Pilgrimage with Pope Francis - FIFTH STATION - St. John Bosco, patron of troubled youth, publishers and performers

Welcome to the fifth station on our virtual pilgrimage to Philadelphia with Pope Francis ahead of the World Meeting of Families. Let us pray!

About St. John Bosco

St. John Bosco was an Italian saint who it is believed by many, received dreams from God, revealing God's will for his life. St. John Bosco was called by God to a special ministry dedicated to helping young boys who were in need of guidance.

The 19th century was a time of industrialization in Italy and this resulted in many parents being compelled to work while their children spent long days without much to do. Many children joined gangs and ran the streets, causing trouble for many people. John Bosco himself was born into poverty and was taught only through the kindness of his parish priest.

He became a priest despite resistance from his family, stemming from their background as farmers. In his free time, Bosco learned juggling, acrobatics and magic tricks. These skills would be used to connect with the children he'd work with later.  

Blessed with a dream in which he came to lead these boys though acts of mercy and kindness, Bosco took up his cross and began working with the poor, especially the youth. His dreams were an important part of his motivation, and he reported them from the age of nine.

He often discussed these especially vivid dreams with others which caused some people to think he was mad. The Pope however, heard about his dreams and encouraged him to write them down and to take them very seriously.

His work led him to establish ministries attending to the poor and children. These ministries made him a target for anti-religious government supporters as the Church was seen as a subversive influence for a period of time. Bosco was often questioned by police and several attempts were made on his life. Despite the trouble he faced, his ministries flourished and continued long after his passing. Thousands of children were saved from the grip of poverty due to the efforts of St. John Bosco.

Among his patronages, St. John Bosco is the saint of editors, schoolchildren, magicians, and troubled youth.

Meditation:

As we pause at the shrine of St. John Bosco, let us consider the children around us, especially those who are troubled or facing hardships. Even the most ill-behaved children can be saved and can become great. Often we see the problem and not the child. How can we improve our spiritual vision to always see the child through the trouble? In what ways can we win over the most rebellious children through mercy and kindness?

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Prayer:

St. John Bosco, I pray for your intercession. Give me the ability to see the child in every youth, to see the goodness where we often see only trouble. Let the children draw near to my warmth, given by my mercy and kindness. May my acts of compassion heal their hurts and open their hearts so they may be saved from lives of hardship.

Pause and meditate upon this prayer.

God and Father of us all,
in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,
you have made us
your sons and daughters
 in the family of the Church.
May your grace and love
help our families
in every part of the world
be united to one another
in fidelity to the Gospel.
May the example of the Holy Family,
with the aid of your Holy Spirit,
guide all families, especially those most troubled,
to be homes of communion and prayer
and to always seek your truth and live in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us.

Let us pause and meditate upon this prayer.

Finally, let us offer our intentions to St. John Bosco.

(List your intentions)

St. John Bosco, hear our prayer!

Amen.

Now we invite you to resume your pilgrimage and download the World Meeting of Families prayer. Click the button below to get your free copy.