John Bosco (1815–1888) was an Italian priest from Turin who devoted his life to educating and caring for poor and abandoned boys, founding the Salesians of Don Bosco to continue that work. He taught with what he called the preventive system — reason, religion, and loving-kindness instead of punishment — and was canonized in 1934.
Don Bosco shows how patient, joyful love can reach young people whom the world has overlooked, treating each child as precious to God. His trust in Providence amid constant hardship reminds us that gentle steadiness, not force, is what changes hearts.
Saint John Bosco, friend and father to the young, watch over all children in heaven and on earth, and help us love them with your patience and joy. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →