The Salesian Sisters first came to Tampa, Florida, in 1934, invited by the Salesians of Don Bosco (the priests and brothers) who were already serving the immigrant and working-class Catholic population in Ybor City (now at Mary Help of Christians).

At that time, Tampa had a large community of Italian, Spanish, and Cuban immigrants, many of whom were cigar factory workers. Families wanted Catholic education and catechesis for their children, but resources were limited. The Sisters were invited specifically to:

• Educate and catechize immigrant children, many of whom spoke Spanish or Italian at home.

• Support the pastoral work of the Salesian priests, who were running Mary Help of Christians parish and other ministries in the area.

• Provide stability for orphans and youth at risk, since Tampa’s working-class neighborhoods were struggling during the Great Depression.

The Salesian Sisters were gifted a permanent base for their mission in 1936 by Alicia Gonzalez Neve — land and space for Villa Madonna Catholic School. 

Alicia Gonzalez Neve, lovingly remembered as “Tampa’s Little Mother,” was a woman of deep faith, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the youth of Tampa. Born in 1869, she devoted much of her life to charitable works, particularly during a time when immigrant families in the city faced great hardship.

In 1936, Mrs. Neve deeded her own home on West Columbus Drive to the Salesian Sisters, providing them with a larger space to run their day nursery for children in need. Her home, still visible from West Columbus Drive, features a spacious front porch toppPart of Alicia Gonzalez's original home still remains as part of Villa Madonna Catholic Schooled by a balcony supported by impressive pillars, inspired by the homes she had known during her youth in Cuba. Her home remains an integral part of the vibrant Villa Madonna Catholic School community. The school was originally named Villa Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow), in honor of her devotion to the miracle of the snows in Rome, Italy, and as some point out, her namesake. 

In addition to donating land to found Villa Madonna, Mrs. Neve donated over 100 acres of land to help the Salesian priests establish Mary Help of Christians orphanage in Tampa, providing care and education for young boys in need. That ministry continues today as Cristo Rey High School, still guided by the Salesian priests, carrying forward her enduring legacy of service to youth.
©1980, Novack, Ruth Vincent "Tampa's Little Mother"

Today, almost 400 students from across the region call Villa Madonna Catholic School their home. With intentionally small class sizes, our teachers are able to know each child personally and support their unique needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Since expanding from Mrs. Neve's house, Villa Madonna has grown into a thriving campus that combines modern classrooms, faith-centered learning, and vibrant extracurricular opportunities. 

In 2026, Villa Madonna will be celebrating 90 years of service!

Our students benefit from a curriculum rooted in St. John Bosco’s educational philosophy, known as The Preventive System, uses Reason, Religion, and Loving Kindness to reach the heart of youth and guide them toward holiness. Though over 100 years old, this motto remains the foundation of Villa Madonna’s spirit, guiding our faculty, staff, students, and families.

At Villa Madonna, education is about the whole child. Following St. Don Bosco’s vision, we provide:

• A Home that welcomes, fostering belonging and mutual respect

• A School that educates for life, emphasizing academic achievement and moral integrity

• A Church that evangelizes

• A Playground where children have fun, and friendships flourish
  

Once a Salesian, always a Salesian!

Ana Maria Baldor-Bunn (1972–2002) remains a beloved part of Villa Madonna’s heritage. A Villa alumna shaped by the school’s Salesian spirit, she grew into a woman whose life reflected faith, service, joy, and compassion.

In 2000, while pregnant with her first child, Ana Maria received the devastating diagnosis of a rare tumor. Even as she faced treatment and uncertainty, she remained grounded in her faith, welcoming her son William into the world and continuing to think of others first. Her strength was quiet, but extraordinary.

During her final years, Ana Maria turned her heart back toward Villa in a deeply meaningful way. Though her illness was advancing, she volunteered her time at the Salesian Youth Center on campus, writing newsletters and assisting with programs that supported children and families. Even though she knew her time was limited, she chose to spend it serving the young people of the Villa Madonna School community. It was a final, profound act of love—one that captured who she was.

Ana Maria passed away in 2002, but her example continues to shape the school she cherished. In 2003, the Baldor family established the Ana Maria Auxilium Awards, a scholarship given each year to one student per grade who demonstrates the virtues she embodied: kindness, responsibility, active faith, good citizenship, and service to others. More than 160 Villa students have carried her legacy forward through this distinction.

Her memory also lives in the physical heart of campus through Ana Maria Park, lovingly funded by her family. The park’s prayer garden features an Our Lady of the Streets statue—depicting a mother holding her child—offer a powerful reminder of Ana Maria’s faith, her devotion to children, and the tenderness with which she approached life. The students make sure to keep the statue clean at all times, personally shining it and sweeping any leaves from her pedestal. 

Though her time with us was far too short, Ana Maria Baldor-Bunn’s legacy continues to inspire every generation that walks the Villa Madonna grounds. Through the Youth Center she served, the awards given in her honor, and the park that bears her name, her spirit remains a guiding light—encouraging our students to live with courage, compassion, and love.