Saint Maria Mazzarello

Also known as: Mary Dominic Mazzarello
Memorial: 14 May
Profile: Daughter of Giuseppe and Maddalena Mazzarello. The eldest of ten children in a farm family in the mountains; seven of the children survived, and Maria learned the lessons typical of a big sister. Field worker. Member of the Pious Union of Mary Immaculate. Assisted at her parish, teaching catechism to younger children, helping the sick. Nearly died of typhus at age 23; though she survived, she never recovered her strength or health again.

She and her friend Petronilla began working as dressmakers. They discovered a joint interest in working with children, and started a school for girls that soon turned into a boarding school. Each Sunday they offered the local girls, whether students or not, the chance to come to the school for games and prayers.

Co-founder of the Daughters of Mary Auxiliatrix, which was under the spritual direction of Saint John Bosco. First Salesian Sister, and superior of the order. Founded houses in Italy and France.
Born: 9 May 1837 at Mornese, Acqui, Italy
Died: 14 May 1881; natural causes
Beatified: 1938 by Pope Pius XI
Canonized: 1951 by Pope Pius XII
Patronage: bodily ills; sick people; sickness
Additional Information: Kirken i Norge [norwegian]
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