St. John Melchior Bosco, lovingly known as Don Bosco, was a priest, educator, and tireless champion of young people. Born on 16 August 1815 in Becchi, Italy, he grew up in poverty and hardship after losing his father early in life. These experiences shaped his deep empathy for poor and abandoned youth and inspired a mission that continues to touch lives across the world-including here in Goa.
As a young priest in 19th-century Italy, Don Bosco encountered large numbers of boys who were homeless, unemployed, and vulnerable to exploitation. Instead of responding with punishment, he chose compassion. He believed that young people flourish when they are trusted, guided, and loved. This belief formed the foundation of his Preventive System of Education, based on Reason, Religion, and Loving-kindness.
To continue this mission, Don Bosco founded the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1859. In Goa, the Salesian presence has grown strong and meaningful over the decades. Institutions such as Don Bosco High School, Higher Secondary School and College, Panjim, and Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, have educated thousands of Goan students, combining academic excellence with strong moral and spiritual formation.
Beyond formal education, Salesian work in Goa focuses on holistic youth development. Don Bosco Oratories and youth centres, including those in Panjim and Margao, provide safe spaces for children and young people to learn, play, pray, and grow. Through sports, music, leadership programmes, and faith-based activities, these centres nurture confidence, discipline, and community spirit-especially among youth from economically weaker backgrounds.
A notable example of Salesian social outreach in Goa is Bosco Yuvodaya, which works closely with at-risk youth and marginalized communities. Through vocational training, life-skills programmes, and employment guidance, many young people have been helped to find direction and dignity in their lives. Salesian initiatives such as job placement support and technical training reflect Don Bosco’s belief that education must prepare young people for life, not just examinations.
The Salesians in Goa also extend pastoral care through parishes and community programmes, ensuring that faith remains central to their work. Deep devotion to the Eucharist and to Mary Help of Christians- so dear to Don Bosco-continues to guide their mission.
Canonized in 1934 and given the title “Father and Teacher of Youth”, Don Bosco’s feast day on 31 January reminds us that his vision is not a thing of the past. In the schools, colleges, oratories, and outreach programmes of Goa, Don Bosco’s spirit lives on-calling all of us to walk with our young people with patience, faith, and love.
Louella Santimano Dias