ST. JOHN MELCHIOR BOSCO
   August 15, 1815 - January 31, 1888

Born in Castlenuovo d'Asti, John was educated in the faith and in living according to the Gospel message by his mother. He was just nine years old when he had a dream, which called him to dedicate himself to the education of young people. While still a boy he began to entertain his peers with games alternated with work, prayer and religious education. On becoming a priest (1841) he chose as his life's programme: Da mihi animas cetera tolle ("Give me souls, take all the rest" Gen. 14: 21). He began his apostolate among poor young people with the founding of the Oratory, which he placed under the patronage of St. Francis of Sales. By means of his educational style and pastoral practice, based on reason, religion and loving kindness (the Preventive System) he led young people to reflect, to encounter Christ and their brothers and sisters, to study their faith and to be involved in apostolic, civil and professional commitment. St. Dominic Savio stands out among the most outstanding fruits of his work.

ST. MARY DOMENICA MAZZARELLO
   May 9, 1837 - May 14, 1881

Mary Domenica was born in Mornese (Alessandria). At home she was helped to develop a solid piety, untiring work and that outstanding common sense and depth of judgement that she would show in later life as Congregational Leader. At fifteen, she joined the Association of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate and began her apostolate among the young people of her village. A serious attack of typhoid, at the age of 23, had a profound spiritual effect on her. The experience of her own physical fragility, on the one hand, deepened her abandonment to God and, on the other, encouraged her to open a sewing school to educate the girls in work, prayer and love of God.

As Congregational Leader, she proved a capable formator and teacher of spiritual life. She was cheerful and serene, and spread peace wherever she went. At her death, she left her Daughters an educational tradition, permeated by Gospel values: the search for God, whom we come to know through enlightened catechesis and ardent love, responsibility in work, sincerity and humility, austerity of life and joyful self-giving.

sdb.org