St. John Bosco, commonly known as Don Bosco, was born on 16th August, 1815 at Becchi, a village near Turin, Italy. At the age of two, his father died. John who was to become the father of orphans, became an orphan himself at such a tender age.
Through heroic sacrifices and by dint of hard work he became a priest in 1841. As a priest, he dedicated himself to the service of youth, especially the poor and marginalized, by offering them food, lodging and education.
Through the help of generous persons he opened formal and non-formal schools, technical schools, hostels and other institutions. Soon he founded a society of collaborators and extended his work to all Europe and later to other continents.
