1 Don Bosco as a writer of his times

2 The socio-religious context Demographic growth:  Social and geographical mobility (regional, continental and worldwide).  Consequent pastoral and social problems.  The emergence and social redemption of the working classes Religion and society:  Efforts towards Christian renewal (pastoral and social action).  Evolution of liberal thinking in Piedmont and in Italy from 1821 to  A new model of state and church, citizen and Christian.

3 Pastoral concerns and educational opportunities Dynamic model of a priest: spirituality, zeal and practical creativity. From a territorial ministry to a ministry based on categories (different sensitivities and approaches). «It is not sufficient to provide instruction, we need to educate». A spirituality for the emerging working class and for the young: a holiness which is easy for everyone, but is not less demanding.

4 Don Bosco: from country to city priest The role of the Pastoral Institute in his pastoral formation. His experience of catechism classes for youngsters who were «wandering through the city streets and squares». The importance of his collaboration with the Marchioness Barolo and Fr. Borel. From the “Catechism class” to the Oratory of St. Francis De Sales: from an occasional initiative to a structured and well articulated proposal. Don Bosco and his helpers: from personal charism to the creation of an educative-pastoral community.

5 Don Bosco journalist and publisher A growing demand from the ordinary people: education and reading; popular and devout journalism. D. Bosco: great capacity for coordination between pastoral action and other activities, especially his involvement as a writer and publisher. As a writer, publisher and propagandist he was untiring (he was convinced that this was part of his vocation as an educator). His desire to be understood even by the unschooled (readings on winter evenings ).

6 Types of Don Bosco’s writings Ùschool texts > to teach and to present moral lessons; Ùenjoyable writings and plays > to educate and to entertain; Ùhagiographic writings > to show the Catholic Church as the only Ark of salvation and source of holiness; Ùbiographical writings and stories with historical basis > to offer models of virtue; Ùshorter works on religion and prayer > to enlighten the faith and to propose a style of life; Ùwritings dealing with the Oratory and Salesian work > to inform, to explain, to obtain favors, to involve, to promote.