John Bosco’s ministry was in Turin, a city in the throes of industrialization with slums and widespread poverty. He met young men and boys where they worked and played. He used his talents as a performer, doing magic tricks to capture attention, then sharing with the children his message for the day.

With Pope Pius IX’s encouragement, John founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians) in 1859. Their activity concentrated on education, faith formation and mission work. Later, he organized a group of Salesian Sisters to assist girls.

John Bosco’s ministry responded to the needs of the whole person: he sought work for boys who needed it, and searched for lodgings for others. By the 1860s, he and his mother were responsible for lodging 800 boys. He is one of the pioneers of Mutual Aid Societies, initiated as collaborative financial support to young migrant Catholic Workers in Turin.

He also used various methods to teach; he purchased a printing press for publication of catechetical pamphlets. In 1875, he began the Salesian Bulletin, currently published in 50 different editions and 30 languages.

In one of his letters (which appears in the Office of Readings for his January 31 feast), John Bosco wrote: “Let us regard those boys over whom we have some authority as our own sons … There must be no hostility in our minds, no contempt in our eyes, no insult on our lips. We must use mercy for the present and have hope for the future, as is fitting for true fathers who are eager for real correction and improvement.”

An important reminder for us as catechists today! Do our learners and their families hear only affirmations from us; always see respect and compassion in our eyes?

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• How do you accept your learners as they are as well as nudging them to grow to be even more who God created them to be?

• How might you encourage and empower your learners to be people of care and encouragement for others?

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/