John Bosco was born on August 16th 1815 in the north of Italy. His father died when John was only two. All during his boyhood he new little, apart from the poverty of a small farm. His desire was to study so as to become a priest, but disappointment met him at every turn. His older brother Joseph was helpful, but his step brother Anthony, 10yrs his senior was against the idea. An old retired priest met young John returning with his mother from the church, and was very impressed by the boy’s brilliant memory. He volunteered to tutor John privately. All went well for few months and John made fine progress. “Don’t worry” the old priest used to say, “ You will go to school and to the seminary, I will see to that!” John idolized him. But one morning he was called to the presbytery to find the old priest dying. With his last brath the old man thrust a key into John’s hand and muttered,”that cabinet over there… Money for your studies… its all yours.” However after the funeral his relatives turned up and John preferred to surrender the key and the money.

In 1837 he enterned the seminary. He earnestly prepared himself for the work God wanted him to do. Four years later, to his mother’s unspeakable Joy, John was ordained and said his first Mass at the altar where he used to serve as a boy. Now everyone called him “Don” (Father) Bosco.

On January 31st 1888 Don Bosco passed away to his eternal reward. His last words were characteristic of his eternal reward. His last words were characteristic of his whole life.

“Tell my boys I shall be waiting for them in Heaven.”