Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School was founded by the Salesians of Don Bosco, the second largest Catholic religious order in the world. Today, this Catholic religious organization continues to do the work of the Lord in the spirit of its founder – St. John Bosco. When St. John Bosco founded the Salesians in 1859, his mission was clear and simple: to be a friend – a friend to kids who were poor, kids abandoned, kids at risk – and in so doing, to be a friend to Christ. He dedicated his life to them, and today, Salesians can be found worldwide in many different initiatives on behalf of young people: schools, oratories, youth centers, technical and professional training centers, parishes, foreign missions, and activities in the realm of mass media and social communications.

All those within Don Bosco’s spiritual family share his educational method, popularly called “The Preventive System,” which focuses on developing the whole person – body, heart, mind and spirit. It seeks to prevent the need for punishment by placing the child in an environment in which he or she is encouraged to be the best they can be. It is a congenial, friendly and holistic approach to education. The basic principle of this system is a deep understanding and love for young people and their problems. The Salesian charism continues Don Bosco’s vision and responds to a great need felt by young people to “know that they are loved.” Significantly, Don Bosco’s example and educational methods have inspired a Gospel lifestyle which leads to holiness in life, as witnessed in the lives of those who have embraced Don Bosco’s experience and made it their own.

For more information on the Eastern Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, please visit: www.salesians.org