St. John Bosco
August 16, 1815 – January 31, 1888
St. John Bosco was an Italian Catholic priest, educator, and writer of the 19th century. While working in Turin, where the population suffered many of the ill effects of industrialization and urbanization, he dedicated his life to the betterment and education of street children, juvenile delinquents, and other disadvantaged youth. He developed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment, a method that became known as the “Salesian Preventive System.”
A follower of the spirituality and philosophy of St. Francis de Sales, Bosco was an ardent devotee of the Virgin Mary under the title *Mary Help of Christians*. He later dedicated his works to de Sales when he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco, based in Turin. He was one of the pioneers of mutual aid societies, which provided financial support to young migrant Catholic workers in Turin. In 1850, he drafted regulations to assist apprentices and their companions when they were involuntarily unemployed or fell ill.
In 1875, Bosco began publishing the *Salesian Bulletin*, which has remained in continuous publication and is currently available in 50 different editions and 30 languages. In 1876, he founded the Association of Salesian Cooperators, a movement of laypeople dedicated to the same educational mission for the poor. Through a network of organizations and centers, Bosco’s legacy continues to thrive.
St. Francis de Sales
August 21, 1567 – December 28, 1622
St. Francis de Sales was a Roman Catholic bishop of Geneva and a Doctor of the Church. He was active in the struggle against Calvinism and co-founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary.
At the age of 19, Francis attended a Calvinist lecture on predestination, which led him to believe he was destined for hell. This caused him great distress for months. Eventually, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and the *Memorare* prayer, Francis was freed from this error and focused on the pure love of God. Though initially reluctant, his father eventually supported Francis’s ordination and helped secure him an important position in the Diocese of Geneva.
Francis’s success as a preacher was marked by his ability to convey the faith clearly, respectfully, truthfully, and charitably. He often placed written explanations of Catholic beliefs under people’s doors, inviting them to return to the Church. His motto was: *“He who preaches with love, preaches effectively.”*
Francis believed holiness was not limited to monastic or religious life but was attainable for everyone, regardless of their state in life or occupation. This conviction is most evident in his renowned book, *Introduction to the Devout Life.* It is said that through his efforts, Bishop de Sales brought back as many as 40,000 Catholics who had embraced Calvinism.
After nine years as a priest and 20 years as a bishop, Francis suffered a stroke and died shortly after. It is believed that one of the last things he wrote was a testimony to his deep love of God.
SAINT BOSCO & SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES – BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ceria, Reverand Eugenio. The Biographical Memoirs of Saint John Bosco. New Rochelle, NY: Salesiana Publishers. 1985.
Dailey, Thomas F. Praying with Francis de Sales. Winona, MI: St Mary’s Press. 1997.
Bacchiarello, Father J. (editor). Forty Dreams of St. John Bosco: The Apostle of Youth. Rockford, IL: Tan Books & Publishers Inc. 1969.
Phelan, Edna Beyer. Don Bosco A Spiritual Portrait. Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc. 1963.
Rinaldi, Peter. Man with a Dream The Story of St. John Bosco. New Rochelle, NY: Don Bosco Publications. 1981.
De Sales, St. Francis. Thy Will Be Done! Letters of St. Francis de Sales. Manchester NH: Sophia Institute Press. 1995.
De Sales, St Francis and Mackey, Rev. Henry Benedict (Translator). The Catholic Controversy St. Francis de Sales Defense of the Church. Charlotte, NC. 2012.
Ravier, Andre. Francis De Sales Sage and Saint. Bowler, Joseph D. (Translator). San Francisco, CA: 1988.
Sheppard, Lancelot C. Don Bosco Westminster, MD: The Newman Press. 1957.
ARCHIVAL/SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Chalippe, Candide, Reverand (translator). The Life of S: Francis of Assisi. New York: D&J Sadler & Co. 1877
Livius, Reverand T. S. Peter, Bishop of Rome: or the Roman Episcopate of the Prince of the Apostles; proved from the Fathers, History, and Archeology, and illustrated by arguments from other sources. New York: Catholic Publication Society. 1888