Worked as a tailor, baker, shoemaker, and carpenter while
attending college and the seminary. Ordained in 1841. Teacher.
Worked with youth, finding places where they could meet, play and
pray, teaching catechism to orphans and apprentices. Chaplain in a
hospice for girls. Wrote short treatises aimed at explaining the
faith to children, and then taught children how to print them.
Founded the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in 1859, priests who work
with and educate boys, under the protection of Our Lady, Help of
Chistians, and Saint Francis de Sales. Founded the Daughters of
Mary, Help of Christians in 1872, and Union of Cooperator
Salesians in 1875.
His Vision
"In the midst of this endless sea, two solid columns, a
short distance apart, soar high into the sky. One is surmounted by
a statue of the Immaculate Virgin, at whose feet a large
inscription reads Auxilium Christianorum - 'Help of
Christians'. The other, far loftier and sturdier, supports a
Host of Proportionate size, and bears beneath it the inscription Salus
credentium - 'Salvation of believers'. The flagship commander
the Roman Pontiff standing at the helm, strains every muscle to
steer his ship between the two columns, from whose summit hang
many anchors, and strong hooks linked to chains. The entire enemy
fleet closes in, to intercept and sink the flagship at all costs.
They bombard it with everything they have: books and pamphlets,
incendiary bombs, firearms, cannons. The battle rages ever more
furious. Beaked prows ram the flagship again and again, but to no
avail, as, unscathed and undaunted, it keeps on its course. At
times a formidable ram splinters a gaping hole into its hull, but,
immediately, a breeze from the two columns instantly seals the
gash.
Meanwhile, enemy cannons blow up, firearms and beaks
fall to pieces, ships crack up and sink to the bottom. In a blind
fury, the enemy takes to hand to hand combat, cursing and
blaspheming. Suddenly the Pope falls, seriously wounded. He is
instantly helped up, but, struck a second time, dies. A shout of
victory rises from the enemy, and wild rejoicing sweeps their
ships. But no sooner is the Pope dead, than another takes his
place. The captains of the auxiliary ships elected him so quickly,
that the news of the Pope's death coincides with that of his
successor's election. The enemy's self assurance wanes.
Breaking through all resistance, the new Pope steers his
ships safely between the two coiumns, first, to the one surmounted
by the Host, and then to the other, topped by the statue of the
Virgin. At this point, something unexpected happens. The enemy
ships panic and disperse, colliding with and scuttling each other.
Some auxiliary ships, which had gallantly fought alongside
their flagship, are the first to tie up at the two columns. Many
others, which had fearfully kept far away from the fight, stand
still, cautiously waiting until the wrecked enemy ships vanish
under the waves. Then they, too, head for the two columns, tie up
at the swinging hooks, and ride safe and tranquil beside their
flagship. A great calm now covers the sea."
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