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John Bosco is not present only in the name, but also in several other aspects. This Italian priest and founder of the Salesian order experienced his own school and study time very intensively. Coming from a poor peasant family, he worked as a stable boy, blacksmith, carpenter, tailor and waiter to finance his education. At the same time, with great talent, he also taught himself magic tricks, tightrope walking and acrobatics in order to entertain his peers and then tell them about God.
These experiences and skills shaped Bosco's life. As a young priest, his desire matured to devote himself entirely to the young who were at that time seeking work and a better life in the factory town of Turin. Many of them remained homeless and unemployed, experienced exploitation or ended up on the street or in prison. Don Bosco, as he was soon known, wanted to put an end to this misery. In order to do that, he launched a holistic program where young people spent their free time in a healthy environment, experienced community, learned about the faith, and at the same time received education that equipped them for their future.
The driving force behind Don Bosco's tireless efforts was his conviction that there is good in every human being. His courageous approach of trusting young people, encouraging their talents and renouncing harsh punishments was revolutionary and set new standards. His project spread rapidly: many of the young Don Bosco mentored later wanted to become involved in helping others themselves. With them, the priest founded the "Society of St. Francis de Sales" in 1859, which was named "Salesians of Don Bosco" after his death. In 1934, the Catholic Church elevated John Bosco to the status of the saint and patron of youth.
Today, Don Bosco's community has grown to 14,600 members in 133 countries. All of them are united by their commitment to "to support young people on their path to successful life." In Austria, the Salesians run schools, dormitories, youth centers, volunteer programs, projects for young refugees, parishes and also the Don Bosco dormitory, where Don Bosco's work began in 1910. Currently, 13 Salesians live in the house, including six priests, one religious brother and six students in training. As members of the order, they are committed to a lifestyle of obedience, poverty and celibacy. Their presence and support is greatly appreciated by all residents of the home.
The driving force behind Don Bosco's tireless efforts was his conviction that there is good in every human being. His courageous approach of trusting young people, encouraging their talents and renouncing harsh punishments was revolutionary and set new standards. His project spread rapidly: many of the young Don Bosco mentored later wanted to become involved in helping others themselves. With them, the priest founded the "Society of St. Francis de Sales" in 1859, which was named "Salesians of Don Bosco" after his death. In 1934, the Catholic Church elevated John Bosco to the status of the saint and patron of youth.
Today, Don Bosco's community has grown to 14,600 members in 133 countries. All of them are united by their commitment to "to support young people on their path to successful life." In Austria, the Salesians run schools, dormitories, youth centers, volunteer programs, projects for young refugees, parishes and also the Don Bosco dormitory, where Don Bosco's work began in 1910. Currently, 13 Salesians live in the house, including six priests, one religious brother and six students in training. As members of the order, they are committed to a lifestyle of obedience, poverty and celibacy. Their presence and support is greatly appreciated by all residents of the home.
With about 14,600 members in 133 countries, the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) are one of the largest male orders in the Catholic Church. The order is committed to supporting young people. Salesians of Don Bosco are there for them on their way: as supporters, advisors and friends. In the community there are brothers, priests and deacons. The presence of the Salesians of Don Bosco is noticeable through a family atmosphere, the atmosphere of joy and optimism, a sensitivity for global contexts and friendship with Jesus Christ, which shows itself in everyday life and encourages service and commitment to fellow human beings, especially to disadvantaged young people.
