Who Are the Salesians?

Simply put, the Salesians are a group of Catholic men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping the young.

More formally, the Salesian Family numbers in the hundreds of thousands (see below). The three largest groups are the Salesians of Don Bosco, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (or the Salesian Sisters), and Salesian Co-operators.

The Salesians of Don Bosco

As priests and brothers, they are an international organization of men dedicated to the service of young people, especially those who are poor and disadvantaged.

Journeying with the young, 'Youth Resource Development' is their focus through education and evangelization. They believe that a total dedication to the young is their best gift to humanity.

Founded by St. John Bosco in the nineteenth century, they are in 128 different nations. When you see a Salesian Priest or Brother's name, the initials S.D.B. are added to the end for Salesian of Don Bosco. For example: Br. Rob Thomas, SDB or Fr. John House, SDB.

Daughters of Mary Help of Christians

The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also known as the Salesian Sisters, are present in 85 countries on all continents. Their primary ministry for the young is through education, in schools at all levels, youth centers, health care, community and social services in mission areas, and residences for students.

The official title of the Congregation is Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. They were formed in Italy in 1872 through the combined efforts of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello. In Italian, their name is "Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice". When you see a Salesian Sister's name, these initials (FMA) are added to the end. For example: Sr. Carol Sims, FMA

 
 

Salesian Cooperators

Early on, it was clear to Don Bosco that he would need the help of the laity.

Cooperators are Catholics who, while living their faith within the framework of their own secular condition, draw their ispiration from Don Bosco's apostolic project, To contribute to the salvation of the young, "that part of human society which is so exposed and yet so rich in promise". Lay Cooperators fulfil their commitment and live the Salesian spirit in the normal situations of their life and work, according to their lay state, and spread their values in their environment.

Groups of Membership (in chronological order)
[Updated on February 14, 2009.]

1. Salesians of Don Bosco: (with novices and bishops) * 16,092
2. Daughters of Mary Help of Christians: ** 14,655
3. Salesian Co-operators: * 24,196
4. Past Pupils of Don Bosco: * 97,357
5. Past Pupils of the FMA: 130,000
6. Women Volunteers of Don Bosco: 1,308
7. Daughters of Sacred Heart: ** 378
8. Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart: ** 221
9. Apostles of the Holy Family ** 69
10. Caritas Sisters of Miyazaki: ** 1068
11. Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians: ** 1011
12. Daughters of the Divine Saviour: 109
13.  Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: 109
14. Sisters of Jesus the Adolescent: 43
15. Association Damas Salesianas: 3,000
16. Association of Mary Help of Christians: 35,000
17. Catechists Sisters of Mary Immaculate Help of Christians: 500
18.  Daughters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate: 57
19. Volunteers with Don Bosco: 62
20. Witnesses of the Risen Lord TR 2000: 650
21. Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel ** 357
22. Congregation of Sisters of the Resurrection 50
23. Sisters Announcers of the Lord 23
24. The Disciples - Secular Institute ** 400
25. Friends of "Canção Nova"
26. Sisters of St Michael the Archangel (Michaelites) ** 261

(Source: *Statistical data, GC26, Rome 2008;
**Annuario Pontificio 2008; other figures are updated by individual institutes from time to time)