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.