Profile
of St John Don Bosco
Don Bosco is remembered as a man
who lived to serve abandoned young people. About 150 years ago, he challenged
the treatment of young people in the city of Turin, Italy. He was determined
to change there living standards after seeing the effect of poverty
and hunger on them. Other people were inspired and followed him. He
then created an order in the Catholic Church called the Salesians.
Even though there's still hunger,
hardship and poverty, most of Europe has improved since Industrial Revoluton.
He would be pleased of the progress but still many young people are
living in poverty both materially and spiritually in other parts of
the world untouched by the progress. It is then the responsibility of
the Salesians to continue helping young people.
He was born in a village called,"Becchi",
in 1815. His father died when he was two years therefore he was brought
up by his mother, Margaret. In his youth he learnt to become a leader
for the young people he grew up with of which many were badly behaved.
He entertained the young people by his magical balancing act therefore
they would listen to him and pray together.
At his youth he dreamt that a
man and a lady of great majesty instructed him to be prepared for a
great battle on behalf of the poor, unrully and neglected children.
He was told in his dream that he had what it takes to control them and
make them his friends.This inspired him to become a priest.After six
years of entence study, he was ordained a priest in 1841 at the age
of 26. This earned him the name "Don" since priests are called
Don in Italy hence becoming Don Bosco.
- Making the Dreams come true
The Industrial Revolution in the
Nothern Italy made many young people be abandoned to live hopeles life
hence endured to do anything to survive.Don Bosco as a young priest
visited the prison and wrote, "To see many young childrren between
12 and 18, all healthy, strong and intelligent but lacking spiritual
and material food, was something that horrified me,". He decided
to prevent children from ending up in prison by all means. He remembered
his dream and realised he needed to show that there is a better way.
His followers, the Salesians,
become numerous. Thousands of Salesians Priests, Brothers and Sisters
are found working all over the world, in every continent and have inspired
many people like us.
He was more than just a Dreamer.
He knew education was the best for young people and ought to assist
even those on the streets. He never gave up hope even after some stole
from him. He started technical school for printing, book binding and
mechanic. He also published numerous books which were rocorgnised as
the best way to improve education standard to the youth.
After achieving much for the youth
he died on 31st Jan, 1888 at down at the age of 73.When he was asked
about all his achievements he would always say," It is our lady
who has done everything". Today Salesian family continues the great
work and the principles of Don Bosco. The principle of Reason, Religion
and Loving Kindness.
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