Who we are
We are the largest
female religious order.
Founded in 1872 in Italy
by St. John Bosco and St. Maria Domenica Mazzarello.
At the persistent request of many people in Turin, and as a result of his own perceptions, Don Bosco resolved to take steps in setting up an Institute that would reach out to many poor and abandoned young girls.
He was inspired to do so, through his contact with various female institutes, his deep Marian devotion, the encouragement received from Pope Pius IX and the many inspirations he had in this regard, through ‘dreams’ and significant happenings.
It so happened that in the township of Mornese, situated in the hills of Monferrato, a young woman by the name of Mary Domenica Mazzarello was accompanying a group of young women who together with her, were dedicated to helping young girls to learn a trade and while doing so, these girls were also guided in their Christian development.
There were TWO significant signs
that conveyed the same message: that an educative environment similar to the one for boys at Valdocco,Turin, should be set up for children and young girls.
It was Mary Domenica Mazzarello who, as co-founder of this Institute gave life and form to this newly founded Institute.
On August 5th 1872, the first group of young women, following the example of Mary, in declaring their “Yes” to God’s Call, committed themselves to be ‘helpers’ of young people.
We are Daughters of Mary Help of Christians,
St. John Bosco founded our Institute
as a response of salvation
to the profound hopes of girls and young women.
He endowed it with a spiritual heritage
inspired by the charity of Christ, the Good Shepherd,
and imparted to it a strong missionary characteristic.” (Const. FMA 1)