Prayers and Devotions
Novenas
St. John Bosco is revered as the patron saint of students and educators. Those facing academic challenges or seeking guidance in their educational pursuits often turn to him for support. His life story and commitment to education make him a source of inspiration for students and teachers alike.
Given Bosco’s lifelong dedication to the poor children of his day, individuals facing difficulties with family, societal pressures, or personal struggles may pray to St. John Bosco for guidance and protection. His compassionate approach to helping vulnerable youth makes him a consoling Saint for those in need.
St. John Bosco is also invoked as an intercessor for vocations, especially for those discerning a call to the priesthood or religious life. His journey to the priesthood and his work in guiding young men toward their vocations make him a natural choice for those seeking discernment.
St. John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, was a 19th-century Italian Catholic priest, educator, and founder of the Salesian Order. His life and work are a testament to the transformative power of Charity, education, and compassion. St. John Bosco was born on August 16, 1815, in Becchi, Italy. Growing up in poverty, he experienced the challenges faced by the orphans and poor children of his day. Determined to make a difference, Bosco pursued the priesthood and dedicated his life to the welfare and education of disadvantaged youth.
In 1859, he founded the Salesian Society, a religious congregation focused on educating and supporting young people, especially those at risk. The Salesians quickly expanded their reach, establishing schools, orphanages, and vocational training centers throughout the world. St. John Bosco’s innovative approach to education, rooted in love and kindness, continues to inspire educators globally.
Bosco’s educational philosophy emphasized a holistic approach to nurturing young minds, blending academic education with spiritual and moral guidance. He believed in the power of reason, religion, and kindness to transform the lives of the youth he served.
O Saint John Bosco, you loved Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and zealously promoted this devotion by encouraging participation in the Holy Eucharist, reception of Holy Communion, and daily Visits. Pray for us that, inspired by your example, we may grow in this love, so that we may end our days strengthened and comforted by the Heavenly Food of the Most Holy Eucharist.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace… [pause]… so that together with others I may assist in bringing young people to the love of Christ in the Eucharist.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…
O Saint John Bosco, you loved the Blessed Virgin, Mary Immaculate Help of Christians, taking her as your Mother and Guide, and becoming her apostle. Pray for us that, inspired by your example, we may grow in true and enduring love for this sweetest of mothers, and may thus win her powerful protection in life and especially at the hour of our death.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace… [pause]… so that together with others I may assist in bringing young people to the love of Mary Our Help.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…
O Saint John Bosco, you nurtured a filial love for the Church and the Pope, and you courageously spoke and wrote in their defense. Pray for us that, inspired by your example, we may be faithful sons and daughters of Holy Mother Church, and may likewise love and honor the Holy Father as the Vicar of Jesus Christ on earth.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace.. [pause]… so that together with others I may assist in bringing young people to the love of the Church.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…
O Saint John Bosco, you became a father, teacher, and friend to young people by the great love and personal sacrifice with which you worked for their salvation. Pray for us that, inspired by your example, we also may love this chosen portion of God’s flock with Christ’s own pastoral charity, and receive every child as we would the Lord Jesus himself.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace… [pause]… so that together with others I may assist and help young people in today’s society.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…
O Saint John Bosco, you founded the Salesian Society and the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for the continuation and extension of the work on behalf of young people. Pray for all your sons and daughters, the members of these two religious families that, inspired by your example and imbued with your spirit they may be faithful to their religious consecration and steadfast in the Salesian mission.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace… [pause]… so that together with the sons and daughters of your religious families I may assist and help young people.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…
O Saint John Bosco, you founded the Association of Salesian Cooperators, the seed of the worldwide Salesian Family, in order to ensure the widest possible participation in the charitable work on behalf of young people. Pray for all the members of the Salesian Family that, inspired by your example and bonded in one spirit, they may share in the Salesian mission and model in their life and work pastoral educative charity.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace… [pause]… so that together with the Salesian Family I may assist and help young people in today’s society.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory to the Father…
O Saint John Bosco, in your love and concern for all the scattered children of God, you sent your sons and daughters to the farthest part of the world to bring the knowledge of the loving God and the Light of the Gospel. Pray for all missionaries, and pray for us, that, inspired by your example and in your spirit, we may be united in work and prayer to win souls for Christ.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace… [pause]… so that together with Salesian missionaries all over the world I may assist in bringing young people to the love of Christ.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…
O Saint John Bosco, you prized the virtue of purity highly and strove with all your might to foster it in the hearts of young and old. Pray for us that, inspired by your example, we may nurture it in our hearts and minds and may act effectively to defend our young people against a culture pervaded by sex and violence.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace… [pause]… so that together with others I may assist in bringing young people to the love of Christ.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…
O Saint John Bosco, you were full of compassion toward all people, especially the young, who suffered from illness, poverty, hunger, injustice, and alienation. Pray for all in need, and for us too, that the blessings of God and protection of Mary Help of Christians may be on us all, to heal us, strengthen us, and comfort us. Pray for our families, especially for our young people, that they may be kept safely in God’s grace. Intercede for us in life and in death so that we may eternally sing the Divine mercies in heaven.
Through your intercession may God grant me the following grace… [pause]… so that together with others I may bring young people to the love of Christ.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…
An initiative of Covenant Network