A Catholic School in the Salesian Tradition

The Salesians of Don Bosco, formally known the as Society of St Francis de Sales, came into being not as a merely human venture but by the initiative of God. Through the motherly intervention of Mary, the Holy Spirit raised up St John Bosco to contribute to the salvation of youth, “that part of human society which is so exposed and yet so rich in promise”. The Spirit formed within him the heart of a father and teacher, capable of total self-giving: “I have promised God that I would give of myself to my last breath for my poor boys”

Image Source   
St Francis De Sales (1567 – 1622) 

Image Source   
St John Bosco (1815-1888)
      

St John Bosco was a follower of the spirituality and philosophy of Saint Francis de Sales.

At the heart of the Salesian approach is a gentle strength that respects the dignity of each person, an approach pioneered by St Francis de Sales from whom the Salesians take their name. St John Bosco (founder of the Salesian Order) took that Salesian spirituality and used it to develop a healthy way of working with the young, developing teaching methods based on love rather than punishment, a method that became known as the Salesian Preventive System.

St John Bosco dedicated his works to St Francis when he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco. St Francis became noted for his deep faith and his gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land. He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation.

For Don Bosco, helping young people to grow was about providing experiences that engaged the heart. When a young person experiences loving kindness, hearts are opened, confidence grows and gifts blossom.

This holistic, heart-centred approach is based on a reasonable, respectful and reverent way of working with the young.

Blessed Catholics in our Salesian Tradition

Image source
St Maria Domenica Mazzarello
(1837-1881)

With the assistance of St Maria Domenica Mazzarello, St John Bosco founded the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, a religious congregation of nuns dedicated to the care and education of poor girls. The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have spread throughout the entire world in the service of young people, of the poor and suffering, with schools of every type and level, technical and professional institutes, hospitals, dispensaries, oratories and parishes.

Image Source
St Dominic Savio
(1842-1857)

St Dominic Savio is one of the few teenage saints in the history of the Church. He attended the school of St John Bosco, who personally guided Dominic’s human and Christian development. Dominic’s life is a great example for all members of the College community. He was a young man whose short life was dedicated to loving and serving God by actively fulfilling his responsibilities as a Christian, a friend and a student. His dedication to his studies, his loyalty as a friend, the generosity of his service to others and his love of God have inspired generations of young people throughout the world to love with an attitude of excellence and service. It was the purest example of doing the “ordinary things extraordinarily well’. Young Dominic Savio is the first fruit of the Preventive System.

Image Source
St Jane de Chantal
(1572-1641)

Jane Frances de Chantal, was a French Catholic noble widow and nun who founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. The religious order accepted women who were rejected by other orders because of poor health or age. After her husband passed her troubles opened her heart to her longing for God and she sought God in prayer and a deepening spiritual life. Her commitment to God impressed Saint Francis de Sales, the bishop who became her director and best friend. Their friendship started before they even met, for them saw each other in dreams, and continued in letters throughout their lives.