don bosco’s method for the evangelization and the education of youth

Don BoscoDon Bosco’’s Methods MethodDon BoscoDon Bosco’’s Methods Method

For the evangelization and the For the evangelization and the education of youth.education of youth.

If God gives me life… If God gives me life…

1877: D. Bosco writes Little Treatise on the Preventive System:

tells readers this is merely an introduction…

says he hopes to write a more systematic work later…

It seems he never did!

What & Why?What & Why?

“Two age-old systems” Repressive:

– make rules known, and enforce them…

Preventive: – “the rules are made known, then

the educators like loving parents advise the young, watch them, put them “in the moral impossibility of committing faults.”

What & Why?What & Why?

Based entirely on Gospel:– Reason, – Religion, – Loving kindness

«This system prevents punishments».

Advantages:Advantages:

With this approach, the educator does not antagonize the young who are naturally sensitive.

Advantages:Advantages:

This approach helps overcome the natural inconstancy of the young.

Advantages:Advantages:

The repressive system can prevent disorders, but cannot make the young better…

Advantages:Advantages:

The preventive system works on the heart, and the educator can have a great influence.

Charity in actionCharity in action

Director is always present. Staff of known morality. Let kids jump, run, yell. Music, games, fun. Prayer and the sacraments. Young grow up in a climate that values

virtue and commitment.

Usefulness: Usefulness:

If it seems harder for educators, it makes growth easier for young people.

Usefulness: Usefulness:

Young people become friends of the educators, “useful citizens and good Christians”.

Usefulness: Usefulness:

All the young become better, even the worst.

Usefulness: Usefulness:

Young people with bad habits won’t corrupt the others.

A word on punishments.A word on punishments.

Educators should “seek to make themselves loved, if they want to be respected.”

Punishment is whatever is intended as such. – Therefore, no need to use force: just withholding

some sign of benevolence is a punishment, but this never antagonizes.

No public punishments. Correct in private.

A couple of problemsA couple of problems

Is Don Bosco’s approach really applicable in all situations?

?? ??????