Our Founder
St. John Bosco
Father & Teacher of Youth
John Bosco commonly known as Don Bosco was born in 1815 at Becchi, a village near Turin, Italy. At the age of two he lost his father. His childhood was steeped in poverty and even though he liked to study, he could not pursue his dream due to fierce opposition from his stepbrother Anthony. However his mother encouraged and supported him to pursue his dream. He eventually had to leave home, work for his keep and pursue his studies as best as he could.
Through heroic sacrifices and by doing of hard work he was able to complete his studies and seminary training and become a priest in 1841. As a priest he dedicated to himself to the service of boys, especially the poor by offering them food, lodging and education. Through the help of generous persons he opened technical schools, hostels and other institutions. Soon he founded a society of collaborators and extended his work to all of Europe and late even to other continents. His educational system was based on preventive system. His motto was “Give me souls and take away the rest.”
Don Bosco died on 31st January 1888 at the age of 73. He was declared a Venerable by Pope Pius X on 21st July 1907 and a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1934. Pope John Paul II called him “Father and Teacher of Youth.”
