John Bosco

(attr. Carlo Felice Deasti, 1880) (link)

Feast Day January 31

Patron of Youth, Students, Editors, Apprentices

Situations Apprenticeship, Poverty, Youth Education

Professions Editors, Publishers, Teachers, Youth Workers

Saint John Bosco was an Italian priest who founded the Salesians, dedicated to the education of disadvantaged youth. Born in 1815 in Piedmont, he grew up in poverty but through his intelligence and perseverance became a priest. He developed the “Preventive System” of education based on reason, religion, and kindness rather than punishment. He established schools, workshops, and publications for young people.