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St. John Bosco, or "Don Bosco" as he was called, lived from 1815 to 1888. He was a Catholic priest who lived most
of his life in Turin, Italy. He had a passion for young people, particularly the orphans, having lost his own father as a
boy of almost two. He would seek out these abandoned boys and offer them shelter, food, clothing and education.
His schools not only taught the basics, but the elements of the faith as well. Many were offered apprenticeships in various
trades. What was so revolutionary about his schools was that physical punishments were never given out. His method was known
as "the Preventive System". Essentially, it was not a matter that each boy be loved; he must KNOW he is loved.
Once that was established, the child would respond in kind to all expectations as a student.
Don Bosco was driven by a desire to bring all people to Christ. His motto (translated from the Latin) was "Give
me souls; take away the rest." And so several of his students have since been canonized as saints: Dominic Savio and
Michael Rua, to name but two. He used every means available to bring each boy to a loving relationship with God.
But his was not an easy life, nor was he exempt from persecution. His enemies included businessmen, politicians and political
activists, and even members of the clergy. Despite all these obstacles, Don Bosco's name appears in many countries around
the world, as his associates carried his message of love to children all over.
While Don Bosco Home of Windsor is not directly affiliated with these others, it is, nonetheless, guided by his teachings
and his enthusiastic spirit.
Click here for further description in Wikipedia.
Click here for further description in the Catholic Encyclopedia.
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