Abstract

The author briefly presents four directions of St. John Bosco’s work: (1) care of neglected youth by setting up workshops, vocational schools and grammar schools that madę possible a Christian education through catechesis and suitable entertainment; (2) construction of chapels and churches, including the Turin sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians; (3) apostolate of the pen: Don Bosco himself wrote about 100 works, edited many others and started publication series aiming at defending the Church and the Catholic faith and teaching Christian morał principles; (4) organization of Catholic missions, which owe very much to St. John Bosco, who sent eight groups of missionaries to South America. St. John Bosco was a „giant of activity”, recognizing without fail the needs of his time
and the will of God. He-infused his works with life and gave them a truły modem momentum. He was a hero of work and the most active man of his time. He founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales, commoniy known as the Salesians, whose members supported his initiatives and continue his work. He was a man of deep faith and at the basis of his activities was a genuinely great sanctity.