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.
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.