ST. JOHN BOSCO
John Bosco (1815 – 1888), affectionately known as Don Bosco, was an Italian Catholic priest, educator and writer. He worked in Turin and ministered to people who were harshly affected by industrialization and urbanization. He dedicated himself to supporting street children, juvenile delinquents and disadvantaged youth. He could see beyond the poverty of these youth to the potential that a good education discovers. He developed teaching methods based on love and not on punishment. Don Bosco was a follower of the spirituality and charism of St. Francis de Sales and later founded a Congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco.
John’s father died when John was two years old, leaving three boys to the care of their loving mother. John’s mother had a considerable influence on his personality and she supported his ministry. There is nothing like being poor yourself to help you focus on others, especially poor children.
John understood that people learn in different ways. When we study a trade and work with our hands, it is helpful to have a mentor, to be an apprentice. A master can teach us the tricks of the trade because of their experience and expertise. There is a reward from seeing the fruit of the work of our hands.
“In every young person, there is a point of goodness that is accessible and it is the primary duty of the educator to discover that sensitive cord of the heart so as to draw out the best in the young people.” –St. John Bosco
To learn more about St. John Bosco, visit https://donboscowest.org/donbosco
Let us pray for all the teachers we know:
St. John Bosco,
you responded to the challenges of your times.
Inspire those who are teachers in our times.
Guide them to see their students with the compassion and goodness of your Salesian way.
Students need to be seen and cared for before they can learn;
tempering lessons with skill and grace offers opportunities to tap into their potential.
When their inherent dignity is acknowledged, students are more likely to strive for and find success.
Thank you for modelling a path of wholeness and joy for us. Amen.
Pat Carter, CSJ is a disciple, a teacher and an advocate for the poor. She has been a Sister of St. Joseph for more than half of her life and loves to use words to inspire faith and laughter. She is a cantor at her parish of St. Jerome’s in Sault Ste. Marie.
