Born in 1815 on the island of Sardinia, he was the youngest son of Francesco and Margarita. When John was two, his father died leaving his mother alone to care for her three boys, so it was a struggle. 

The family was able to get by and guided by Margarita, they remained firm in their faith, so much so that Margarita was declared venerable in 2006. 

When he was nine, John had the first in a series of dreams that he would experience for the rest of his life. In this first dream, he saw a great number of boys playing roughly and cursing, but in the midst of them, was a gentle, strong, man who said to John Bosco, “You were with these friends of yours not with blows but with gentleness and kindness”. Then a beautiful graceful Lady appeared and showed him a field of wild animals that had turned into lambs. She told him. “This is your field. This is where you will work”. 

These visions helped inspire John to become a priest so he could work with poor young boys who had no guidance. 

He was ordained in 1841. Soon he met a boy along with several of his friends who were homeless. John taught them and showed them how to be respectful and strong while also being kind. 

Soon the number of boys John was teaching increased and he opened the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales for boys and received donations from several wealthy and well-connected patrons. He provided workshops, teaching the boys shoemaking and tailoring. 

In 1856, there were more than 150 boys in the oratory, and he added a printing press so they could publish pamphlets about catechism and the Catholic journey. 

In 1859, encouraged by Paul Pius IX, John gathered 17 men and the Salaciens, whose focus was on education and mission work. 

Soon after, he would form the Celissia Sisters to help girls. 

He died on this day in 1888.

Saint John Bosco, please pray for us