Driven by a deep spiritual calling, Esther Law’s journey to Italy took an unexpected turn. What began as a visit to Rome soon led her to Turin — the heart of Don Bosco’s legacy — where she discovered the true power of education, faith, and compassion in shaping young lives.
From Rome to Turin: Following the call of compassion
“As long as there are young people, there is hope.” – Don Bosco
THESE words had always resonated with Esther Law, but never more so than during her time in Italy.
Faith had played a profound role in her journey, guiding her toward a life filled with purpose. It was at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome that she first felt a pull toward something greater — a calling she couldn’t ignore.
Inspired, she made a spontaneous decision: to travel to Turin, the birthplace of Don Bosco — the saint and educator whose work had transformed the lives of countless underprivileged children.
Sometimes, the most remarkable adventures begin with the most unexpected decisions.
With her daughter back in Malaysia — the true mastermind behind her seamless travel plans—everything was arranged in a matter of hours. A train ticket was booked, leaving Law overwhelmed with gratitude.
“I couldn’t believe how quickly everything fell into place. It felt like I was being led there for a reason,” she recalled.
The five-hour journey to Turin was exhilarating. As the train sped through the Italian countryside, she reflected on how this city, rich in history and culture, was about to become a significant chapter in her own story.
Turin whispered, “You are exactly where you are meant to be.”
Stepping into Don Bosco’s world
On her first day, Law found herself standing in the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians — a sacred space more than just a place of worship.
It was a sanctuary where youth, educators, and volunteers gathered in a shared mission. She observed them interacting, their conversations filled with warmth and encouragement.
It was Don Bosco’s philosophy in action — an education based on trust and empathy rather than fear.
“Education is a matter of the heart,” Don Bosco had once said, and in that moment, Law saw it come to life.
As she wandered through two memorial galleries — the Home of Don Bosco in Rome and the Museum of Don Bosco in Turin — Law absorbed the story of his life.
The walls were adorned with photographs of smiling children, both past and present. Each image told a story of resilience, of hope restored, of lives changed.
A familiar quote echoed in her mind: “There is no greater miracle than a good education.”
Standing there, she understood this more deeply than ever. She left the museum with a renewed conviction: education was a miracle, one that had the power to transform the world.
A mission that lives on
Don Bosco had not been born into privilege. Raised in the humble farming village of Becchi, near Turin, he lost his father at a young age.
His mother, Margherita, instilled in him the values of faith, compassion, and hard work — principles that would define his mission.
At just nine years old, a dream changed everything for Don Bosco.
In it, he saw a group of unruly boys shouting and fighting. Suddenly, a figure appeared — Jesus himself — urging young John to become a guide for these children, helping them grow into kind and virtuous individuals.
Confused and feeling unworthy, John expressed his inability to guide them. Jesus reassured him, telling him that with obedience and wisdom, he would succeed, and promised to send a teacher to assist him.
Then, a majestic lady appeared beside Jesus and revealed to John that the unruly children had transformed — first into wild animals, then into gentle lambs.
“This is the field where you are destined to work, and you must do so with humility, strength, and perseverance,” she said.
These prophetic words came true. Don Bosco went on to touch the lives of thousands, leading them away from wrongdoing and towards a better path. His remarkable impact earned him the title of “father, teacher, and friend of youth.”
That dream became his calling.
As he grew, Don Bosco witnessed how poor children were abandoned, neglected, or forced into harsh labour. He felt compelled to create a place where they could be safe, educated, and loved.
In 1859, he founded the Salesian Society, a community dedicated to youth education.
His Preventive System — centred on reason, faith, and loving-kindness — was unlike anything seen before.
Instead of strict discipline, he fostered trust. He believed that when young people were treated with respect, they flourished.
By the time he was canonised in 1934, his teachings had spread across the world.
Today, Salesian schools, colleges, and vocational centres continue his mission, providing education and hope to thousands.
Preventive System: What it is, why it matters
At its core, the Preventive System is built on three fundamental pillars: reason, religion, and loving-kindness.
Don Bosco believed that by fostering these elements, educators could prevent issues before they arise, rather than merely punishing misbehaviour after the fact.
Unlike traditional punitive approaches, the Preventive System promotes positive reinforcement and a nurturing environment.
Instead of keeping students in constant fear of consequences, it encourages them to develop their own moral compass and build supportive communities.
The first pillar, reason, highlights the importance of logic and understanding in education.
Don Bosco insisted that students should grasp the “why” behind rules and lessons. This cultivates critical thinking,
empowering young people to make informed decisions rather than simply following orders. When students engage their reasoning abilities, they develop a sense of responsibility for their actions.
The second pillar, religion, integrates faith into education — not by imposing beliefs but by encouraging a spiritual dimension in students’ lives.
By promoting values such as compassion, respect, and empathy, the Preventive System helps young people build strong moral foundations that shape their behaviour and relationships.
The third and perhaps most heartwarming pillar is loving-kindness.
Don Bosco championed a family-like approach to education, believing that when students feel loved and valued, they are more likely to engage positively in their learning. This warmth fosters trust between educators and students, creating a safe and open environment for growth.
Don Bosco’s Preventive System is as relevant today as ever.
As Law looked back on her experiences, she saw clearly that Don Bosco’s legacy thrived not just in Salesian institutions but in the way society chose to nurture its young.
Compassion. Understanding. Opportunity.
“It’s not enough to give young people knowledge. We have to give them hope,” she thought.
Don Bosco’s preventive education system is timeless — just as vital today as it was centuries ago.
By investing in young people, by recognising their potential, the world could change for the better.
And that thought ignited something within her. She wanted to be part of that mission.
His work reminds society that no child should feel abandoned or without purpose.
In the next article, Law looks forward to sharing more stories from her time in Turin — the fascinating history of the Shroud of Turin, a relic that offers a poignant connection to Jesus, and the stunning Olympic site, nestled among breathtaking mountain views.
Each moment in this enchanting city deepened her understanding of purpose and faith. Rome and Turin had become more than destinations; they were turning points.
Despite a rocky start to her travels, she now felt a newfound readiness to embrace whatever came next.
“Here’s to surprising encounters, sacred spaces, and the delightful chaos of travelling,” she said.
A beautiful tapestry of experiences — faith, education, and love — was unfolding before her.
As she reflected on her journey, she realised that discovering purpose wasn’t just about places — it was about the people we uplift along the way.
Find what ignites your passion. Invest in the youth of today. Carry forward Don Bosco’s legacy.
Because in doing so, we shape lives, we nurture futures, and we create a world filled with hope.
