On 31st Janaury we celebrate the feast of St John Bosco was born on 16th August, 1815, to the east of Turin. From a very early age he decided that he would dedicate his life to helping young people. He wanted to become a priest to help them morally and he wanted to help them educationally by assisting them to cope with the world around them. He was ordained in June, 1841, and began his work for the poor youth of the city of Turin.

John Bosco is remembered as a man who dedicated his life to the service of abandoned young people.  Over 150 years ago he challenged the way young people were treated in the desperate poverty that existed at that time in Turin.  Driven by first-hand experience of the effects of dreadful poverty and hunger on the young people he came across, he was determined to change their condition. Others were inspired to follow him in responding to the needs of the young.  John Bosco created an order in the Catholic Church, called the Salesians.  He is regarded as the patron of all involved in educatig and caring for young people.

A Teacher’s Prayer

Lord,

I believe that each of my students is your child.

I believe that they are a reflection of your love.

I believe that each child possesses special gifts and talents,

that you are entrusting me to help them discover these gifts

and nurture those talents.

I believe that each child is trying to find you,

and that I can be a model of how to look,

how to live, how to pray.

I believe that my job is actually a mission, a ministry;

that you have chosen me in this time and in this place

to be there for these kids.

I believe that there is nothing haphazard about my day,

about my experiences with my students or with their parents.

It is all part of your plan.

I believe that you have chosen me, Lord.

Lord, I believe.