John Melchior Bosco was a saint born on August 16, 1815 at Becchi, a hamlet near Turin Italy. He had dedicated his life towards educating the young. As he carried on his noble work, he was joined by several like-minded youngsters (many of whom were looked after during their difficult childhood years by St. John Bosco) who accepted him as their father and guide. And so, the Salesian Society, comprising of priests and lay brothers, was born. The word ‘Salesians’ is from the name of the patron, St. Francis de Sales, a saint much admired by Don Bosco for his kindness and gentleness.

Don Bosco died on 31st January 1888. Yet, undoubtedly, the greatest gift he has left to posterity is his unique way of educating. More than a century after the death of Don Bosco, thousands of people have dedicated themselves to the continuation of his apostolic love for young people all over the world. As members of the Salesian Family they profess to be “signs and bearers of God’s love to the young”.

The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) founded by Don Bosco in 1864 today number 16692 spread all over 1871 institution in 128 nations throughout the world.