Saint Mary Dominic Mazzarello (1881)

She was one of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, a branch of nuns affiliated with the Order of Salesians and founded by Saint John Bosco. Her great apostolate was among motherless girls. She became superioress of her Order. She governed it with great wisdom until she died. She looked on Saint John Bosco as the very mouthpiece of God. She sought his guidance in all things. Her Order, now known as the Salesian Sisters, is spread all over the world. The great devotions of Saint Mary Dominic Mazzarello were to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and to the Blessed Mother of God. “Trust Our Lady,” she said. “She will help you in all things.” Saint Mary Dominic died when she was only forty-four years old, the same age as Saint Francis of Assisi. Every time she heard the clock strike, she said, “One hour less here. One hour nearer to eternity.” Her feast day is also celebrated on May 14.