Salesian Sisters – Spreading Mary’s Love!
The energy of the Salesian Sisters is built around an ardent prayer life, and active
ministry with the young, centered in Christ and modeled on Mary.
In 1885, in the motherhouse in Nizza, Italy, St. John Bosco proclaimed, “Our Lady is
really here among you. She is walking through this house and is covering it with
her mantle.” All the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have experienced the
consoling presence of Mary Help of Christians, as we spread devotion to her
throughout the world. St. John Bosco had promised, “Spread devotion to Mary Help of
Christians, and you will see miracles.”
A Joyful Life Devoted to Service for the Young
A contemplative life of prayer, living in a vibrant community.
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians emphasize bringing Christ to youth,
especially those who are poor and disadvantaged.
Participating in daily Mass ? the source and culmination of our prayer.
We are members of a religious family which belongs entirely to Our Lady.
A Rich Heritage of Sanctity
Although we are young in the Church, the Salesian Family has given rise to an
impressive number of Saints and Blesseds in the Church.
From the Salesian Family, there are 8 Saints, 52 Blesseds, 9 Venerables, and 90
Servants of God. Among these holy witnesses are both Salesian educators and
students. These numbers attest to the sanctity and commitment of those who share
life with us.
As we celebrate our 100th anniversary in the United States, the Daughters of Mary
Help of Christians number 14,504 Sisters in 1,511 houses working in 89 countries.
Founded in 1872, in Mornese, Italy, when the community took their first vows under
the guidance of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello.
Today, over 300 Novices and over 1,000 Sisters in Temporary Vows.
United in community around Christ, a sincere desire for sanctity, and energy to
bring Christ to youth.
Promoting new enthusiasm in religious life.
Engaging the Young with Christ
In the US, in 25 schools in 8 states, teaching over 10,000 students, ages 3 through 18.
In 6 summer camps, and in a variety of diocesan centers, retreat centers, youth
centers, foster care homes, CCD centers, our Sisters bring Christ to America’s
youth.
Enriching Catholic families and promoting the Culture of Life.
Teaching all subjects of the curriculum, each Sister integrates her personal
strengths with her love for Christ, reminding students of the role of the Blessed
Mother in our lives.
Through our work with youth, especially in the field of education, we strive to
create a serene, family-like environment.
The Salesian method is based on reason, religion, and loving-kindness, the three
principles of Don Bosco’s educational system.
The Salesian Sisters not only work for youth, but work with youth, we encourage them
to take on leadership roles with one another. We encourage the young to become good
Christians and honest citizens.
Our Sisters bring the young into a personal relationship with God through prayer and
a rich sacramental life.
Working with the Young Takes Many Forms:
Early Childhood Education
Elementary and High Schools
Youth Centers
Retreat Work
Summer Camps
Catechetical Work (CCD)
Volunteer Programs (VIDES)
And whatever else it takes to reach the hearts of the young
Where are We Located in the USA?
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Louisiana
New Jersey
New York
Texas
Contemplative? Active? Missionary? Understanding Your Call
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians are contemplatives in action. We live in a
community of prayer, in which the Sisters, together cultivate both the spirit and
the practice of prayer. This helps us to live habitually in the presence of God,
thus uniting the active with the contemplative life. As St. Mary Mazzarello said,
“Let prayer be the weapon which you always have at hand.”
Young women who enter the Salesian Sisters with the desire to become missionaries or
work with indigenous peoples, can request a temporary missionary experience, which
could be extended to a permanent assignment. Ordinarily, missionary Sisters undergo
a period of training at the General House in Rome, Italy.
How do I Become a Salesian Sister?
What are the educational requirements?
High school diploma or GED.
What are the entrance requirements?
Single, Catholic, never married, between the ages of 18 – 35 and in good health.
What is the application procedure?
Those who are interested in Salesian religious life can talk to a priest, Brother,
or Sister they know or email either fmavoc@aol.com or fmasuovoc@aol.com. After our
correspondence, girls are invited to attend a weekend retreat experience at a
convent, to meet the Sisters. After the face-to-face visit to discuss your vocation
with you and your family, there is an application questionnaire and letters of
recommendation that need to be submitted. Upon receiving a letter of acceptance,
new aspirants arrive in the beginning of August, when you will join community life,
and officially receive their medals, before going to Bellflower, CA for training.
The Formation of a Salesian Sister
The process of becoming a Salesian Sister occurs in stages. Each stage has a level
of commitment, study, and dress associated with it.
Aspirant – is a one year term of deepening your Christian call. The aspirants live
together with the postulants in a community in Bellflower, CA. The aspirants wear a
white blouse and navy blue skirt or pants with a navy blue vest.
Postulant – is a period of 10 months, during which you will deepen your life of
prayer through study and reflection. Postulants live in Bellflower, CA, working in
a vibrant parish and a large, beautiful school. You continue to wear your aspirant
uniforms, with the medal that is proper to your stage of formation.
Novice – is a two year period of intense study of the Constitutions of the Daughters
of Mary Help of Christians. Studying the history of the Church and the Salesian
Family, you are given the time and space to reflect on God’s call. This period
takes place in Newton, NJ.
Temporary Professed – is a period of six to nine years. The young Sister wears the
habit of the Salesian Sisters. During this time, you may complete your studies in a
local college, and begin teaching or work in youth ministry. As a young Sister, you
may be assigned to any of the communities in our province, renewing the vows of
poverty, chastity and obedience annually or biannually.
Perpetual Vows – this commitment is marked by a joyous religious celebration with
family and friends. It takes place approximately 10 years after entrance, and is a
giving of oneself to Christ in service to youth, as a permanent member of the
Salesian Sisters’ community. Sisters have the opportunity for continuously improving our spiritual, ecclesial,
technical, and educational enrichment, in accordance with the requirements of our
given tasks.
Help St. John Bosco’s Family in transforming the world, one young person at a time. Consider your call to join our Salesian Family today!
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco
"Like Mary, for Jesus and for the Young!"
20 Old Swartswood Rd.
Newton, NJ 07860
office: 973-579-2419
cellular: 732-597-3988
Salesians...
14,000 Sisters, 16,000 Priests and Brothers - Changing the World One Young Person at
a Time!
Present in 89 countries throughout the world...
In the US: NY, NJ, LA, FL, CA, TX, CO, AZ
www.salesiansvocations.org
www.myspace.com/happynun