St. John Bosco

Saint Don Bosco, born Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco, and known in English as John Bosco (August 16,1815 - January 31, 1888) was an Italian priest and educator. He put into practice the dogma of his religion, employing teaching methods based on love rather than punishment. He placed his works under the protection of Francis de Sales; thus his followers styled themselves the Salesian Society. He is the only Saint with the title "Father and Teacher of Youth."

In recognition of his work with disadvantaged youth he was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1934. One of his students, Dominic Savio, was subsequently also canonized, becoming the youngest non-martyr to be named a saint.

John Bosco is a patron of editors and young people. His Feast Day is January 31.