Saint John Bosco

John Bosco was born on August 16, 1815, at Becchi, near Castelnuovo d'Asti in Piedmont, Italy. His father died when he was two, and his mother, Margaret, raised him in poverty and strong faith. At nine he had a dream in which he was told to win over unruly boys "not with blows but with gentleness and love," and he began entertaining other children with juggling and acrobatics so that he could teach them their prayers. He was ordained a priest in 1841.

In Turin he gathered the poor boys and young workers of the streets into his "Oratory," offering them a home, schooling, trades, games and the sacraments. His educational method rested on reason, religion and loving kindness. In 1859 he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco, and in 1872, with Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. He died in Turin on January 31, 1888, and was canonized on Easter Sunday 1934.

Salesian schools, parishes and youth centers across Latin America, the United States and the world celebrate January 31 with Masses, games, music and festivals, just as Don Bosco loved. He built the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, where his body rests, and spread her devotion everywhere. Brasília honors him as a patron, recalling his dream of a promised land in the heart of South America.