St. John Don Bosco (Youth Protection)




The Small
John Bosco was born on August 16, 1815, at Becchi, a hamlet in Castelnuovo d'Asti (today called Castelnuovo Don Bosco), Italy. His father, Francesco, was a poor farmer. Francesco has three sons, namely Antonio (from his first wife who had died), Joseph, and John. Francesco died when John was only two years.
Her mother, Margarita, by all means and hard work trying to feed his family. However, hard work and poverty does not prevent Margarita to always tell their children all the goodness of God: day and night, the flowers and stars. He taught little John how to cultivate the land and how to find God through the abundant harvest and the rains that water the plants. As a good mother, Margarita also always taught her children how to pray properly. From his mother, John learned to see God in the face of others, namely those who are poor, they are miserable, those who came knocking at the house all winter. He learned to serve hot soup and distribute food from their poverty.
Once, when John was 9 years old, he got an amazing dream, which would change her entire life. In his dream John was in the broad field. He saw a lot of kids there, there is a laugh, play, and some are swearing. John does not like kids it blasphemous. He immediately ran to stop them, yelling and clenching his fists. When it suddenly behold a white robe and his face shone. He called John, asked him to calm down, and advised him to make the children as his friend and they will bring their sins in a gentle way.
John said again that it is not possible, but He said to John will give a mother who would always accompany and guide John in this task. Itutak Virgin Mary and the other is speaking in a dream John is Jesus himself. While John still looked puzzled, Our Lady came and called John to come close to him. Immediately, hordes of children who had disappeared and was seen by John is now a herd of wild animals: wild goats, tigers, wolves, bears. "This is the place where you have to work. Make yourself humble, strong, and energetic. What you see going on these wild animals, you have to do it to my kids. "The voice was soft for John, and then he saw that the wild animals it has now turned into a large collection of docile lamb , crowding, and crowding around the Second Guest glory. Soon after that John woke up and he can not sleep again. The dream has declared the years ahead in his life.




Expert Magic and Acrobat
Since then John always tried to do good to his friends. When a circus came to town, John was soon going to see their show. Circus troupe featuring clowns, magic, games, and acrobatics. John's attention in earnest and studying all the attractions shown.
After coming back from the circus show, John started to imitate attractions shown. Although initially he failed, slipped, fell, and his body bruised, but a strong determination. He never gave up, saying, "If they can do it, why not me?" John continued to practice until one Sunday afternoon, he demonstrated skill in front of the neighborhood kids. He demonstrated the balance of the body with a frying pan and pan at the end of his nose. Then he jumped onto the rope stretched between two trees and walking on it accompanied by audience applause. Before the show great was ended, John repeats the sermon he heard at Mass in the morning to his friends, and invites them all to pray.
The news of John's performances are held spread to the neighboring villages. Because in those days rarely do such a show, then soon the children from various places come to watch the show. The amount is up to a hundred children more.
Before starting the show, John took the children to pray the rosary first. Even though the kids complain, but they complied. After he took the children sing a song for the Virgin Mary and John standing on a chair and began to explain contents of the Scriptures as he heard the Mass in the morning. If a child refuses to listen to the sermon or refuse to pray, John would say: "All right. I will not hold the show today. If you do not pray, I could've fallen and broken my neck. "
Games and Word of God began to change the behavior of his friends. John Small came to realize that in order to do good for so many children, he needs to learn and become a priest. Priest John Castelnuovo see the development of extraordinary faith, until he allowed John to receive communion two years earlier than the specified age of the Church.


Going from house
One time a missionary, Don Calosso ('Don' in Italian means Father), came to the village Buttigliera to give religious instruction. John decided to follow all the religious instruction given by him, either morning or afternoon. That meant he had to walk as far as 10 miles (16 kilometers) a day. His half-brother, Antonio, strongly opposed John's desire to learn. According to him it was time for John to work. Therefore, taken its decision: the morning John studied at the rectory with Don Calosso, after he had worked in the fields. John studied hard. He brought his book to the field and study until late at night. It was very annoying Antonio. He was throwing all the books of John and his half sister was whipped with his belt.
For safety John, Margarita make a decision that was very sad his own: he sent John away from home. At that time John was only 12 years old. John then worked as cattle herders on the farm owned by Mr. Luigi. John worked diligently, and every Sunday he went to church. In the place of John resumed his efforts to collect the children and invite them to play and pray.




Responding to the Call of God
John grew into a smart and intelligent teenager. With the help of many people who sympathize with him, John had to go to school at Castelnuovo. He is the best pupils of all school pupils. He gathered his friends and formed a religious group who gave the name of Joy Group. John was a prime mover for his friends. His personality is open, dynamic, high life and vitality, but sometimes he is less patient and carry emotions. Once he is also emphasized good works, truth and justice rather than with gentleness, but rather with his fists.
At school that John knew a boy named Luigi Comollo which has properties opposite of John. He was a gentle and patient. John greatly admired personality Luigi and he can learn from them. So John and Luigi became friends who support each other.
After finishing school at the age of 20 years, John Bosco took a very important decision in his life: he entered the Seminary of Chieri. His mother insisted on him to always be faithful to his call and if she hesitated only intention diurungkannya better that than being a priest who neglect and indifference. Remembered his mother's advice and respected by him throughout his life.
No thinks, Luigi Comollo catch a few months later. Kepadanyalah, John express all the ideals and plans. Luigi himself did not make many plans such as John, he felt that his life would soon end
The following year, on April 2, 1839, Thursday after Easter, Luigi died of fever. John is very sad because he was a valuable part of has gone. But he was also happy because he knew Luigi, his best friend, has united with God in heaven.




Become Priest
On June 5, 1841 Turin consecrated Bishop John Bosco became a priest. John felt very happy, as well as Margarita. Her son loved ones have been ordained to offer the Body and Blood Savior every day at the altar. At that time John's nearly 26 years of age.
After his ordination, Don Bosco served in Turin under the guidance of a pious priest, Don Cafasso. John is very concerned about the situation of young people there. Don Bosco saw their bet on street corners, their faces hard and stiff, as if to achieve all their desires by way of anything. Close to market town, he met the market with teenage workers. In the area around the Porta Palazzo, written by Don Bosco so many years later, crowding the vendors of goods, shining shoes, kids corral board, various kinds of merchants, messengers: all the poor father who struggled to find their livelihoods from day to day . The children are the victims of the adverse effects of the industrial revolution. Rural communities in droves to come to town to get a better livelihood, as a result of the higher unemployment in the city causing increased number of families living below the poverty line.
The most touching Don Bosco was when he visited the prison. He writes thus: "Seeing so many children, from ages 12 to 18 years, all in good health, strong, intelligent, insect bitten, lack of food, both spiritual and physical food, really something very terrible for me." Faced with such circumstances Don Bosco had to make a decision: "I must, with all the existing infrastructure, preventing the lives of children and adolescents it ends here."




John Don Bosco and His Children
Don Bosco get her first on the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate Conception of Sin. He was wearing his robe to celebrate Mass at the Church Convitto, when a teenage street looked into the sacristy. At that Koster had rebuked the child, but Don Bosco would greet him with gentle and make the boy as his friend.
The following Sunday, the boy took another 6 children with him. Their performance was very matted and dirty, but they want to learn religion. Three months later the number of children to 25 people, until the number reached 100 children. They were coolies streets, stone breaker, stone mason, plasterer who came from distant regions. From there youth group formed by the Don Bosco called Oratorio.
They all meet on Sunday. They took part in the celebration of Mass, religious study, and play together. Oratorio group activities are not restricted to Sundays only. For Don Bosco, Oratorio was his life. He is finding jobs for children who have not obtained a job, and he taught the kids after they finished work. Their numbers continue to grow and grow until it reaches four hundred people.
Every night Don Bosco wanted for the children recite the Hail Mary three times, ask that the Blessed Mother to help them to abstain from sin. He also encouraged them to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion as often as possible and with great love.
God bless all the efforts Don Bosco and give the gift of miracles to him. Any gift of miracles that reinforce their natural talents to support and guide them.


Obstacles and barriers
Efforts by the Don Bosco did not escape from a variety of obstacles and barriers. He needs funds for his Oratorio Group. He needed a place large enough for 400 children to pray, learn, and play. Until then wherever they go, they are always thrown out.
Other priests also assume that Don Bosco had deviated from its mission. With four hundred children who are always rough and wild follow him, he is considered insane again. Therefore, the two priests tried to take him to a mental hospital, but failed.
Impediments and obstacles come in repeatedly, but Don Bosco gain encouragement and spirit through his dreams. In the dreams Don Bosco gain strength and confidence to move forward and create. Mother Mary was always helpful and reinforcing.


Institut St. Francis de Sales
With a variety of business, Don Bosco finally able to hire Graha Pinardi in Valdocco, an unused house, located in remote areas. Don Bosco made the front room as a simple chapel as well as learning spaces. At the door Don Bosco put up signs with messages of pride that he got from the Virgin Mary in his dream: "Haec est Domus Mea; inde Gloria Mea", meaning "This is my house; darinyalah My glory will shine." Right on the Feast of Easter 12 April 1846 Oratorio groups have their own church!
On November 3 of that year, Don Bosco decided to stay in Valdocco. He asked his mother who was aged 59 years, left his home in Becchi to manage at home and be a mother for foster children. Margarita also sells wedding rings and precious for all goods to pay the rent, household expenses, and provide food for the children who come to him.
In May 1847 Margarita gave a ride to a teenager from Valesia. Following children from Valesia it, other kids who come to stay with Don Bosco until the number reached 30 children. God bless all the work and effort Don Bosco.
In 1851 a chapel St. Francis de Sales was established close to the Graha Pinardi, which has now become the property of Don Bosco. The buildings are the initial building of the Institute of St. Francis de Sales.
Don Bosco started to establish their own workshops in Valdocco: shoe repair shop, sewing shop, wood shop, key shop, printing and bookbinding workshops. Don Bosco mastered all areas. He gives advice and lessons for children. Thus, children are ready and mature when they work outside.


Salesian States
In addition to providing lessons and skills education, Don Bosco also provide special lessons for those interested to follow in his footsteps. Through her dream of Don Bosco knowing which children will leave and the children which will remain with him. He even knows the future of their children, for example: Giovanni Cagliero of Castelnuovo d'Asti will become a Cardinal, Michael Rua would later become his successor. Afternoon of January 6, 1854 he collected them and convey the following message, "My dear friends, welcome party during the Novena our patron saint, St. Francis de Sales, I recommend to you from this day, with God's help, practice compassion for others. After this period expires, you are allowed to bind themselves by a promise, and thereafter with an oath. Starting this afternoon we call ourselves the Salesian. "
Don Bosco not only founded the union for men only, but eventually he founded the union to the princess. Then, on August 5, 1872 Bishop Puteri-Puteri inaugurated the Congregation of Mary Help Christians, or known by the name of the Congregation of the Salesian Sisters of Mary Mazzarello as Priorin. Abbey house dealing with the Salesian Institute.
In 1876 the Don Bosco Salesian Lay States also formed consisting of the laity who are willing to help the Salesians to devote all the attention, time and their funds. States Salesians and Salesian Lay States share the work, prayer and blessing.


End of Life Don Bosco
Don Bosco continued to work anywhere, even the missionaries are also scattered in various places to preach the Gospel. Years passed, Don Bosco getting older. When he was nearly 70 years, one eye is not able to function, while the other eye was blurred. When walking he had to rest a moment on crutches or in a friend's shoulder. But such things do not preclude the Don Bosco to go to different places, visiting monasteries, celebrated Mass in the churches. Wherever he went, people greeted him with enthusiasm. Don Bosco signed portrait, handed out holy pictures and medals, giving blessings and advice, hearing confessions, converted many people, perform miracles, and received many donations for the continuation of his work.
In 1887 Don Bosco has been very weak. His vision is not functioning and her legs are too weak to support his body. Don Bosco pray to Mary for the Blessed Mother provides a thousand places in heaven for the Salesian States, then he asked for ten thousand, and then a hundred thousand. Our Lady grant it. And Don Bosco asked for some more places.
Bosco whispers his last message to the children who gathered around his bed, "Love one another like brothers. Either did according to all the people and do not do evil to anyone. Tell the children that I was waiting for them all in Heaven. "


On January 31, 1888, John Bosco died at the age of 72 years. On June 2, 1929 he was declared Blessed by Pope Pius XI and on 8 November 1933 declared a Saint. His feast is celebrated every January 31. Don Bosco's dead, but his work still continues to this day through the formation of the Salesian States. Hopefully what has been done by Saint John Bosco's growing in the world today, and many young people are saved.
"Menghindarlah from friends that bad as you avoid the poisonous snake bites. If your friends are good, I'm sure that someday you will rejoice with the saints in Heaven, but if kumpulanmu evil, you yourself will become evil too, and you are in danger of losing your soul. "-St. John Don Bosco