St John Bosco - Founder of the Salesian
John Bosco was born August 16 1815 in the farming hamlet of Becchi to the East of Turin, Italy. The times were politically unstable; cities were overcrowded and the young were most vulnerable in these situations. John Bosco had it in mind from a very early age that he would dedicate his life to helping young people in the harsh conditions of city life.
John was ordained priest in June 1841 ("Don" is the Italian equivalent of "Father" in English, as used in addressing Catholic priests, hence, Don Bosco). By December of that same year, he had begun his work for the poor youth of the city of Turin. He met the viciousness of their lives with a strong gentleness and when he eventually founded a religious congregation to do this work for the young people, he gave them the patronage of St Francis de Sales, the saint of gentleness. They came to be known as 'Salesians'!
Don Bosco died in 1888, and by that time he had established the Salesian Society all over the world, working for underpriviledged youth.
His Preventive System
In the midst of a wide array of educational theories, it is possible to find theories which propose a new, original solution to the problems of young people. Don Bosco contrasted his "Preventive System" approach with what he called the "Redemptive System" of dealing with those who broke the rules. His system is based entirely on "reason, religion and loving kindness".
The most telling element in this system is the kindness that describes the relationship between the educator and the student. Don Bosco would say that one must make himself loved before he can make himself feared. Educators should enjoy themselves with their students, should like what they like in an effort to enter this world.
Another element of the Preventive System is reason: it means giving attention to the common sense aspects of human relationships and involves the ability to understand the young and to dialogue and communicate with them.
The goal of teachers, administrators, students and their parents in a Salesian school, is to form a true Christian community, a community of love. Don Bosco called this friendly, community spirit the "family spirit".
Salesian Assistance
In contradistinction to the term "assistant" in education today, Don Bosco used it to describe the role of the teacher when he or she was not actually teaching in the classroom. The Salesian tradition of "assistance" requires the friendly and active presence of the educator whenever the students are gathered in any place and for any activity.
The Salesians
The Salesians are a significant worldwide community of men and women, some 'vowed' or 'consecrated' in Religious Life within the Catholic Church, some living out a 'secular' life; married or single according to circumstance. The Salesian Religious Family owes its existence to Fr John Bosco, or 'Don Bosco'. His work for poor and underprivileged young people has inspired thousands of men and women to join his ranks. He called them 'Salesians' after a Bishop of Geneva, St Francis de Sales, a man known for his extraordinary kindness and holiness.
Further information on the Salesians of Don Bosco in Australia can be found by visiting the following websites:
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Australian Salesian Bulletin
The home page for the Salesian Bulletin. According to the wishes of St John Bosco, the Salesian Bulletin is distributed free. Four editions a year, including a full colour calendar, are sent to parishes, religious houses, schools and homes throughout Australia and overseas. If you would like to support this publication please visit the website for further details.
Click here to visit the Australian Salesian Bulletin website