SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO

The Salesian work began with a simple catechism lesson which St John Bosco gave to a sixteen-year-old bricklayer’s apprentice. From that time on, the Salesians have worked to bring the good news of God’s love to the young, especially the poorest and those most in need. As Don Bosco himself put it: "It’s enough that you are young for me to love you!"

Talented, charismatic and generous, St John Bosco was a genius with the young, especially those who were unemployed or in trouble. As a young priest he realised his dreams with great pastoral inventiveness and daring. Without doubt he was one of the greatest educators of his time (1815-1888). Indeed, his far-sightedness with regard to the young is only being fully appreciated today.

As a young priest he taught the young to read and write, and instructed them in a wide variety of trades so that they could earn a livelihood. Above all, he became their trusted friend. In order to carry on his work, he founded a religious community of priests and brothers. It was called the Society of St Francis of Sales after his own favourite saint, whose gentleness and kindness he wanted them to imitate. Today they are known as the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB).

Don Bosco was a man of great vision and soon realised the importance of extending his youth work to girls. He enlisted the help of Mary Mazzarello to found the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), now simply known as the Salesian Sisters.

Today there are almost 35,000 Salesians and Sisters working for the young at home and on the missions in 132 countries. They are actively involved in all kinds of pastoral, educational and catechetical programmes on behalf of young people. Their lifestyle, like that of their two saintly founders, is characterised by cheerfulness, friendliness and a deep love of Christ in the young.