Who Are the Salesian Sisters?
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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/
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