The Salesians of
Don Bosco
A Man with a dream
Don Bosco was born as Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco in Becchi, Italy, on August 16, 1815. He grew up in a poor family and faced many obstacles to pursue his vocation, including opposition from his family and poverty. However, he remained steadfast in his desire to become a priest.
At the age of nine, Don Bosco had a dream that left a deep impression on him. He found himself in a large yard where a group of rowdy children were playing games and cursing. He intervened by using his words and fists to calm them down, but a dignified Man appeared, calling him by name and instructing him to lead these children with gentleness and loving-kindness. The man added that Don Bosco needed to teach the children about the ugliness of sin and the value of virtue. When Don Bosco asked the man who he was, the man told him to ask His mother. Then, a beautiful lady appeared instructing Don Bosco to make himself humble, strong, and robust, and to do for her children what he saw happening to the animals in the dream.
“I looked round again, and where before I had seen wild animals, I now saw gentle lambs. They were all jumping and bleating as if to welcome that Man and Lady.”
Don Bosco was confused and cried, but the lady told him that he would understand everything in good time.
A dream come true
The dream left a deep impression on Don Bosco and became a guiding vision for his life's work. After his ordination in 1841, he began his ministry among young people in Turin, Italy. Don Bosco soon realized that many of the young people he encountered were at risk of falling into lives of poverty and crime. He felt called to help them by providing them with education, job skills, and spiritual guidance.
Valdocco is a significant place in the history of the Salesian Congregation. It was here that St. John Bosco established his first Oratory, a place where he could gather young people who were in need of guidance and support. Over time, the Oratory grew, and eventually, Valdocco became the home of the Salesian Congregation. In 1859, he founded the Salesian Society, a religious order dedicated to this mission.
The Salesians established schools, youth centres, and vocational training programs throughout Italy and eventually in other parts of the world. Don Bosco's approach to education and youth ministry emphasized reason, faith, and loving kindness – a pedagogical approach termed ‘The Preventive System’. He died on January 31, 1888, at the age of 72 and was declared a saint by the Catholic Church on Easter Sunday 1934. The Salesian Society continues to carry on his mission by working with young people in over 130 countries around the world.
"Who knows?" I thought to myself, "if these youngsters had a friend outside who would take care of them, help them, teach them ... who knows?”
Saint John Bosco
The Salesians in Malta
The Salesian presence in Malta dates back to the early 20th century when the first Salesian missionaries arrived on the island. Since then, the Salesians have established a strong presence in Malta, serving the young through various educational, pastoral, and social initiatives.
The Salesian presence in Malta is not limited to Dingli. In fact, there are Salesian communities and pastoral works in other areas of the country as well, including Sliema and Senglea. In addition, the Salesians run two schools in Malta: Savio College in Dingli and St. Patrick's Salesian School in Sliema. Both schools aim to provide quality education in a caring and supportive environment, and they are known for their strong academic programs as well as their emphasis on character development and values education.
The Salesian Savio College community in Dingli, Malta is a vibrant and dynamic educational institution that provides a holistic formation to young people. It is home to a dedicated team of Salesian priests, brothers, and lay collaborators who work tirelessly to ensure the spiritual, intellectual, and social growth of the students.
The Salesian ethos of kindness, respect, and family spirit permeates every aspect of life in Savio College. The community offers a rich program of spiritual and pastoral activities, including daily Mass, retreats, pilgrimages, and outreach to the local community. The Salesians are also actively involved in the educational aspect of the college, offering a high-quality academic program that prepares students for the challenges of the future.
The Savio College community is not just a school, but a home away from home for many students. It is a place where students are welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow into well-rounded individuals who will make a positive difference in the world.
The Salesians in Malta are committed to continuing the legacy of St. John Bosco, and their pastoral work focuses on helping young people to grow into responsible and caring adults who can make a positive contribution to society. They are also active in promoting vocations to the Salesian way of life, and they offer formation programs and support for those who feel called to join the Salesian congregation.
"We walk side by side with the young so as to lead them to the Risen Lord, and so discover in him and in his Gospel the deepest meaning of their own existence, and thus grow into new men”
Salesian Constitutions, 34