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By Salesian Sister Eileen Tickner 

MIAMI | On August 5, 1872, a new religious family was born. In a small village in northern Italy, 11 women professed the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the presence of St. John Bosco. 

On May 5, 2022, Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami celebrated the first to make her vows, St. Maria Mazzarello. The day was, in a special way, a celebration of her life and her “yes” to God.

Dedicated to serving youth, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, or as they are known in the United States, the Salesian Sisters, are celebrating 150 years as a congregation.

Serving at Immaculata-La Salle for over 20 years, the sisters and staff planned a day of rejoicing to commemorate this occasion. At the celebration of the Eucharist, over 900 students and faculty remained in rapt silence as five Salesian Sisters renewed their vows. 

This particular moment in the liturgy is significant because the sisters witnessed to the young they serve and to those with whom they serve, their dedication to the Church, the mission of their congregation and the fact that Jesus is still calling.

At the conclusion of Mass, more than 30 seniors and two teachers joined 13 other teachers in making promises to belong to the International Association of Past Pupils.

The schedule then included a special lunch menu and various recreational activities that brought to the day that particular festive ambiance that St. John Bosco and St. Maria Mazzarello cultivated in their time.

The distinctive Salesian charism of joy and duty is strong and vibrant at ILS. We are a family that will not soon forget the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Sisters.

Salesian Sister Eileen Tickner serves as athletics youth minister at Immaculata-La Salle High School.