In 1845 Don Bosco, founder of the Salesians, opened a school for boys in Turin, Italy. He opened several more schools and in 1857 drew up a set of rules for his helpers; it was called the Rule of the Society of St Francis de Sales. St Francis de Sales was chosen because he was known for his kind and gentle manner which Don Bosco wanted his Salesians to acquire.

Don Bosco's mission was to be a friend to children who were poor, abandoned, at risk, and in so doing, to be a friend to Christ. That work is continued today with the Salesians operating in 128 countries, and with 16,000 priests and Brothers, 2,711 houses. They share their vocation with Salesians Sisters, cooperators and volunteers as well as past pupils. It is the 2nd largest Catholic religious order in the world.

Typical of Don Bosco's approach to education is this short extract from his Rule:

"Speak kindly. When a pupil is convinced that his superiors have high hopes for him, he is drawn back again to the practice of virtue. A kind word does more to encourage a child than a severe reprimand which only serves to dampen youthful enthusiasm."

For more information:

Salesians in USA (Eastern Province)

Salesians in the UK

Salesians (Rome)

<< the vocation story of Cardinal Bertone SDB

(John, the writer, is a pupil at a Salesian School in the UK)

You may also care to visit the Sean Devereux Children's Fund. Sean was a Salesian pupil who then went on to work for UNICEF and was assassinated in Somalia in 1993 while coming to the aid of children. He was just 28. The Fund provides aid to children in Africa.