Saint John Bosco was an Italian Catholic priest and educator. He placed his works under the protection of Francis de Sales, thus his followers styled themselves the Salesian Society.

SAINT JOHN BOSCO

Saint John Bosco (born Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco) employed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment. Bosco's capability to attract numerous boys and adult helpers was connected to his "Preventive System of Education." He believed education to be a "matter of the heart" and said that the boys must not only be loved, but know that they are loved. He also pointed to three components of the Preventive System: reason, religion and kindness. Music and games also went into the mix.

Bosco succeeded in establishing a network of centres to carry on his work. In recognition of his work with disadvantaged youth, he was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934. Salesians of Don Bosco have started many schools and colleges around the world.

16 August 1815

to 31 January 1888