ANOTHER APOSTLE

Memorial of St. John Bosco, Priest
Mt 18:1-5

St. Paul is called “The Apostle to the Gentiles”. St. Faustina Kowalska is the “Apostle of the Divine Mercy”. St. John Bosco, whose blessed memory we celebrate today is known as “The Apostle to the Youth”.

Born in 1815, John Bosco devoted his life in ministering to the young people of his time, most especially the delinquents. He believed that delinquents should not be punished but reformed by giving them good Catholic education. He sought to teach them a trade so that they could become productive and responsible members of society. This he did as he appealed to self-respect that every human being values. He had no formal system of education but centered on persuasion, genuine religiosity, and love for young people. Eventually, he gathered men who shared his vision and founded a religious order called the “Salesians of Don Bosco”. Later on, he co-founded with St. Mary Mazzarello a religious order for women, the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. Having led a holy life spent in the service of the Church, John Bosco passed away in 1888 at Turin, Italy.

Jesus says in the Gospel today that whoever welcomes a little child in His name welcomes Him. John Bosco did not only welcome the young; he served them. He served Jesus. There lies his greatness even today. He was an “Apostle to the Youth”. We need more apostles like him today.