Old Calendar: St. John Bosco, confessor
St. John Bosco was the founder of the Salesian Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales, and of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth." He had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator.
St. John Bosco
John Bosco was born near Castelnuovo in the archdiocese of Turin, Italy, in 1815. His father died when John was only two years old and it was his mother Margaret who provided him with a good humanistic and Christian education. His early years were financially difficult but at the age of twenty he entered the major seminary, thanks to the financial help received from Louis Guala, founder and rector of the ecclesiastical residence St. Francis of Assisi in Turin. John Bosco was ordained a priest on June 5, 1846, and with the help of John Borel he founded the oratory of St. Francis de Sales.
At this time the city of Turin was on the threshold of the industrial revolution and as a result there were many challenges and problems, especially for young men. Gifted as he was as an educator and a leader, Don Bosco formulated a system of education based on "reason, religion and kindness." In spite of the criticism and violent attacks of the anti-clericals, he conducted workshops for the tradesmen and manual laborers, schools of arts and sciences for young workers, and schools of the liberal arts for those preparing for the priesthood. In 1868 there were 800 students involved in this educational system. To ensure the continuation of his work, Don Bosco founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians), which was approved in 1869. Also, with the help of Sister Mary Dominic Mazzarello, he founded the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Auxiliatrix.
In 1875 a wave of emigration to Latin America began, and this prompted the inauguration of the Salesian missionary apostolate. Don Bosco became a traveller throughout Europe, seeking funds for the missions. Some of the reports referred to him as "the new St. Vincent de Paul." He also found time to write popular catechetical pamphlets, which were distributed throughout Italy, as was his Salesian Bulletin. This great apostle of youth died on January 31, 1888, and was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934. Pope John Paul II named him "teacher and father to the young."
Excerpted from Saints of the Roman Calendar by Enzo Lodi
Patron: Apprentices; boys; editors; Mexican young people; laborers; schoolchildren; students; young people.
Things to Do:
Saint John Bosco, Priest (Memorial)
Daughter, your faith has saved you. (Mark 5:34)
Ready or not, here I come! Watching children play hide-and-seek can be quite entertaining. A hiding child will often close his eyes and remain very still, even if his hiding place is in plain view. Little children seem to think that if they cant see the other kids, then the other kids cant see them.
This is kind of how the bleeding woman in todays Gospel approached Jesus—she tried to hide herself. But why would she? Maybe she was ashamed. With her flow of blood, she would have been considered unclean, and people would have avoided touching her. Maybe she feared being ridiculed by the crowd. Maybe she didnt want to take the risk that Jesus might reject her. After all, he was her last chance!
So she tried to hide in the crowd as she reached out for Jesus. But it seems she didnt hide all that well. Jesus sensed that her touch was different from everyone elses. He could tell that her faith was connecting with his healing power.
Like this woman, we sometimes want to hide from Jesus. Of course we know that its silly to try, but we do it anyway. Jesus can see our needs, our embarrassment, and our sins just as clearly as we can see that child playing hide-and-seek. Hes just waiting patiently for us to uncover our eyes and come to him.
But Jesus doesnt see only our hidden faults. He sees our hidden virtues too. He sees every step of faith, every humble act of service, every silent prayer, and each one is precious to him. Just as he commended this womans faith in front of the crowd, he commends us when we act in faith. And not only that, but he pours even more grace on us in response.
It can be hard to believe at times, but Jesus really does love you. He really does want to bless you. He already knows what you need, and hes eager to give it to you. So dont hide from Jesus. Dont let fear or shame keep you away. Reach out to him. Proclaim your confidence in his love and power. Then sit quietly and hear him say, Your faith has saved you (Mark 5:34).
Jesus, I dont want to hide from you. Come, and touch me with your healing love.
Hebrews 12:1-4
Psalm 22:26-28, 30-32