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Beatified
on 20-11-38
Canonized on 24-6-51
Early life
Mary
Domenica was born on May 9, 1837, in Mornese (Alessandria). At home she
was helped to develop a solid piety, untiring work and that outstanding
common sense and depth of judgement that she would show in later life
as Congregational Leader. At fifteen, she joined the Association of the
Daughters of Mary Immaculate and began her apostolate among the young
people of her village.
A serious attack of typhoid, at the age of 23, had a profound spiritual
effect on her. The experience of her own physical fragility, on the one
hand, deepened her abandonment to God and, on the other, encouraged her
to open a sewing school to educate the girls in work, prayer and love
of God.
Encounter with Don Bosco
Thanks to her intense sacramental
life, and under the wise guidance of
Fr. Pestarino, she made great progress in the spiritual life. On the
occasion of Don Bosco's visit to Mornese (10-8-1864) she said: "Don
Bosco is a saint and I feel it". In 1872 Don Bosco chose her to begin
the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian
Sisters).
Co-foundress
As Congregational Leader, she proved a capable formator and teacher of
spiritual life. She was cheerful and serene, and spread peace wherever
she went. She radiated joy and involved other young people in her
dedication to the education of women.
Spiritual heritage
The Institute developed rapidly. At her death, she left her Daughters
an educational tradition, permeated by Gospel values: the search for
God, whom we come to know through enlightened catechesis and ardent
love, responsibility in work, sincerity and humility, austerity of life
and joyful self-giving.
She died in Nizza Monferrato on May 14, 1881.
Her remains are venerated in the Basilica of Mary Our Help in Turin.
Her feast is celebrated on May 13.
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