Glimpses of Mazzarello in Mornese

Saint Mary Mazzarello (1837–1881) was an Italian educator and co-founder of the Salesian Sisters (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians). Born in Mornese, Italy, she started her life working in the fields. After surviving typhoid, which left her physically weakened, she dedicated her life to the education and moral guidance of young girls. Mornese is a small village in the Piedmont region of Italy. It serves as the historic birthplace and cradle of the Salesian Sisters. Alongside St. John Bosco, Mary Mazzarello established their first community there in 1872. The village remains a deeply significant pilgrimage site, known for the "Spirit of Mornese"—a foundational charism cantered on joy, simplicity, and active care for youth.