The Search for Meaning- John Bosco

Question 1

S1: Religion by nature seeks to…

Answer 1

contribute to the development and transformation of people and the world they live in

Question 2

S2: Many people search for

Answer 2

and find meaning in life in many different ways, including religion as it offers purpose and a way of life.

Question 3

S3: How a person interacts

Answer 3

with religion is shaped by their context of their life, both social and personal.

Question 4

What are examples of factors that influences a persons interaction with religion

Answer 4

• family
• people
• events
• place of religion in society
• social conditions

Question 5

When was John Bosco born and when did he die

Answer 5

1815- 1888

Question 6

What broad two categories made JB significant

Answer 6

• Founded Salesian Order of Priests, Brothers and Nuns

- Established new evolutionary form of education called ‘Preventive System’

Question 7

When was the Salesian order established

Answer 7

1859

Question 8

What was the Preventative system an alterative to and what did it promote

Answer 8

• Victorian traditional authoritarian system

- catholic values such as love, kindness, gentleness

Question 9

what are the three broad categories that influenced JB context

Answer 9

Personal social and role religion played

Question 10

What were three aspects of JB personal life

Answer 10

• Family: religious, absent father, youngest of poor farmers in Northern Italy
• Education: Unable to attend school (poverty)
• Dream= influenced

Question 11

What were four aspects of JB social life

Answer 11

• northern monoculture italy
• industrial revolution
• french revolution
• education

Question 12

What were two aspects of JB role religion played

Answer 12

• Italy= Catholic Country and Church held great influence and importance
• Family religious

Question 13

Descibre northern italy in early nineteenth century

Answer 13

• Northern Italy: Catholic country, monoculture
  o Particular in rural areas (where John grew up)
  o Clergy held in high regard
  o Rapid population growth in rural areas= family life important

Question 14

What was effects of the french revolution

Answer 14

poverty, famish, hardship

Question 15

What was effects of the industrial revolution revolution

Answer 15

• Urbanisation, inequity, urban poor

o Mass immigration to cities > disruption to social structure and exploitation of young people/ workers

Question 16

did people in italy have access to education

Answer 16

illiteracy widespread, education poor

Question 17

Who were 5 people who had significant influence on JB

Answer 17

• Father and brother
• mother
• priests
• Fr John Colosso and later Joseph Cafasso
• St Francis de Sales

Question 18

what impact did JB brother and father have on JB

Answer 18

• Absent father + abusive brother

o Need for male role models (found in priests)
o Endeavored to become father figure for young men

Question 19

what impact did JB mother have on JB

Answer 19

o Had profound faith and appreciation of the witness of poverty
o Influenced John’s faith development and life of self-sacrifice (values of Church)
o Strong maternal relationship reflected in John’s Marian devotion

Question 20

what impact did JB priests on JB

Answer 20

o Saw lack of kindness

o Vowed to be welcoming and friendly

Question 21

what impact did Fr John Colosso and later Joseph Cafasso on JB

Answer 21

o Friendly and generous

o Mentors and supported vocation of priesthood

Question 22

what impact did St Francis de Sales on JB

Answer 22

o Famous for gentleness, compassion, patience

o Made John model own life on Francis’ life and work, named order after him

Question 23

What were the four broad areas that were significant experiences for JB

Answer 23

• Culture at time
• dream
• lack of stable family
• lack education

Question 24

what impact did culture at time on JB

Answer 24

deep religious, early influence on want to be a Priest

Question 25

what impact did dream on JB

Answer 25

o Profoundly influenced vocation
o Children fighting, tried to stop through violence, man appears saying ‘Not by blows but gentleness and love will you influence these people.’ Mary appears and children turn to animals, then gentle lambs
o Religious experienced remained within John
o Deep conviction that his life was being guided by God

Question 26

what impact did lack of stable family on JB

Answer 26

o Sent away from home to ease tension (was himself an outcast)
o Understood importance of stable family, sought to provide others with what he missed out on

Question 27

what impact did lack education on JB

Answer 27

o Due to poverty, didn’t have education

o Sought to provide others

Question 28

What town were many boys flocking to and why did they need help?

Answer 28

• flocking to Turin

o Mistreated, ignorant to religion, needed somewhere to live

Question 29

Who made an apolsalte before that inspired john to make his

Answer 29

• John Cafasso started apostolate for prisoners, John wanted one for boys

Question 30

How did Johns school and order grow

Answer 30

o Began by meeting on Sundays with instruction, food, set up hostel
o Provide night classes and teach reading, writing and trades
o Began practical and ademic schools

Question 31

what was the overall religious influence for John

Answer 31

o Guidance by God as his vocation
o Catholic values
o Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”