St. John Bosco is one of the Patrons of World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023. He is known as the "saint of the youth", but do we know him well enough?

On 31 January, the Church celebrates the day of St. John Bosco. The Italian saint was born in 1815 into a peasant family. From an early age, he began his education in the faith. At the age of nine, the young boy had a dream that indicated the mission he would have for his entire life. A lady as bright as the sun said to him: "Become humble, strong and robust. What you see happening here to these wolves that become lambs, you will do it to my children. I will be your teacher. In time you will understand everything."

In time, Don Bosco came to understand. He was ordained a priest at 26, and later he founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales. This religious congregation is dedicated to the education of young orphans and needy young people.

But why is St. John Bosco the saint of the young? What teachings has he left us?

1. Trust in Our Lady

The lady of his dream was Mary. Like a mother guiding her children, Mary accompanied every step of Don Bosco's mission. His devotion to her is mirrored in these words: "In all danger, call upon Mary; I assure you that you will be heard".

Today let us remember to entrust the difficulties we experience to Mary and to ask for her protection.

2. Be a saint

John Bosco used to say that being a saint was easy and it was up to all people to live as a saint in their daily life.

Do you try to be a saint at home, at school, with friends, at work?

3. Understanding young people

John Bosco was not only concerned with evangelization, but sought to understand young people, what worried them and what made them happy.

Today in particular, we ask for the intercession of St. John Bosco so that WYD Lisbon 2023 may touch the lives of many young people and bring them to an encounter with God.

The preparation, the realization and the dynamism of every World Youth Day is entrusted to patrons, saints who have been canonized or for whom this process is underway, references to the youth community. The Local Organizing Committee has chosen 13 patrons for WYD Lisbon 2023, women, men and young people who, in the words of the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Manuel Clemente, "have shown that the life of Christ fills and saves the youth always". Discover all the Patrons of WYD Lisbon 2023 here.

Photo: WYD DON BOSCO 23