear it around and use it as a conversation starter for everyone you meet.
Click the St. John Bosco t-shirt to choose your favorite color and the perfect size, then the BUY NOW button.
Dreams of St. John Bosco
St. John Bosco, had a number of dreams and visions throughout his life that inspired and guided his mission to help young people. One of the dreams that has changed my life was when his guardian angel took him to the gates of hell!
The following are some of the most notable dreams:
- The “Oratory Dream”: A dream he had as a young seminarian in which he saw the devil leading a large number of young people astray, and a call to action to save them through education and guidance.
- The “Tree Dream”: He had a dream in which he saw a large tree representing his work with young people, with branches reaching out to help those in need.
- The “Two Columns Dream”: A dream in which he saw two columns, one representing a life of virtue and the other a life of vice, and the importance of guiding young people toward the path of virtue.
St. John Bosco was inspired by these dreams to found the Salesian Society, which was dedicated to the betterment of young people, particularly those in need. (CatholicAnswers.com)
St. John Bosco is the Patron Saint of…
St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, is the patron saint of many organizations and causes. He is known as the patron saint of youth because he dedicated his life to the betterment of youth, especially those in need. He is also known as the patron saint of apprentices due to his dedication to providing education and vocational training to young people.
Don Bosco is also known as the patron saint of editors, which is a tribute to his work as a writer and his writings, which continue to inspire and guide people today. Because of his use of magic tricks and illusions to captivate and teach children, he is also known as the patron saint of magicians. Finally, Don Bosco is referred to as a patron of temptation because he worked tirelessly to assist young people in resisting worldly temptations and living virtuous lives.
Where are the Relics of St. John Bosco?
The relics of St. John Bosco are located in the Salesian Shrine in Turin, Italy. You can take a fun pilgrimage there and visit many saints in Italy along with our beloved St. John Bosco.
It’s a 2-hour drive from Milan which is a very affordable place to fly into Italy. From there, you can take a train just about anywhere or rent a car.
Here is a guided tour of Milan to show you all the fun that is to be had in Italy. My favorite when I went to Milan was the Duomo Cathedral and getting on a train in Central and going to “Como” Italy which is technically Switzerland! It’s GORGEOUS.
What is the Feast Day of St. Don Bosco?
On January 31st, the Catholic Church honors St. Don Bosco, also known as St. John Bosco. It is a day to remember the life and work of the Italian saint who dedicated his life to the education and care of poor and neglected youth in the nineteenth century.
To commemorate this day, many churches hold special Masses and prayer services, and communities of Salesian priests and brothers, founded by St. Don Bosco, organize events to honor his legacy. Some communities may also hold festivals, processions, and other celebrations, which frequently include music, food, and activities for children. People also take a moment to reflect on St. Don Bosco’s message of compassion, charity, and service to those in need.
Prayer for St. John Bosco
Here is a prayer to St. John Bosco:
“Dear St. John Bosco, you dedicated your life to the education and care of poor and neglected youth. Help me to follow your example of compassion, charity, and service to those in need. May your spirit of joy, courage, and hope inspire me to make a positive difference in the world. Grant me the wisdom and strength to be a loving and faithful servant of God, and guide me on the path of righteousness and truth. Amen.”
Are You Inspired?
Are you inspired by what you’ve learned today about St. Francis de Sales? I love sharing the lives of the saints. Check out our blog HERE for more inspiring saints! Does it make your heart ignited knowing about “The Saint Maker” and his life?
Pray to St. Francis de Sales to help you become a saint!
Did you know that you can join us every day as we learn about the Saint of the Day? Take a minute to sign up for my daily saint emails that I’ll send you delivered straight to your email inbox. I know people are busy so I keep it short and sweet but also very educational so you can live your life with the saints as I do.
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Well, that’s all for today.
I’ll see you back tomorrow with another Saint of the Day to inspire you!
Toodles,
-Priscilla
