Today’s saint also worked with young people. He is patron of school children and juvenile delinquents. St. John Bosco was deeply concerned with the youth of his parish; many were being arrested for juvenile delinquency, and once in prison, they learned more about crime, and would be back in jail soon after their release.
So, he worked tirelessly with the young boys in his neighborhood, providing for them a solid education and formation in the faith. “There are three things to stay on the path to Heaven, he would tell them, “Go to confession regularly, receive Communion often, and choose a regular confessor to whom you can unburden your heart.”
Through his love and care, many of these young boys, not only were saved from a life of crime, many of them entered seminary and become good and holy priests. And at least one of his boys became a saint, St. Dominic Savio.
Don Bosco would say, “work, work, work for the salvation of souls.” This is a job not just for priests and religious. This is part of the vocation of every Christian. Listen to this beautiful prayer written by Don Bosco.
My God, fortunate is he who has tasted how sweet it is to work for the salvation of souls! He is not afraid of cold or heat, hunger or thirst, offenses or insults, no, not even of death. O Lord, give me crosses and thorns, persecutions of all kinds, if only I can save souls, and my own among them. Give me souls, Lord, and take all the rest. Only when I know that the devil has given up plotting against souls, shall I cease trying new ways of saving them from his deceits and snares. O Lord, I wish to make a complete sacrifice of my life to You, to work for Your glory until I draw my last breath, bearing patiently all adversities and contradictions in my work. Help me to spend all my strength for the salvation of souls.
Here is a perfect saint for Catholic schools week, who reminds us that the aim of Catholic schools isn’t to make star athletes or powerful businessmen, the aim of Catholic schools is to save souls and make saints.
Through Don Bosco’s example and intercession may we be faithful to the work the Lord has for each of us today and all days, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
During this Catholic Schools week, for all young people, for their teachers and catechists and parents who are the first teachers of the faith, and that the truth of the faith may be learned, cherished, and practiced in every Catholic school and Christian home.
For all young people who have fallen into delinquency, through their patron’s intercession, may they turn away from sin and crime, and develop a deep love for the ways of Christ.
For all those in prison, for those who struggle with addiction and mental distress, that the healing of Christ may bring them wholeness and the promises of Christ may bring them hope.
That the fire of charity may impel all Christians to work for the salvation of souls, for a spread of the Gospel, and the building of God’s kingdom of peace.
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