Colloquia Theologica Ottoniana

The article addresses the topic of religion and related morality in the process of shaping the attitudes of young people gathered around Saint John Bosco, the founder of the Salesian Order. The author analyzes the socio-economic and political context of the 19th century, noting that the transformations occurring on the international stage at that time also directly affected the environment in which priest from Castelnuovo lived and carried out his pastoral mission. Beginning his priesthood in Turin, John Bosco encountered the plight of young people who left their rural hometowns in search of a better life in the city. However, the rapid industrialization and replacement of human labor with machines quickly dashed their dreams of a brighter future. Many young people found themselves unemployed and homeless. This dire situation triggered a profound inner crisis, stripping them of hope and leading them to reject the values and norms they had learned in their family homes. The lack of moral principles frequently brought them into conflict with the law, ultimately resulting in the loss of their freedom. It was in such circumstances that Don Bosco encountered these young people, dedicating his entire life to serve abandoned boys, he created a home for them, where he lovingly guided them as a father. He demonstrated the value of a life grounded in trust in God. Over time, this model of life became increasingly embraced by the boys, who eventually fully identified with Saint John Bosco’s vision of life.