We, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also known as the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco are an international congregation of more than 14,000 sisters ministering to and with youth on every continent.   We are consecrated women, unafraid of confronting the challenges encountered in the world of youth. A simple but deep prayer life, a strong community life, and a youth-centered ministry give us the strength and energy we need to face these challenges.

   

The Community of Salesian Sisters was founded by St. John Bosco, in collaboration with St. Mary Mazzarello, on August 5, 1872 in Mornese, Alessandria, Italy.                  In 1908, over 100 years ago,  the first Salesian Sisters arrived in the U.S.A. and settled in New Jersey. From there, Salesian youth and outreach programs spread to Canada and throughout New England, as well as other parts of the country including Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and California. In time, the one Province was divided into three: Canada, Eastern U.S.A. and Western U.S.A.

In 1987, the Salesian youth works and outreach programs in Louisiana, Texas, and  California joined efforts to form Mary Immaculate Province (the Western Province of the Salesian Sisters). In 1993, the Provincial Center was established in San Antonio, Texas.  The Center serves as the administrative headquarters for the Western Province and a home for elderly, retired, rehabilitating, or ill Sisters. The Salesian Sisters began ministries in Arizona in 1997 and in Colorado in 2002.                                                                                                                 Our Mission is to educate youth in the                                                                                                spirit of Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello                        The ministries of the Western Province include early childhood,  elementary, and secondary education, Religious education centers, before and after-school programs, youth ministry, adult education, outreach programs for poor and disadvantaged women and children, boys and girls clubs, a lay young adult volunteer program, and summer camp programs. In addition to owning the Provincial House in San Antonio, TX, the Province owns three elementary schools:  St. John Bosco in San Antonio, TX, Mary Help of Christians in Laredo, TX, and Salesian Elementary and Junior High in Corralitos, CA.                                   Today, there are 105 Sisters in the Western Province of which 95 are actively involved in ministries or administration in fifteen different communities.The remaining Sisters are either retired after a lifetime of service, recovering from health related illnesses or surgeries, or providing care to a family member.                                  Whether 1908 or 2008, the Sisters' mission continues in the United States, impacting the lives of children and youth following the teachings of  St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello. .                                                            One of the first classrooms in New Jersey -1908                   First 4 Sisters Arrive July 16, 1908                                      "It is enough for you            to be young,  for me            to love you"                                -Don Bosco