Salesians of Don Bosco
Quick Summary
The Salesians of Don Bosco are Roman Catholic religious congregations, one for men and one for women, dedicated to the Christian education of youth, particularly those who are less privileged. The founder, St. John Bosco (Don Bosco), was a priest deeply concerned about orphaned and homeless child laborers in Turin, Italy.12
In 1859, inspired by St. Francis de Sales, Don Bosco established the Salesians to support and educate these impoverished boys. By the time of his death, the order had grown significantly and expanded its work to include trade schools, agricultural and academic schools, seminaries, recreational centers, and parishes. The Salesian Sisters, formally the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, were founded in 1872 by Don Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello to serve girls. Their educational approach emphasizes reason, religion, and amiability, incorporating academic studies, manual skills, work, clubs, and athletics.12
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