Don Bosco's Advice on How to Keep the Devil Away

St. John Bosco (also known as Don Bosco) was an influential 19th century Italian priest who ministered to the poor and neglected boys of Turin, Italy, who were driven to a life of desperation and crime in the wake of the Industrial Revolution.

Don Bosco became their mentor and spiritual director, inspiring them to a life of virtue and saving many from a future of poverty and incarceration. 

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In his role as a director of souls, Don Bosco became known for his practical wisdom on how to grow in the spiritual life. Below is his advice to Christians on how to keep the influence of the devil at bay. In his own words:

"Listen: there are two things the devil is deathly afraid of: fervent Communions and frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

Do you want many graces? Visit Him often.

Do you want Him to grant you only a few? Visit Him but seldom.

Do you want the devil to attack you? Rarely visit the Blessed Sacrament.

Do you want the devil to flee from you? Visit Jesus often.

Do you want to overcome the devil? Take refuge at the feet of Jesus.

Do you want to be overcome by the devil? Give up visiting Jesus.

Visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is essential… if you want to overcome the devil. Therefore make frequent visits to Jesus.

If you do that, the devil will never prevail against you.”

Continue reading The Prophetic Vision of St. John Bosco: The Two Columns.

 This article has been updated and was originally published in May 2015. © The Catholic Company. All rights reserved.