Black and white image originally published by Doltrina Cristiana in 1952
St. John Bosco
“Remember that education is a matter of the heart, of which the Lord is the master.”
St John Bosco (also known as Don Bosco) is well known for his loving approach in educating orphaned and poor young boys and teens in the 19th century. His “Preventative System” required the educator to first form a relationship with the students and then rely upon reason, religion, and loving kindness to educate them. Whether it was preparing his boys for a trade, college or the priesthood Don Bosco worked tirelessly giving all he had.
Prayer to St Don Bosco:
St Don Bosco pray for us as we journey through the adventure of homeschooling! Remind us that your gentle loving approach to education worked to improve the lives of many children and most importantly, it brought souls to God as those children learned of unconditional love through your example.
To learn more about this amazing saint, click here
Bl. Margherita Occhiena
“Our Blessed Lady will always be in charge.”
As mothers, we strive to give the best we can to our children. Bl Margaret was no different. As a widowed farmer’s wife with 3 small boys and a mother-in-law to care for, Bl Margaret rallied the boys and saved their farm. Though poor and illiterate, Margaret was known for her wisdom in the Catholic faith and did her best to impart her knowledge to her children. Her boys had very different temperaments which caused some strife. In fact, to keep the peace at home, she had to send her youngest (the future St John Bosco) away so that he could follow his calling to study and become a priest. When Bl Margaret was 58 she left her home and joined John in Turin where he was working as a priest. Together, Bl Margaret and St. John co-founded the Salesian Apostolate where poor and orphaned young boys were cared for and educated. Known as “Mama Margaret” or “Mama Bosco” she was as loved by the boys in her care as her son St John Bosco was. Bl Margaret died just as she wanted, poor and in the service of God. After receiving last rites, she was reported to have reminded the boys, “Our Blessed Lady will always be in charge.”
Prayer to Blessed Margaret:
Bl. Margaret, please remind us to look to your example of love that prepared a great saint for his vocation. Gently nudge us to remember that each of our children is uniquely special to God and that He has a plan for them. Mostly, Bl. Margaret, please remind us that, “Our Blessed Lady will always be in charge.”