John Bosco was born on August 16, 1815, in Castelnuovo d’Asti (today Castelnuovo Don Bosco). After being ordained a priest and completing his formation under Saint Joseph Cafasso, he dedicated himself, with the help of his mother, to caring for poor and abandoned youth. He began with festive oratories, which soon became daily gatherings. With the support of public benefactors, these grew into the great Oratory of Valdocco in Turin, which included a home for students and workers, later expanded into a classical school and workshops for professional training.
In 1864, he founded the Society of Saint Francis de Sales (the Salesians), dedicated to the education and Christian formation of young people, as well as other apostolic works. Together with Saint Mary Mazzarello, he also founded the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for the education of girls.
John Bosco died in Turin on January 31, 1888, consoled by the sight of his mission spreading throughout the world.
He also distinguished himself as a writer and as a man who engaged with the political issues of his time. At his canonization in 1934, Pope Pius XI presented him as a model of the religious apostle for the modern age. During his journeys, he also found faithful collaborators, such as the Servant of God Dorotea de Chopitea in Barcelona.
