Salesians of Don Bosco at the United Nations

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History of the Salesians

Founded in Turin (Italy) on 18 December 1859, the Salesian Society now numbers almost 17,000 members who work for young people in over 130 countries.

"Young people
needed a school
and a job that
would guarantee
a more secure
future for them."

"They needed
to feel as if they
were really boys
free to run and
jump in open
green spaces,
instead of feeling
sad beside city
sidewalks."

The Story of Don Bosco

John Bosco was born on the 16th of August 1815, in Becchi, a hamlet belonging to the municipality of Castelnuovo d'Asti (today Castelnuovo Don Bosco). He came from a family of poor farmers. He lost his father, Francesco, at the age of two.

Don Bosco's "Preventive System"

"One may say that the peculiar trait of his brilliance is linked with the educational method which he himself called the "preventive system." In a certain sense this represents the heart of his wisdom as an educator and constitutes the prophetic message which he has left to his followers and to the Church...