Saint John Bosco: The Saint Who Gave Boys a Home | Catholic Story for Kids
Updated: 8 hours ago
Discover the inspiring story of Saint John Bosco—Don Bosco—the Catholic priest who gave poor and abandoned boys a home and taught them through patience, joy, gentleness, and love. As a child in northern Italy, John had a mysterious dream: he would help difficult boys not through anger or force, but through kindness and love. Years later in Turin, Don Bosco welcomed boys who were poor, hungry, overworked, or in trouble. Through prayer, education, games, friendship, and the Oratory at Valdocco, he showed them that they mattered and that God loved them. This animated Catholic story for children and families follows John Bosco from his childhood performances to the founding of the Salesians and a worldwide mission of caring for young people. “The boys must not only be loved, but they must know that they are loved.” May Saint John Bosco help us teach with patience, correct with kindness, make room for joy, and recognize something worth loving in every person.
After watching, families and catechists can talk about one moment that stood out, what it shows about following Jesus, and one small way to put that lesson into practice this week. Watch the 20-second preview in the player below; full viewing is available through the player’s paid access options.
Free YouTube release on: January 18, 2027
Lesson plan and printable activities
Use this video at home, in your homeschool, or in parish faith formation. These materials are designed for children approximately ages 7–11, with suggestions for adapting the lesson by readiness. Choose Draw & Tell or Read & Write to suit your child.
Download the complete packet or choose individual pages below. Printable PDFs • US Letter • Black and white.
Complete lesson packet — 4 pages
Leader guide — 2 pages
Draw & Tell handout — 1 page; drawing and oral responses
Read & Write handout — 1 page; written responses
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