December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marks the origin of the Salesian charism. Mary was always actively present in Don Bosco’s life. He was raised in a profoundly Marian environment in the local church tradition and the family. In the origin of the saint’s vocation and mission, the mother of Jesus presents herself as the “Shepherdess of the young people.” In the life story of Don Bosco, you can see his affection for Mary, and from the beginning, the saint of the youth knew how to welcome a Marian way of educating. For him, Jesus’ mother was a lifetime experience. Mary became the inspiration and teacher of the saint.