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January 31, 2007
St. John Bosco
(1815-1888)
John Boscos theory of education could well be used in todays schools. It was a preventive system, rejecting corporal punishment and placing students in surroundings removed from the likelihood of committing sin. He advocated frequent reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion. He combined catechetical training and fatherly guidance, seeking to unite the spiritual life with ones work, study and play.
Encouraged during his youth to become a priest so he could work with young boys, John was ordained in 1841. His service to young people started when he met a poor orphan and instructed him in preparation for receiving Holy Communion. He then gathered young apprentices and taught them catechism. After serving as chaplain in a hospice for working girls, John opened the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales for boys. Several wealthy and powerful patrons contributed money, enabling him to provide two workshops for the boys, shoemaking and tailoring. By 1856, the institution had grown to 150 boys and had added a printing press for publication of religious and catechetical pamphlets. His interest in vocational education and publishing justify him as patron of young apprentices and Catholic publishers. Johns preaching fame spread and by 1850 he had trained his own helpers because of difficulties in retaining young priests. In 1854 he and his followers informally banded together under Francis de Sales. With Pope Pius IXs encouragement, John gathered 17 men and founded the Salesians in 1859. Their activity concentrated on education and mission work. Later, he organized a group of Salesian Sisters to assist girls. Quote:
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As an old DeSalle boy (St. Michael’s College Adelaide) I can remember the brothers telling us about St. John Bosco and the sort of education systmen he had devised and envisioned. Sadly a lot of what had gone before me in the 50’s and 60’s had disappeared and hte brothers were still struggling with the changes that had happened in society and how to adapt this form of teaching the whole person at that time. I am happy to report that even thought the school has very little in the way of brothers the new heirarchy is very committed to the beliefs of St John Bosco and they go on retreat regularly and prayer is much encouraged.
Cheers
Mel