Saint John Bosco

It is fitting that during Catholic Schools Week we commemorate another giant figure in Catholic education, St. John Bosco. Similar to St. Marcellin, his passion was the education of youth, particularly the poor, the "street kids" of his day, orphaned or rejected by their families and society. His heart and his all-embracing spirit reached out to them in gentleness and firmnes. He gathered them together, instructed them in the faith, and with his followers, taught them trades so that they could enter the work world with skills that would help them profide a living for themselves and their future families. As such, he is known as "The Apostle of Youth", and the two Congregations he founded to carry on his work are the Salesian Society (St. Francis de Sales and his practical spirituality had a great influence on him) and the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. The work these Congregations do in the Third World is just amazing. I came into personal contact with them in Rwanda and Kenya, and was impressed by the acceptance, love, and expertise they gave to their students. Even in this country, they work with the poor and give them the means to lift themselves into prosperity. Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not stop them; to such belongs the kigdom of God." (Mk 10: 14). I trust that all Catholic schools will heed these words and the examples of St. John Bosco and St. Marcellin.
Bro. Rene