31 January – Saint John Bosco, Priest
Memorial (Ordinary Time)
The father of modern youth ministry.
Born 1815 in Piedmont, Italy, poor peasant family. Ordained 1841. Dedicated his life to street boys, orphans, and poor youth abandoned in industrial Turin. Founded the Salesians (1859) — priests, brothers, and sisters focused on education, vocational training, and preventive pastoral care (“reason, religion, and kindness”).
His “oratory” system: playgrounds, schools, workshops, music, theater — all to keep boys from crime and give them hope in Christ. Dreamed prophetic dreams guiding his work. Patron of youth, apprentices, editors, magicians (he used tricks to attract boys to Mass), and schoolchildren.
White vestments (priest). Ordinary Time brightened by a saint who proved love and joy are the best catechesis.
When youth drift or are neglected, Don Bosco shows: meet them where they are, love them first, teach them second.
St. John Bosco, pray for young people, educators, and all who work with troubled youth.