This volume, originally intended for Salesian confreres, offers a detailed biography of Don Bosco, based on direct testimonies and extensive research. It portrays Don Bosco’s life as a priest, educator, and founder, highlighting his virtues, love for the Church, and commitment to the salvation of youth. The narrative is enriched with significant episodes drawn from personal conversations with Don Bosco and numerous testimonies from those who knew him. While not yet complete due to the ongoing canonization process, this work serves as a valuable resource for understanding Don Bosco’s life and legacy.
INDEX
- Dedication
- Editor’s preface
- Author’s preface
- Historical Background
- Margaret Occhiena
- Francis Bosco
- The Wisdom of a Christian Mother
- Early Religious Training
- Mamma Margaret and Her Children
- Farm Guidance
- Grandmother Bosco
- A Mother’s Ways
- Childhood Episodes
- Early Signs of Virtue
- First Schooling
- Young Acrobat
- Boyhood Adventures
- The First Dream
- Humble, Steadfast and Strong
- First Festive Oratory
- Mamma Margaret’s Helping Hand
- Mamma Margaret’s Zeal for Souls
- First Communion
- Providential Teacher
- Forced to Leave Home
- His Return
- Father Joseph Calosso
- School at Castelnuovo
- Incidents at School
- Summer Vacation
- School at Chieri
- Among His Schoolmates
- Serving God with Joy
- Two Important Events
- Pattern for Youth
- A Mother’s Selflessness
- Uncertainty and Advice
- Talents to the Foreù
- Spiritual Conquest
- Father Anthony Cinzano
- Louis Comollo
- Quicker than the Eye
- Eventful Visits
- Time of Decision
- Reception of the Clerical Habit
- Life in the Seminary
- Kindness to Companions
- Student and Teacher
- Esteemed and Respected
- Seminarian on Vacation
- A Sermon, A Visit, a Dinner
- A Born Storyteller
- A Student of Theology
- Death of a Friend
- A Solemn Promise Fulfilled
- Closer to the Goal
- A Long Hike
- Unintentional Self-Portrait
- A Priest Forever
Reference time period: 1815 – 1840
G. B. Lemoyne, “The biographical memoirs of Saint John Bosco Vol. 1“, Salesiana Publisher, INC., New York 1965.