January 31 2020 - St. John Bosco - Work for the salvation of souls

As we conclude Catholic Schools Week we honor a wonderful saint who in a special way was dedicated to young people, St. John Bosco, in fact is the patron saint of school children.  Like St. Angela, whom we honored at the beginning of the week, a woman of faith who worked to form the young people of her neighborhood in faith, morality, and piety, 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.” 

The Gospel today speaks of planting seeds. We must never understestimate the importance of planting the seeds of the Gospel in the heart and minds of others. God often relies on us to scatter the seeds, but he is the one who brings them to life. Even the smallest of seeds can grow to become great and strong.

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 became good and holy priests.  And at least one of his boys became a saint, St. Dominic Savio.

John Bosco knew the importance of planting seeds. He would show the face of a loving father to young people who lacked good fathers. He gave fatherly advice, guidance, and catechesis rooted in the Gospel. He was even known to juggle and play games with the youth while also teaching about Jesus.

The life of John Bosco is much more than a pious story, it is a daily challenge, to do everything in our power to work for the good of souls. Don Bosco would say, “work, work, work for the salvation of souls.”  May we take up his challenge.

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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.

For the sick and suffering among us, for those who care for them, and for all of our beloved dead, especially X, for whom this mass is offered.