From a young age, St. John “Don” Bosco began to feel a desire to become a priest. When he was only 9 years old, Don Bosco had a dream which called him to dedicate his life to the education of poor and disadvantaged youth.
Don Bosco followed his calling and was ordained a priest in 1841.In 1859, Don Bosco established the Society of St. Francis of Sales – popularly known as the Salesians.
Don Bosco began to give a place to boys without a home. He taught them to work, and to love the Lord. He sang, played and prayed with them. Thus, Don Bosco developed his famous educational method called the Preventive System. “Be with the boys, prevent sin through reason, religion and loving kindness. Become saints and educators of saints. Our boys must know they are loved.”
St. John “Don” Bosco was canonized in 1934. 100 years after his death, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Don Bosco “The Father and Teacher of Youth.”
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