Our Co-Foundress
St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello
1837 – 1881
St. Mary Domenica
Mazzarello
Co-Foundress of the Salesian Sisters (FMA)
"I entrust them to you."
Her Life & Mission
God's ways are marvelous. Contemporary with Don Bosco, Mary Mazzarello, in the hamlet of Mornese a little village in Piedmont, Italy, thirsted with the same desire to help girls. Mary Domenica Mazzarello was born on May 9, 1837.
She too did receive a heavenly mandate. While walking down the uninhabited slopes of Borgo Alto she saw a group of girls playing in the non‑existent playground and a strong voice – firm and steady, communicated to her the divine mission: "I entrust them to you."Was it a dream, a hallucination? Yet there she was fully awake. Walking in full consciousness…
1837
Birth Year
1872
Founded FMA
1922
Arrived in India
The Meeting & Foundation
In 1864 came the momentous meeting with Don Bosco. "He is a saint! I can feel it!" she said to all. Don Bosco too saw something equally precious in her. In Mary Mazzarello a like‑minded soul, Salesian by instinct, Don Bosco found a ready, active and creative collaborator.
In 1872 he founded the Society of the Salesian Sisters (FMA) with Mary Mazzarello at their head. Imbued with the spirit of the Founder they would march forward in the quest of providing integral formation and education for girls.
1875 saw the first expansion of the Salesian work outside Europe. India welcomed the first Salesian Sisters in 1922.
1864
Meeting with Don Bosco
1872
Founded FMA
1922
Arrived in India
Her Enduring Legacy
Today, the Salesian Sisters continue to carry forward the charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, serving young women with the same loving kindness, reason, and faith that inspired their founders. Her vision of integral education – nurturing the mind, heart, and spirit – remains as relevant as ever, guiding countless institutions across the globe.
"I entrust them to you." – a divine mandate that still echoes in every classroom and community where Salesian sisters serve.
Global Presence
100+ Countries
Educational Institutions
2000+ Schools
Salesian Sisters
14,000+ Sisters
May Her Legacy Inspire Us
Let us carry forward her spirit of loving kindness, faith, and dedication to the education of young minds.