Salesians mark Don Bosco bicentenary

February 6, 2015

Northern California Salesians including more than 800 students from Salesian high schools, middle schools and elementary schools from as far away as Watsonville celebrated the feast day of St. John Bosco on Jan. 31 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco.

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone and Auxiliary Bishop William J. Justice and 24 Salesian priests celebrated the Mass honoring the bicentenary of the Sardinian-born priest popularly known as Don Bosco. Salesians around the world are marking the anniversary in 2015 with celebrations culminating on the saint’s birthday Aug. 16.

Don Bosco (1815-1888) is the founder of the Salesian order and patron saint of youth. The Salesians are the third-largest men’s order and the largest women’s order (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians).