This Saturday, our Church honors Saint John Bosco, who I’ve always admired for what he did for kids in an era where so many children suffered greatly.

John Bosco, was born in Becchi, Italy, on August 16, 1815. At the age of two, John lost his father, leaving him and his two older brothers to be raised by his mother, Margherita, who would later help him in his ministry to children.

Raised primarily by his mother, his whole life he cared deeply about his faith, and worked hard on the family farm. As a child, he had a dream of having to tame a pack of wild animals that symbolized other boys his age, and he learned in the dream that it had to be done gently. He loved magic tricks and acrobatics, and he realized he could use them to attract others and hold their attention. And so he’d perform them for other kids with the price of admission a prayer – and used this as a catechetical tool.

Eventually he was able to enter seminary and was ordained.

His first assignment was to the city of Turin, and here while visiting the prisons, Fr. Bosco noticed a large number of boys, between the ages of 12 and 18, inside. The conditions were deplorable, and he felt moved to do more to help other boys from ending up there.

He went into the streets and started to meet kids where they worked and played. He used his talents as a performer, doing tricks to capture attention, then sharing with the children his message for the day.

He came up with what was called the “preventive system”, rejecting harsh discipline and placing students in surroundings removed from the likelihood of committing sin. He advocated frequent reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion. He combined catechetical training and fatherly guidance, seeking to unite the spiritual life with one’s work, study and play. Eventually he opened oratories for boys where they could learn more about the faith and learn trade skills; his mom would eventually help him as well in helping kids get off the streets and abusive situations and into a better life.

The model of Saint John Bosco reminds us that our eyes need to be open to the needs of children and youth.

First, we are reminded that education starts at home; parents are the primary educators and it’s important to strive to help learn what matters most, which is why learning the faith matters and praying as a family and, of course, Mass.

Second, it means opening our eyes to when kids are hurting. Every parent knows that their children, just like they did, go through ups and downs. Being involved in their lives, knowing their friends, what they are looking at online or social media, or dealing with at school is so important. So too is being aware of other kids in the family or among friends if we sense there may be a difficult situation at home they are facing.

It means patience and perseverance. John Bosco dealt with a lot of negative people saying he couldn’t make a difference, even jealous priests saying he was taking parishioners from their flock. And of course, sometimes the boys he served were challenging. But he kept going. How patient God is with us, forgiving seventy times seven. Kids, like adults, make poor choices at times. But with patience, we can do so much to help them flourish.

And lastly, let us never forget the importance of leading by example. When a child sees mom and dad say “I’m sorry” if they made a mistake; when a child sees mom and dad taking the family to Mass; or the hard work they do for the family; or the sacrifices they make, these things have a lasting impact.

Childhood is such a special time, and as I look back on mine I have many great memories but also realize how much I learned about what ultimately mattered through the efforts of family, teachers and loved ones. Let us never forget what a difference we can make in helping our young learn about what matters most.

Saint John Bosco, pray for us!

Fr. Paul

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Feburary 1, 2026