Franciscan footprints - Saint John Bosco

St John Bosco was born in a Piedmontese village in 1815. When he was 2 years old he lost his father who worked as a peasant farmer, and was brought up by his mother, Margaret who was also a Franciscan tertiary. Through her example and influence John also joined the Third Order of St. Francis.

As a youngster, John knew that it was his vocation to help poor boys; and he began to teach catechism to the boys of his own village and bring them to church.

At 16 he entered the seminary at Chieri. After he was ordained a deacon he passed on to the seminary in Turin; and there, with the support of his superiors, he began to gather together on Sundays the poor boys and girls of the city for instruction