Don Bosco, also known as Saint John Bosco, was born Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco on August 16, 1815, in Becchi, Italy. He grew up in a time of great social and economic upheaval, marked by the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the onset of the Industrial Revolution. Bosco’s early years were marked by hardship; he lost his father at the age of two and was raised by his mother, Margherita Occhiena, who played a significant role in shaping his character and spiritual life.
From a young age, Bosco was known for his piety, intelligence, and charisma. He began his ecclesiastical studies in 1835 and was ordained a priest in 1841, after which he became known as Don Bosco. His focus as a priest was on the welfare of young boys, many of whom were poor, orphaned, or abandoned. He established the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Turin, which became a haven for these young boys, offering them education, religious instruction, and vocational training.
Don Bosco’s educational philosophy, known as the Preventive System, was revolutionary. It was based on reason, religion, and loving-kindness, contrasting sharply with the repressive methods common in the educational institutions of his time. He emphasized the importance of understanding and love in education, believing that if young people know they are loved, they are more likely to respond positively to guidance.
In addition to education, Bosco was also a prolific writer and publisher. He founded the Salesian Society in 1859, named after St. Francis de Sales, to continue his work. This congregation focused on the education and welfare of young boys and soon spread worldwide. He also established the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in 1872 and the Salesian Cooperators, which allowed laypeople to participate in his mission.
Don Bosco passed away on January 31, 1888, in Turin, Italy. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to the service of young people, particularly those who were marginalized and disadvantaged. His legacy, however, continued to flourish long after his passing, through the religious congregations he founded and the educational philosophy he championed. The date of his death, January 31, is now celebrated as his feast day in the Catholic Church, and it serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on education and youth ministry.
Don Bosco’s work gained recognition and support, including from Pope Pius IX. His methods influenced educational practices and Catholic missionary work. He was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church in 1934 by Pope Pius XI.
Don Bosco’s Impact in the Philippines
The Salesians of Don Bosco first arrived in the Philippines in 1951, and since then, their presence has been influential in the fields of education and youth development. The Salesian Society’s commitment to providing technical education and spiritual guidance resonates strongly in the Philippines, a country where education is highly valued as a means of personal and community development.
The Salesian institutions in the Philippines, following Don Bosco’s Preventive System, focus on holistic education. They cater to the spiritual, academic, and technical needs of young Filipinos, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. These institutions have become notable for their technical and vocational training programs, which equip students with practical skills that are highly valued in the job market.
Moreover, Don Bosco’s philosophy of treating each student with love and respect, and his emphasis on moral and spiritual development, aligns well with the deeply-rooted Christian values in Filipino culture. The Salesian presence in the Philippines has also been pivotal in youth pastoral work, providing guidance and support to young people in navigating the challenges of modern life.
