There are many models
and styles of youth ministry. The Salesian model is based on the experience
of St. John Bosco, widely known as Don Bosco (in Italy priests are addressed
with the title of "Don" rather than "Father"). While
the Salesians have over the years developed theoretical construct for
Salesian youth ministry, it is based on Don Bosco's nearly fifty years
of experience of youth ministry.
If you don't know anything about Don Bosco you might want to read a
short biography of this dynamic "Apostle of Youth."
(Click here for a biography of Don Bosco)
Since childhood John had gathered the children from the village and
taught them "catechism" by repeating for them the Sunday sermon
he had heard in the Church. In order to keep their attention he would
perform feats of acrobatics and magic, which he had taught himself watching
the performers in the weekly trips to the market with his mother to
sell produce. He continued to gather young people all through his school
years even in the seminary years. This photograph of a sculpture shows
Johnny Bosco walking a tight rope to the delight of his young audience.
Don Bosco was ordained to the priesthood in 1841 and began his ministry
in Turin, Italy. He was not a trained educator, but
was prepared for a general pastoral ministry.
Soon street kids found Don Bosco and he began to gather them on Sundays
for games, catechism lessons, Mass and food. These youngsters were
child workers. Many were homeless. These gatherings became very popular,
but because Don Bosco had no place to gather them he would look for
vacant lots each Sunday. He called the gatherings "The Oratory."
Eventually he had to purchase some property to give his Oratory a
permanent home. The Oratory of St. Francis of Sales became the center
of a worldwide ministry. Don Bosco founded a religious community of
Brothers and Priests the Society of St. Francis de Sales (after his
death to become known as the Salesians of Don Bosco) and later with
St. Mary Mazzarello a community of women, the Daughters of Mary Help
of Christians.
(Click here for a biography of Mary Mazzarello)
THE ORATORY MODEL:
The Oratory is a place, an attitude and a method. The Salesian approach
to youth ministry is first and foremost a way to Jesus. It is a home
where young people can feel welcome, safe and peaceful. It is a school
where life skills are learned. It is a church, a place of prayer
and spiritual development. It is a playground where fun and
joy celebrate life.
(Click here for more)
THE
PREVENTIVE SYSTEM:
Don Bosco developed his approach to education and ministry through
experience. He used three dynamics in ministry: reason, religion
and loving-kindness. By reason he understood that each
person has an innate dignity, which must be respected. He believed
that religion plays a paramount importance in life and in education.
His whole approach to ministry was to be done with loving-kindness.
The minister was a partner in the process and accompanies the young
person through ministry and education.
(Click here for more)
