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Our History

- Salesian Sisters Come to Tampa
  
  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.
- Mrs. Alicia Neve, "Tampa's Little Mother"
  
  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. Originally named Villa Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snow), her home remains an integral part of the vibrant Villa Madonna Catholic School community.
  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"
- Villa Madonna Catholic School
  
  Today, more than 380 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
  Whether in the classroom, during recess, or in the chapel, the young person feels at home and has opportunities to grow as a student and as a Christian, all while having fun.
  
  Once a Salesian, always a Salesian!
- Salesian Youth Center
  
  The Salesian Youth Center (SYC) was founded in 1995 by the Salesian Sisters and is dedicated to serving all children, ages 5 to 18, regardless of ethnic, religious, or economic background. In the early 1990’s, the Sisters started a "Saturday Club", a weekly program that offered needy kids a safe place to play, a hot meal, and tutoring.
  
  Originally located in the cafeteria of Villa Madonna School, this activity grew so popular that the Sisters reached out to the Tampa community for help with a capital campaign that enabled them to take over and renovate the old Jefferson High School Gym. The Sisters were able to expand their services and partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, thus forming the Salesian Youth Center/Boys & Girls Club. Boys & Girls Clubs provides the staffing, while the Salesian Sisters provide everything else. As Joe Garcia, a prominent real estate lawyer in Tampa, helped bring together the community to support the project, the center was named The Joe & Anne Garcia Salesian Youth Center.
  
  It has since grown into a thriving community that has provided thousands of children a place to gather for a safe, consistent after school program. For more information, visit syctampa.org.
- Who are the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco?
  
  The Salesian Sisters are the largest congregation of religious women with over 11,000 Sisters serving in 97 countries. Founded in 1872 by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, the Salesian Sisters are dedicated to reaching the youth for Christ.
  While St. John Bosco was caring for the boys in Turin, St. Mary Mazzarello was gathering young girls in their small village of Mornese, Italy. They taught them how to sew so they could earn money in a way that kept them safe from exploitation. During these lessons, “Mother Mazzarello” also included faith formation, games, and of course, snacks and songs, creating her own “Oratory” similar to what Don Bosco was doing in Turin. When the Holy Spirit brought Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello together in 1864, it was clear that their missions were remarkably similar and from this encounter, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians were born.
  
  On August 5, 1972, Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco began with the first profession of Mary Mazzarello and other like-minded young women who joined her in her mission with the young. To Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, God entrusted a passion to help young people achieve a better life and to foster in them a desire for holiness. Their work spread rapidly into a worldwide family dedicated to young people. Today, there are over 10,500 sisters in 97 countries worldwide!
  
  On July 16, 1908, the first four missionary Salesian Sisters arrived in The first four missionary sisters, seated is Sr. Angelina, and from the left is Sr. Veneranda, Sr. Antionette, and Sr. Frances.New York City. They settled in Paterson, NJ, to begin their ministry with the children of Italian immigrants. The beginnings were challenging, but the Sisters were able to establish schools and youth centers for the Christian education of the young, not only in Paterson but in many places throughout the United States. Including Florida.
  
  July 2008 commemorated 100 years since the arrival of the first four Salesian Sisters in the United States. The Salesian Sisters continue to be actively engaged in ministering to youth and with youth, especially the poor and marginalized. Our centennial theme was "Celebrating Youth... Building the Future!"
  © 2024 · Salesian Sisters, https://salesiansisters.org/100-years-in-the-us/