John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco was born in CASTELNOUVO, Italy to Margarita Occhiena and Francesco Bosco on 16th August 1815. His Father died when he was just two years old. So, his mother had to raise the family of three boys all by herself. His mother was fondly called by all as Mama Margaret. She worked hard to give the real values to her children. At her knees, John first heard the voice of the master calling him for a special assignment. As years passed, John told his mother that he would be priest. As a young child he had the Charisma of attracting young children to him. He learnt the tricks of magic from travelling showmen. He walked the tightrope, he opened the carnival show, and the only admission fee was to recite the rosary by all spectators. By 1835 at 20 years he joined the Seminary, excelled in studies, made friends with many or countless people, from many walks of life. Amongst them was Fr. Catasso, his confessor who understood him and helped him to interpret God’s plan.
On 5th June 1841, he was ordained priest. At his ordination he asked for the gift of efficacy of speech. After the ordination, he began his public work, and began to alleviate the plight of young boys, who came to work, he provided with education, religious instructions and recreation. He founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales also known as Salesians of Don Bosco in 1859 and before his death it spread to various countries. He died on 31st January 1888 at the age of 72.
He was canonized as a Saint by Pope Pius XI in 1934. He was a priest who went down to the streets in Turin and picked up the poor and gave them shelter and food. In spite of his having nothing in his pocket and surrendering all to the heavenly father, He was able to provide a meal and shelter to many homeless people, and specially children.
Till Today this mission is carried out by the Salesians in India and Goa too.
The Educational institutes are par excellence as well as value based. There is an Engineering College, Agriculture College, schools as well as other institutes to help youngsters to learn trade and be on their feet. Those who learnt through these institutes have flourished in the world and are ever grateful to the DON BOSCO INSTITUTIONS.
Don Bosco Vision of service to humanity is carried on as a missionary work by the followers of DON BOSCO.
Rosarito Coelho