St. John Bosco - Jan. 31st

 

 Today, we celebrate the memorial of St. John Bosco, who was born of poor parents in 1815. When he was little more than two years old his father died, leaving the support of three boys to their mother, Margaret Bosco. John's early years were spent as a shepherd and he received his first instruction at the hands of the parish priest. He possessed a ready wit, and a retentive memory.

As a youth, it was common for him to perform tricks and acrobatic performances for other children. He would invite other boys to come and watch him perform tight rope walking and magic tricks, but only if they would promise to stay after the performance, so that he could teach them catechism, pray the Rosary or go to Mass with him.

After he was ordained a priest, he had the terrible experience of visiting prisons in which poor homeless boys were exposed to evil influences. He resolved from that moment on to care for poor homeless street boys when he was able.

One day after vesting for Mass, the sacristan drove out a ragged boy, who refused to serve Mass. Don Bosco quickly found the boy and befriended him. Over a period of time, he instructed the boy of the street, in the ways of the faith. And so began the beginnings of the “Oratory”.

In one year, he was helping 30 street boys and within 5 years, over 400 boys were taken in under his wing. He eventually began the Salesian religious order, which had as its purpose the taking care of young street boys and educating them in the Catholic faith.

Don Bosco was especially noted for his prophetic dreams and his ability to read hearts. He would often tell particular boys—the sins, they committed, and that, the boy needed to go to confession.

One of his most popular dreams involved seeing a large boat, which represented the Catholic Church. The boat’s helmsman was the pope, who was shot by enemies of the Church. However, a pope once again took over the helm, who guided the boat to two large pillars. On top of one pillar was Our Lady Help of Christians and on top of the other pillar was the Eucharist. Once the boat reached the two pillars and was anchored to each of them, the raging storm and small boats which were attacking the ship--- disappeared.

Many believe the pope, which fell wounded was Pope John Paul II, who guided the Church to the Eucharist and Our Lady.

Today, let us pray for young people, that they may receive the grace of a good Catholic education and be protected from the evils of the world.

And may we anchor our hearts to Jesus in the Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, trusting that they will calm the storms of our life and protect Pope Francis from all danger.