Mary Domenica Mazzarello, the fifteen-year-old Mornese farm girl, joined the Daughters of Mary Immaculate in 1852. As the Industrial Revolution changed the landscape of Europe, Mary opened a dress-making shop for young women.

There she taught not only the skills for survival in the everyday world but also the power of prayer and the love of God. Her practical and spiritual approach to ministry caught the eye of Don Bosco.

In 1872 he asked her to establish the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Mary's charisma of happiness, joy, and tranquillity attracted others to this newly founded order. Her inspired ministry for the education of young women complimented Don Bosco's commitment to young men.

By the time of her death in 1881, Mary had established a style of education grounded in enlightened catechesis. Pope Pius XI beatified her just 57 years after her death. Pope Pius XII canonized her in 1951.

Today's Daughters of Mary Help of Christians mirror their founder's joyful self-giving, her sincere humility, her responsibility in work, and her austerity in life. Their schools ring with prayerful intonations and youthful laughter. Their pupils continue to be the greatest resource for both the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians of Don Bosco.