John Bosco

Religious Leader

Birthday August 16, 1815

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Italy

DEATH DATE Jan 31, 1888 (72)

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About

Known best as Don Bosco and remembered for his humanitarian and educational reform work on behalf of children and teenagers in need, this 19th-century Roman Catholic Priest founded such Italian charitable organizations as the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Association of Salesian Cooperators.

Before Fame

Early in his life, while working as a shepherd, he was the pupil of a local priest. After studying for several years at a Roman Catholic seminary in Chieri, Italy, he received his ordination.

Trivia

He developed a non-punitive educational philosophy known as the Salesian Preventive System.

Family Life

He and his brothers Giuseppe and Antonio were born in the town of Becchi, Italy, to Margherita Occhiena and Francesco Bosco.

Associated With

In the 1930s, he was posthumously declared a saint by Pope Pius XI.