Walking through any Catholic church and glancing at the statues or murals, you will often notice the array of saints depicted.
Saints, ordinary holy men and women who lived extraordinary lives for Christ, are honored by Catholics as models for our faith. They come from different regions around the world and hold various backgrounds. Saints are commonly made the patron saint of a particular cause, typically tied to a special connection they had during their life on Earth.
The Catholic Church has a saint for almost every need, and for young people, St. John Bosco stands out as a remarkable example. Known for his dedication to helping at-risk youth, he is both an inspiring figure and a powerful intercessor. Let’s explore who Don Bosco is, his remarkable legacy, and how we can turn to him for prayers for our own intentions.
St. John Bosco, also known as Giovanni Melchior Bosco or Don Bosco, was born in 1815 in a small Italian village. After losing his father at just two years old, his family faced many hardships in his early life, including extreme poverty. His upbringing instilled a deep empathy in him for disadvantaged youth, a group he devoted his life to helping.
Don Bosco entered seminary in 1835 and was ordained a priest six years later, in 1841. His first priestly assignment was in the city of Turin, where he spent most of his time in the slums and impoverished areas, ministering to the children of the poor.
This sparked a decades-long ministry to serving disadvantaged young men. He fought for their rights and helped them secure housing and employment. In 1859, Fr. Bosco established the Society of St. Francis de Sales, commonly known as the Salesians. This religious order, which began with only 15 seminarians, was created to expand Don Bosco’s charitable work and support young men's faith formation. Today, approximately 15,000 Salesians serve in the world today.
In 19th-century Turin, many young people struggled with poverty, often falling into crime. Don Bosco recognized their potential and created spaces where they could grow in faith, education, and virtue. His approach, rooted in kindness, structure, and faith, transformed countless lives.
Don Bosco’s ministry was marked by creativity and determination. He often used engaging methods to connect with young people, such as storytelling, games, and theatrical performances. These activities not only drew youth to him but also helped them feel valued and loved. Through his personal example, he showed them the importance of hard work and faith, facilitating encounters with Christ for those he served.
Because of his tireless efforts, the Church named him the Patron Saint of Youth. Pope Pius XI, who knew Fr. Bosco personally gave him the title, "Father and Teacher of Youth." His legacy continues to inspire youth ministries around the world.
We can draw inspiration from the lives of the saints and seek their prayers for our intentions. Saints like St. John Bosco are powerful intercessors, especially for those guiding young people or navigating challenges in education and ministry.
Novenas, nine days of focused prayer for a specific intention, are a beloved Catholic tradition. Praying a novena is a powerful way to present an intention or need before God. A novena to St. John Bosco is particularly meaningful for those seeking support for youth in their education and personal growth.
At MercyWorks, we carry on Don Bosco’s mission by supporting vulnerable youth in communities worldwide. We invite you to join us in praying our Novena to St. John Bosco, asking for his intercession for all vulnerable children and young people around the world.