Salesian Province of St. Joseph



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A Valiant Mother

INTRODUCTION:

This is the story of a peasant mother who, alone, managed to care for an elderly, sickly mother-in-law, and to raise three children, one of whom became a saint of the Church. The setting is in Piedmont, in northern Italy, specifically Castelnuovo d' Asti and Turin. One can only hope that whoever reads this sketch will not only be edified but will also resolve to imitate the Christian virtue practiced by this valiant mother.

Click here to download LIFE OF MAMMA MARGARET

WHO IS the Servant of God MARGARET OCCHIENA (1788-1856),
mother of St John Bosco:

She was born 1st April 1788 at Capriglio (AT), and was baptised the same day at the parish church. She remained in the village until her marriage with Francesco Bosco; then she went to the Becchi. After her husband’s premature death, the twenty nine year old Margaret found herself in charge of the family, alone, at a time when there was a terrible drought. She had to look after Francis’ mother and his son Anthony; then she had to bring up her own children Joseph and John.

A strong woman, with clear ideas, determined in her choices, she led a modest existence, and offered an upbringing which was Christian, kind and reasonable, though strict. The three children had vastly different temperaments: she neither attempted to treat them all the same nor deprive them.

At times she had to make dramatic choices (such as sending her youngest away so the peace could be kept and so he could study). These choices she made with faith, wisdom and courage helping her children to grow in generosity and independence. She accompanied John with much love towards the priesthood and then, leaving her little cottage in Colle, followed him in his mission amongst the poor and abandoned youngsters of Turin. Here for ten years, her life comes together with that of her son and with the beginnings of Salesian work: she becomes Don Bosco’s first and principle Cooperator; through her earnest, hardworking kindness she becomes the maternal element in the Preventive System; without knowing it she becomes the, "co-foundress" of the Salesian Family which brings about saints like Dominic Savio and Don Rua. Illiterate, but full of the wisdom that comes from above, she was a help to so many street children, children who belonged to nobody; she put God in first place consuming herself for Him in a life of poverty, prayer and sacrifice. She died at 68 years of age in Turin on 25th November. Many young lads went to the cemetery at her burial, weeping for their "Mamma".

Mamma Margherita St. John Bosco's mother by Marieli and Rita Benziger