Don Bosco's virtue and generosity towards the needy youth of his day were rewarded by God with the ability to obtain miraculous assistance in their needs. This help extended to people outside Don Bosco's Oratory.

One day, while the saint was abroad, a crowd of people gathered outside the room where he stayed. Among them was a desperate mother, eager to have a word with him. Seeing her energetic attempts, someone said to her,

"You can't get in, Madam."

Undaunted, she insisted,

"I can and I must!"

"You can't get in through this crowd."

"I have to. I must see Don Bosco!"

Then she called out to the holy priest as loud as she could, "Don Bosco! Don Bosco!"

Don Bosco opened his door, earnestly asking the people to make way for the woman who called for him. She rushed up to him, and stood breathless and anxious.

"What can I do for you, my good woman?" he asked kindly.

The lady wasted no time in explaining her problem. Her son had been entrusted with a sum of money that somehow went missing. He was accused of stealing it, and was awaiting trial in court. Without evidence to save him, there was no hope of his escaping punishment as a thief.

Hearing her terrible situation, Don Bosco asked simply,

"But what can I do?"

"My son swears he didn't do it." said the lady, "Please make them set him free."

The priest spoke thoughtfully.

"If I were at home, I know some people of influence who'd willingly help an innocent person. But here..."

"You can't help a poor mother in trouble?" She pleaded.

"Very well. Say four Our Fathers and Hail Marys until the trial is over. You must also make a good confession and Communion."

"I haven't been to confession for a long time, but I'll go at once."

Don Bosco then took out a couple medals, saying,

"One is for you and one is for your son."

He silently added a third medal. She waited briefly for an explanation, but Don Bosco didn't give any. It didn't take very long for her to realize the medal was meant for her husband, a man who, sadly, had neglected the sacraments for years.

When she returned home, she gave the medal to her husband, telling him,

"Don Bosco gave me this for you. He didn't say so, but I know he wants you to straighten out your conscience."

The man willingly accepted it, and said in agreement,

"I suppose this is a sign God wants me to come back to my religion."

On the day Don Bosco predicted, the couple's son was brought to court. It was a long trial. Many prayers were said by the anxious parents for their innocent son. At last, he was acquitted of the charge, and set free.

Deeply grateful for the wonderful answer to their prayers, the family immediately made a pilgrimage to Turin, to the church of Mary Help of Christians.