Don Bosco was born in a tiny little village called Becchi in northern Italy, on August 16, 1815. From an early age, he was drawn toward helping poor children. At the age of 9 he had a dream in which it was revealed to him that his life’s mission would be to help poor and disadvantaged youngsters. In 1835 he entered the seminary and supported himself by working as a tailor, blacksmith, shoemaker, carpenter, violinist, acrobat, and magician. All these talents came in handy during his lifetime of working with youngsters. He was ordained a priest on June 5, 1841, and settled down in the city of Turin. On December 8, 1841, he met an orphan Bartolomew Garelli, who became his first pupil. From that day Don Bosco’s work grew rapidly and he set up several homes and schools for poor and disadvantaged boys in Italy as well as in other parts of the world. Don Bosco died on January 31, 1888, and was canonized in 1934 as the Apostle of Youth.

Salesians of Don Bosco

A special concern for the welfare of young people.

A deep trust in God and in his loving care for all people.

Salesians of Don Bosco India

Salesian Province of St. Francis Xavier Bombay (INB)

The Salesians began their apostolate in the city of Bombay in 1928 and from there it spread to other places in Maharashtra, Goa, and eventually all over western India. Their ministry in this region was blessed with rapid growth thanks largely to the phenomenal work done by Fr. Aurelius Maschio.

The Salesian Province of Bombay was officially established on January 31, 1972. It comprises the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in western and central India. There are presently 210 Salesians working in 33 institutions spread out over these four states. These institutions offer a variety of services to poor and disadvantaged youth.