Don Bosco World Wide

When Don Bosco was a young man, Italy was undergoing great political, religious and social turmoil. It was the time of the Industrial Revolution. Child labour and exploitation of the young was common practice. Don Bosco wanted to establish the Salesians of Don Bosco, a group of Priests, Brothers, Sisters and Lay People who wished to devote their lives to the care and education of young people at risk.

The Salesians of Don Bosco grew fast. Don Bosco opened more high schools, trade schools and youth centres throughout Italy. France soon appealed for his Salesians, then Spain, Germany, Poland, England. In 1875 Don Bosco’s work spread to Argentina, and from there to the whole of South America.

Today the Salesians of Don Bosco work in over 108 countries, especially in developing countries where trade skills and trade schools are in great demand. Together with Mary Mazzarello, Don Bosco established the Salesian Sisters, whose works for young people also flourish in most countries of the world.

For more information about the Salesians around the world visit sdb.org.