Note Card - Sts. Francis de Sales and John Bosco by M. McGrath

The Salesians are a family of men and women founded by a Catholic priest, Fr. John Bosco. He began his work in Turin, Italy, in the mid-1800s by gathering poor boys and young men that had no place to live and little education. He established a place called an oratory where these young people could gather and call their home.

From among the young men at the oratory, he founded a religious congregation, the Salesian Society, which consisted of priests and brothers. It was named after St. Francis de Sales who was known for his kindness and simple spirituality.