'Courage! When you are tired and troubled, go and place all your worries in the Heart of Jesus!'

 

On 13th May, we celebrate the feast of St Mary Domenica Mazzarello, who, with Don Bosco, founded the Daughters of May Help of Christians, the Salesian Sisters. 

 

She was the first Mother General, and to support their work with poor and abandoned girls, she felt it was vital that she and the other sisters have a good understanding of how to read and write; skills which many of them had never had the opportunity to acquire. Mother Mazzarello would sit alongside all of the other Sisters and learn with them – an example of humility and dedication, as well as an encouragement to the others in their struggles.

 

Her dedication to her sisters was not limited to their intellectual development alone. In every way she was an attentive mother, which is why to this day she is still fondly called 'Mother Mazzarello'. She travelled to visit the communities of sisters as the Congregation grew, and sent wonderful letters of support, love and encouragement which continue to provide inspiration and comfort for the Salesian Family today.

 

Read more about St Mary Mazzarello