Book Reviews and More: Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young - Emily Beata Marsh

Saturday, 20 May 2017

Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young - Emily Beata Marsh - Encounter the Saints Series

Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young
Encounter the Saints Series
Emily Beata Marsh FSP
Wayne Alfano (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819890450
eISBN 9780819890467
ASIN B017S0ZN3S

This is the third book in the Encounter the Saints series that I have read and it will not be the last. This is an amazing series. And even though this series was written for children, geared to the pre-teen and teen market, these are such good reads I really believe there are for all ages! Dom Bosco lived from August 16th 1815 to 31 January 1888. He was beatified on June 2nd 1929 and then canonized on April 1st 1934. His feast day is January 31st. And he is known as the patron saint of schoolchildren, young people, magicians, juvenile delinquents, editors, publishers, and apprentices. But this book is about his life, and oh what a life it was.

I think there are few saints that can claim in their job history shepherd, acrobat, farm hand and more. John was called to serve God, and God provided the way. It was unusual for farmers to become priests at this time. But John worked and studied. When conflict with his brother caused him to leave home at 12 and work as a farm hand elsewhere so he could save money for school.

“John needed to go to school if he wanted to become a priest one day. But the Boscos were too poor to pay for school.“Pray, John,” Mama Margaret told him.“If God wants it, then it will happen.”And God did make it happen!”

Throughout his life John often relied on God providing what was needed when it was needed.

“Don’t worry, Mama,” he said. “If you had money, you would give me some, right?”“Of course,” she replied.“Well, God is even more generous than you are,” he said smiling, “and he will provide the money we need.”God did provide. That week, two people came to Don Bosco with donations of money that added up to 1,000 livres. On February 19, 1851, Don Bosco became the owner of the Pinardi House, and he officially named it the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales.

John also had a lifelong closeness to his mother. And she was active in his ministry until she passed away. He followed her example.

“Johnny watched all of this from his place on the floor by the fireplace. From his mother’s good example he was learning how to be generous and to love his neighbor. But there was much more learning to do.”

This is the story of a man who had dreams and followed God and the dreams that God placed on his heart. And that heart was for serving young men and serving the community. In founding the Salesians he founded a movement that is still serving in the world today. This man’s simple faith and hard work serve as an example for all of us. But especially for the youth of today. This was a wonderful read!

I can highly recommend this book and the whole series. I challenge you to read this and see the impact it will have on your faith and life, and I look forward to my next Encounter with the Saints in this amazing series of books.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by and about Saint John Bosco:

Saint John Bosco - F.A. Forbes

John Bosco - Jennifer Moorcroft - CTS Great Saints Series

Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young by Emily Beata Marsh - Encounter the Saints

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