Catholic Crafting: Wreath for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of GOd
St. John Bosco, A Powerful Intercessor
Today, the last day of January, is the Feast of St. John Bosco. We remember this saint for his outreach to children during his life, and we continue to see the impact his life had in the world through the ongoing good works of the order he founded, the Society of St. Francis de Sales, commonly referred to as the Salesians.
Along with his emphasis on education and character formation, St. John Bosco constantly exhorted the children in his care to avoid idleness and laziness, believing it was the gate through which many vices entered. He saw the uniqueness in each child; their own inherent dignity. In all of his teaching and preaching, he counseled the children and their families, if they had any, to seek holiness.
St. John Bosco is the patron saint of apprentices, editors, publishers, schoolchildren and juvenile delinquents. In addition, his intercession is called upon for peace in the home, especially so that children are not forced to leave and wander the streets. He is also a great help in overcoming the tendency to acedia, that vice that drives a person towards despair and depression, on the one hand, or being a workaholic, frantically filling their lives with never ending activity, on the other. If anyone struggles with temptations involving crime he is also a powerful friend, having dealt so much with those issues with the hundreds of boys he raised. He is remembered for his efforts to guide each child into a productive, healthy life of dignity and respect.
As we recall the life and good works of this holy man, let’s pray with the Church from the Collect from the Mass for the Memorial of St. John Bosco:
O God, who raised up the priest, John Bosco as a father and teacher of the young, grant, we pray, that aflame with the same fire of love, we may seek out souls and serve you alone. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
About the Author
A life-long Catholic, Sarah has worked in Family Faith Formation for the past 15 years, helping parents, grandparents, godparents and children of all ages learn about and live their Catholic faith. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Dallas, then went on to complete a Master's in Language and Literature at St. Mary's University and years later, while living on a farm in rural Indiana with kids, dogs, chickens and ducks, she earned a Master's degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Stuebenville.
She especially loves using stories, particularly the stories of C.S.Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and the Inklings, as well as symbols and physical "stuff" to catechize. Having spent close to ten years as an employee at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, she often uses their collectible ornaments as doorways to connecting with Catholicism. She blogs, occasionally, at www.thestrawberryvine.com, in between working and taking care of her husband and 5 children. Living in central Texas, she loves bluebonnets, the Texas Hill Country, family and her two pit bull rescues, Rocco and Luna. Her latest project is working on a Doctorate degree in Romantic Theology.
