Nineteenth-century priest of Turin who founded the Salesians to serve poor young people. He is called the father of youth.
Life
John Bosco was born in 1815 to a poor farming family at Becchi near Turin, Italy. He lost his father at the age of two and was raised by his mother Margaret. Working and studying in difficult circumstances, he was ordained a priest in 1841.
For the poor boys who flooded into industrializing Turin, he opened an oratory where play, education and faith were shared together. His "preventive system," built on reason, religion and loving kindness, bore great fruit. He founded the Salesians and, with St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, the Salesian Sisters. He died in 1888 and was canonized in 1934.
Spirituality
John Bosco's spirituality is serving God with joy. He believed young people open their hearts when they feel loved, and he led them to God not by scolding but by being present among them. He believed God was present even in children's games and laughter.
Reflection
John Bosco made young people feel loved. A child who feels loved finds it easier to trust God. Do the young people in my family and parish feel that kind of warmth from me?