<p>John was born in Piedmont, Italy, in 1815. He studied for the priesthood and was ordained in Turin. After visiting a prison while still a young priest and seeing the fate of children imprisoned there, he resolved to devote himself to working among disadvantaged boys. He formed the Salesian Society, named after Francis de Sales (see January 24), and began educating boys of the poor and working classes. He held classes in the evenings, in factories, in fields - wherever there was a need. John believed in equipping boys for life in the world and trade schools soon formed a large part of Salesian training. He abhorred all punishment: his rule was, "Not with blows, but with charity and gentleness must you draw these friends to the path of virtue." With the help of Saint Mary Mazzarello, he also established the Salesian Sisters (Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians) to do similar work among girls. John worked from the universal principle that if we desire to influence anyone, <em>we</em> must reach out to them. He was canonized in 1934.<br /><em><br />©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</em></p>
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