MEMORIAL: JANUARY 31
St. John Bosco was born in the 19th century to a poor family in Italy. His dad passed away at an early age and was raised by his mother who had a strong faith. As a boy, Bosco would learn tricks to put on shows and then teach and pray with other young boys in his town. Leaving home, he became a priest and worked with the children of the poor in Turin, Italy. Attracting boys and teenagers through his performances, Bosco and his mother lodged many poor and orphaned boys. They formed the young men and helped them attain apprenticeships.
Bosco would eventually form the Society of St. Francis De Sales (the Salesians). This order still exists today and carries out the mission of working with the poor, especially young men. Soon after his death, St. John Bosco was canonized and is the patron saint of apprentices.
