St John Bosco, Part 1
By Marianne Buzzelli
Today, January 31, is the feast of St. John Bosco. John (Giovanni) Bosco lived 1815-1888. He was born in a little town in Becchi, Italy to poor parents. His father died when he was only 2 years old, so his mother was left to support John and his 2 older brothers. The Bosco family were farmers, and John was expected to work in the fields to help support his family. However, John Bosco loved reading, and was not interested in working as a farmer. He loved to read and was excited to receive instruction from the local parish priest.
He had a call to the priesthood and thought of becoming a priest from a very early age. According to his own personal writings, John Bosco had a series of dreams, beginning at the age of 9, in which he saw a man, who “appeared, nobly attired, with a manly and imposing bearing. The man said to him: You will have to win these friends of yours not with blows, but with gentleness and kindness. So begin right now to show them that sin is ugly and virtue beautiful.”
John left the family farm to join the seminary at the age of 12. However, with no money, he was unable to continue his studies. Two years later he met an elderly priest, Fr. Joseph Calosso, who took young John under his wing, tutored him, and provided support which allowed him to pursue his studies at the seminary.
(life story continued in Part 2)
Reflection: Gentleness, kindness, and virtue – the words John Bosco heard in his childhood dream were the very essence of his being. He devoted his life to the service of young poor, sick, homeless boys.
You can learn more about the life of this marvelous saint as you read A Story of Saint John Bosco.
