Full Novena to St. John Bosco with Devotional Content

Definition

A novena is a nine-day period of prayer in the Catholic tradition, seeking special graces or intercessions through a saint’s advocacy. The St. John Bosco Novena, prayed for the patron of youth, educators, and magicians, is typically observed from January 22 to January 30, leading to his feast day on January 31. It invokes Don Bosco’s intercession for spiritual and temporal needs, especially for young people.

Full Novena Prayers (Each Day per Line)

Below are the complete prayers for the St. John Bosco Novena, with a specific prayer for each of the nine days, including an opening prayer, daily intention, and closing prayer. Each day is listed separately as requested.

Day 1: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, father and teacher of youth, you worked tirelessly for the salvation of souls. I come to you with confidence, seeking your intercession for (state your intention). Through your love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and Mary Help of Christians, obtain for me the grace to grow in faith and charity. Help me guide the young toward God’s love. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

Day 2: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, model of compassion, you cared for the poor and abandoned. I ask your help for (state your intention). May your devotion to the Eucharist and Mary inspire me to trust in God’s providence. Lead young souls to holiness through my prayers and actions. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

Day 3: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, apostle of youth, you faced trials with courage. Intercede for me regarding (state your intention). Strengthen my faith through your example of reliance on Mary Help of Christians. Guide educators and parents to nurture youth in virtue. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

Day 4: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, friend of the young, you taught with love and patience. I seek your aid for (state your intention). May your devotion to the Eucharist fill me with zeal to serve others. Protect youth from temptation and guide them to Christ. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

Day 5: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, founder of the Salesians, you built a legacy of faith. I entrust to you (state your intention). Through your trust in Mary, help me persevere in prayer. Inspire young hearts to seek God’s will. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

Day 6: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, prophet of hope, your visions guided the Church. I ask your intercession for (state your intention). May your love for the Eucharist renew my spirit. Lead youth to discover their vocations through your prayers. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

Day 7: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, patron of educators, you formed hearts for Christ. I seek your help with (state your intention). Through Mary Help of Christians, grant me wisdom to guide others. Protect young people from evil and draw them to God. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

Day 8: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, servant of the poor, you gave all for God’s glory. I ask your intercession for (state your intention). May your Eucharistic devotion deepen my love for Jesus. Help youth overcome challenges through faith. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

Day 9: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Saint John Bosco, faithful disciple, you led many to salvation. I entrust to you (state your intention). Through your union with Mary and Jesus, obtain for me the graces I need. May I continue your mission to save youth for Christ. Saint John Bosco, pray for us! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Amen.

7 Real Life Stories and Bible Stories

Real Life: A Troubled Teen’s Redemption
A teenager in a Salesian school in Brazil, struggling with gang involvement, found purpose through a mentor who introduced him to Don Bosco’s novena. He now volunteers at the oratory, helping others.
Bible Story: The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)
Jesus’ parable of the shepherd seeking the lost sheep reflects Don Bosco’s mission to seek out and save wayward youth, bringing them back to God’s fold.
Real Life: A Family’s Reconciliation
A father prayed the novena for his estranged son, who returned home after years of silence, attributing the reunion to Don Bosco’s intercession.
Bible Story: The Calling of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
Young Samuel hears God’s call, guided by Eli. This mirrors Don Bosco’s role in helping youth discern God’s voice in their lives.
Real Life: Academic Breakthrough
A student in India, failing her exams, prayed the novena and received unexpected support from a teacher, passing with high marks.
Bible Story: Jesus and the Children (Mark 10:13-16)
Jesus welcomes children, blessing them, echoing Don Bosco’s love for youth and his belief in their spiritual potential.
Real Life: A Vocation Discerned
A young man at a Salesian retreat prayed the novena and felt called to the priesthood, now studying in a seminary.

7 Comments By People

“The Don Bosco Novena helped my daughter find peace during her college struggles.” – Clara, 2024
“Praying this novena brought my grandson back to church after years away.” – Robert, 2023
“I felt Don Bosco’s guidance while teaching at a tough school.” – Sarah, 2025
“This novena strengthened my faith in God’s plan for my students.” – Miguel, 2022
“My son overcame anxiety through Don Bosco’s intercession.” – Elena, 2024
“I pray this novena for youth in our parish facing peer pressure.” – Joseph, 2025
“Don Bosco’s love for Mary inspires me to pray the Rosary daily.” – Laura, 2023

10 Bible Verses

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Matthew 18:10 – “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father.”
Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
2 Timothy 2:22 – “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”
John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.”
Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”
Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Devotional Associated With The Topic

Devotional: Following Don Bosco’s Heart for Youth

St. John Bosco’s life was marked by a profound love for young people, seeing them as God’s treasures. His motto, “Give me souls, take away the rest,” reflects his dedication to their salvation. This devotional invites you to emulate his zeal and trust in Mary Help of Christians.

Reflection: Don Bosco believed that “education is a matter of the heart.” How can you show Christ’s love to the youth around you? Are there small acts of kindness or moments of listening that could make a difference?

Prayer: Saint John Bosco, teach me to love youth as you did. Guide me to lead them to Jesus through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. Grant me patience and wisdom in my mission. Amen.

Action: Commit to praying for a young person daily during the novena. Reach out to a youth in your community with encouragement or support, inspired by Don Bosco’s example.

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

St. Dominic Savio: A pupil of Don Bosco, Dominic lived a holy life despite his youth, dying at 14. His purity and devotion inspired Don Bosco’s educational mission.
St. Teresa of Avila: A Carmelite reformer, Teresa’s mystical writings and courage in reforming her order reflect Don Bosco’s perseverance in building the Salesians.
St. Vincent de Paul: Known for his charity toward the poor, Vincent’s work with the marginalized parallels Don Bosco’s care for Turin’s street children.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ Encounter With People

The Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13): A Roman centurion’s faith in Jesus healed his servant, showing trust that Don Bosco encouraged in youth.
The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28): A woman’s persistent faith led Jesus to heal her daughter, reflecting Don Bosco’s call to persevere in prayer.
Peter’s Call (Luke 5:1-11): Jesus called Peter to be a fisher of men after a miraculous catch, akin to Don Bosco’s mission to draw youth to Christ.
The Adulterous Woman (John 8:1-11): Jesus forgave a woman caught in sin, offering mercy that Don Bosco extended to troubled youth.
Thomas the Doubter (John 20:24-29): Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds, strengthening his faith, much like Don Bosco’s patient guidance of skeptical youth.

10 Prophetic Declarations

I declare that youth will rise in faith to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Through Don Bosco’s intercession, families will unite in love and prayer.
I proclaim that educators will receive divine wisdom to guide young souls.
The Eucharist will transform the hearts of youth, drawing them to Jesus.
I declare that Mary Help of Christians will shield youth from evil.
Every student will succeed in their endeavors through God’s grace.
I proclaim that lost youth will find their way back to God’s embrace.
Vocations to the priesthood and religious life will flourish among the young.
I declare that communities will support youth with compassion and resources.
Miracles will abound for those who trust in Don Bosco’s prayers.

10 Prophetic Words From Catholic Priests

“God is raising a generation of youth to renew the Church.” – Fr. Daniel, 2024
“Mary Help of Christians will guide parents to raise holy children.” – Fr. Andrew, 2023
“The Eucharist is the anchor for youth in a turbulent world.” – Fr. Luke, 2025
“Teachers, your work for youth is a mission from God.” – Fr. Matthew, 2022
“The Holy Spirit will ignite faith in young hearts today.” – Fr. Peter, 2024
“Families, pray together, and God will heal your divisions.” – Fr. John, 2023
“Don Bosco’s legacy calls us to mentor youth with love.” – Fr. Timothy, 2025
“God’s mercy will restore those who have strayed.” – Fr. Philip, 2022
“Pray for vocations; the Church needs young disciples.” – Fr. Samuel, 2024
“Trust in God’s plan for the youth, and miracles will follow.” – Fr. Benjamin, 2023

10 Prayer Points

For youth to grow in holiness and resist worldly distractions.
For teachers to embody Don Bosco’s love and patience in education.
For parents to lead their children to faith through example.
For troubled youth to find healing and purpose in Christ.
For an increase in vocations inspired by Don Bosco’s mission.
For the Salesian family to thrive in serving the young.
For students to excel in studies and grow in virtue.
For families to deepen their devotion to the Eucharist and Mary.
For protection of youth from spiritual and physical dangers.
For parishes to support youth programs with generosity.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Guided by Don Bosco’s Columns

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Imagine a vast, stormy sea, as in Don Bosco’s prophetic dream of the Two Columns. Waves crash around you, symbolizing life’s challenges—worries for youth, societal pressures, or personal doubts. In the distance, you see two great pillars rising above the storm: one crowned with the Eucharistic Host, labeled “Salvation,” and the other with Mary Help of Christians, marked “Help of the faithful.”

Picture Don Bosco beside you, his kind gaze reassuring you. He gestures toward the columns, inviting you to anchor your heart to them. Bring to mind a young person in your life—a child, student, or a struggling soul. Offer their needs to Jesus in the Eucharist, trusting His power to transform them. Then, “Silently ask Mary to wrap them in her mantle, as she did for Don Bosco’s boys.”

Feel the storm quiet as you rest in God’s presence. Don Bosco whispers, “Trust and pray.” Let his words sink in, renewing your faith that God is working through your prayers. Silently pray: “Saint John Bosco, guide me to Jesus, and Mary, help me lead others to Your love.” Open your eyes, carrying this peace into your mission for youth.

This novena and its devotional elements are crafted to deepen your connection to St. John Bosco’s mission and inspire you to pray fervently for the young. May his intercession bring grace and guidance to all who participate.