(1815-1888) Giovanni (John) was the youngest of three sons born to a poor family in Italy. His father died when he was two, and he was raised by his mother, Mama Margaret. Starting at 9 years old, John had prophetic dreams, the earliest about his role in influencing boys to become virtuous. As a young man, he learned juggling and acrobatics to draw crowds for the purpose of praying together or reciting a homily. He worked his way through seminary, became a priest, and constantly worked with young people. John founded the Salesians to serve and educate boys through the patronage of Our Lady, Help of Christians, as well as Saint Francis de Sales.
The source of Saint John Bosco’s joy stemmed from his devotion to Saint Mary and the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Are the rosary and Eucharistic adoration parts of your 11th Step?
“Do you want our Lord to give you many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to give you few graces? Visit Him seldom. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful and indispensable means of overcoming the attacks of the devil. Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against you” (Saint John Bosco).
Reflection by Brad Farmer