St. John Bosco, A Powerful Intercessor

Today, the last day of January, is the Feast of St. John Bosco. We remember this saint for his outreach to children during his life, and we continue to see the impact his life had in the world through the ongoing good works of the order he founded, the Society of St. Francis de Sales, commonly referred to as the Salesians. 

Along with his emphasis on education and character formation, St. John Bosco constantly exhorted the children in his care to avoid idleness and laziness, believing it was the gate through which many vices entered. He saw the uniqueness in each child; their own inherent dignity.  In all of his teaching and preaching, he counseled the children and their families, if they had any, to seek holiness. 

St. John Bosco is the patron saint of apprentices, editors, publishers, schoolchildren and juvenile delinquents. In addition, his intercession is called upon for peace in the home, especially so that children are not forced to leave and wander the streets.  He is also a great help in overcoming the tendency to acedia, that vice that drives a person towards despair and depression, on the one hand, or being a workaholic, frantically filling their lives with never ending activity, on the other. If anyone struggles with temptations involving crime he is also a powerful friend, having dealt so much with those issues with the hundreds of boys he raised. He is remembered for his efforts to guide each child into a productive, healthy life of dignity and respect.  

As we recall the life and good works of this holy man, let’s pray with the Church from the Collect from the Mass for the Memorial of St. John Bosco:

O God, who raised up the priest, John Bosco as a father and teacher of the young, grant, we pray, that aflame with the same fire of love, we may seek out souls and serve you alone. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.