St John Bosco Catholic Church

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John Melchior Bosco was born in Italy on August 16th 1815. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1841 and went to work in Turin, where the industrial revolution was attracting waves of young people to the city. The misery and abandonment of these youngsters moved John Bosco deeply. He founded the Salesian order to teach poor youth in schools and trades. He also founded Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to work with young women. He died in 1888, and was canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI. He was declared Patron of Youth in 1936.

The educational philosophy of John Bosco can be condensed in three words: reason, religion, and kindness. The basic principle of his system was a deep understanding and love for young people and their problems.

(Image of the Kenilworth Church reproduced
from a watercolour by Sandra Treagus)