NovenasSt. John Bosco Novena
Novena to Don Bosco, Apostle of Youth
A nine-day novena to St. John Bosco, the Italian priest who dedicated his life to helping poor and abandoned youth. Founder of the Salesians, he is the patron saint of young people, students, and educators.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
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For Young People
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O glorious St. John Bosco, who in order to lead young people to the feet of the Divine Master and to mold them in the light of faith and Christian morality, did heroically sacrifice yourself to the very end of your life and set up a worldwide religious family,
obtain also for us from Our Lord a holy love for young people who are exposed to so many seductions in order that we may generously spend ourselves in supporting them against the snares of the devil, in keeping them safe from the dangers of the world, and in guiding them, pure and holy, to God.
Meditation
St. John Bosco had a dream at age nine in which he was shown his life's mission: to work with rough, unruly boys, transforming them through gentleness and love. He spent his whole life fulfilling this dream.
He said, 'It is not enough to love the young. They must know they are loved.' His method was not punishment but prevention through reason, religion, and loving-kindness.
Prayer
St. John Bosco, father and teacher of the young, pray for all young people. Help them to know they are loved by God and to find mentors who will guide them to heaven.
(Mention your intentions here)
Prayer to St. John Bosco
O glorious Saint John Bosco, for your love of young people and your concern for their salvation, we invoke you. You understood their needs and gave everything for them. Help us to love and serve young people as you did.
Intercede for all educators, parents, and youth workers that they may guide the young with wisdom, patience, and love. Obtain for young people the grace to resist temptation and to grow in virtue and holiness.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
St. John Bosco, pray for us. Amen.
About this novena
A nine-day novena to St. John Bosco, the Italian priest who dedicated his life to helping poor and abandoned youth. Founder of the Salesians, he is the patron saint of young people, students, and educators.
January 22-30 (Feast: January 31), or any time
Traditional start: January 31
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
