Don Bosco, the poor boy's saint

The Salesian story begins with Saint John Bosco in the mid-nineteenth century. A farm boy from the Piedmont region of Italy, he grew to manhood with a deep desire to help young people who appeared to be abandoned by society.

Some called him a madman. You won't believe this, but his fellow-priests looking at him running, jumping and playing among the street urchins, holding his cassock high with his hands, thought him to be one. In those days, 1841 to be precise, a priest was not supposed to 'dirty himself' by mixing around with ordinary people. And God forbid, if he were to play games, that too with the dirty and homeless boys on the streets!

Don Bosco did exactly that. He played with them, cried with them, took care of them, built schools and boardings for them. He gave his whole life for them.

Initially the youngsters were attracted to him because of his skill as an acrobat, a magician, a card player, a musician. He led his bands of city toughs and homeless youngsters on hikes through the countryside and on outings to the famous spots of Turin. He organized them into choirs and brass bands, troupes and self help groups. When cholera struck Turin, he organized them into nursing teams.

Don Bosco named his first gathering place the "Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales" and later named his permanent band of assistants "Salesians", that is imitators of Francis de Sales, the Geneva bishop remembered for his missionary zeal, his simple and popular style, and his gentleness. The Salesians bear his name as a reminder that reason, religion and kindness are the hallmark of their educational method.

The educational work of Don Bosco is carried on today by an organization linked by philosophy and purpose to a worldwide network called the Salesian Family. The Salesian Society (SDB), is a community of priests and brothers with religious vows. The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), also known as the Salesian Sisters, is a similar institute for women. Lay persons who participate in the Salesian work from their homes or places of business are known as Salesian Co-operators. A secular Institute of men and women with religious vows who live in their homes without the outward signs of consecrated life are known as the Don Bosco Volunteers. The Past-Pupils Association consists of students who have been members of Salesian Institutions; they also form part of the Salesian Family.

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