Saint John Bosco’s Dream of the Two Pillars: A Vision of Faith and Prophecy

Saint John Bosco, lovingly known as Don Bosco, is celebrated for his deep faith and his unwavering commitment to helping the youth. But did you know that one of his most famous dreams shaped not only his life but also the future of the Catholic Church?

This dream, known as the Dream of the Two Pillars, is a powerful vision filled with rich symbolism and prophetic insight.

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It’s a story of a stormy sea, a ship in peril, and two towering pillars that represent the pillars of faith. Let’s explore how this Saint John Bosco dream continues to inspire and guide the faithful today.

Who Was Saint John Bosco?

Saint John Bosco was born in 1815 in Italy, in a small village where he grew up experiencing both poverty and the harsh realities of life. Despite these challenges, Bosco’s faith remained strong, and he dedicated his life to helping young people, especially those who were poor and vulnerable.

He founded the Salesians, a religious order focused on education and care for the youth. Bosco was known for his ability to connect with young people, guiding them not just with teachings but also with love and understanding.

But beyond his practical work, Bosco was also a visionary.

He experienced numerous dreams that he believed were messages from God, guiding him in his mission.

Among these, the Two Pillars vision stands out as one of the most profound and lasting.

The Dream of the Two Pillars

One night, Saint John Bosco had a dream that would resonate through the ages. In this dream, he saw a vast sea, turbulent and stormy, with a large ship being tossed by the waves. This ship, Bosco understood, symbolized the Church. The ship was under attack from all sides, with enemies trying to destroy it. But amid the chaos, Bosco noticed two massive pillars rising from the sea.

On top of one pillar was the Eucharist, symbolizing Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The other pillar held a statue of the Virgin Mary. The ship’s captain, representing the Pope, steered the ship toward these pillars, anchoring it safely between them. Once the ship was anchored, the storm ceased, and peace was restored.

This dream, filled with powerful imagery, was seen by Bosco as a message from God. It was a prophecy of the Church’s struggles and the ultimate victory through devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. The Saint John Bosco dream became a beacon of hope, showing that even in the face of great trials, faith would prevail.

Common Interpretations of Prophetic Dreams

Throughout history, dreams have been viewed as a way for the divine to communicate with humanity. Prophetic dreams, like the Two Pillars vision, are often rich with symbolism, offering guidance, warnings, or revelations about the future.

In religious contexts, these dreams are seen as sacred messages that can shape the course of lives and even entire communities.

The symbols in these dreams are not just random images; they carry deep meanings that require reflection and interpretation. In Bosco’s dream, the Two Pillars symbolize the foundational supports of the Church—faith in the Eucharist and devotion to Mary.

Other religious figures, like Saint Joseph, who dreamt of the angel guiding him to protect Mary and Jesus, have also experienced prophetic dreams. These visions often come at critical moments, offering divine guidance in times of uncertainty.

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