THE SALESIAN FAMILY
Don Bosco was inspired to create a vast movement of persons who work for the good of the young in a variety of ways. He himself founded not only the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians of Don Bosco) but also the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) and the Association of Salesian Co-operators. Taking these into account and the other associations that have sprung up in various parts of the world, the Salesian Family currently numbers 31 officially recognised groups. the Rector Major of the Society of St. Francis de Sales (As successor of Don Bosco) is its animator and centre of unity. (Salesian Constitution Art. 3)
Although these groups have their own specific vocations they live in mutual harmony, sharing the same spirit and thus extending the mission begun by Don Bosco. Don Bosco’s charism continues to inspire men and women of goodwill.
The Salesians of Don Bosco
Founded by St. John Bosco in the nineteenth century, the Salesian Congregation is 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 the focus of the Salesian through education and evangelization. The Salesian believes that a total dedication to the young is his best gift to humanity. Based on this the Salesians are present in about 130 different nations.

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Daughters of Mary Help of Christians
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also known as the Salesian Sisters, are present in about 85 countries. Sharing the same mission as the Salesians, The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians has as its primary ministry, mission to the young through:
– education (in schools at all levels)
– youth centers,
– health care,
– community and social services in mission areas,
– 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”.
Salesian Cooperators
Early on, it was clear to Don Bosco that he would need the help of the laity.
(Updated as of April 15, 2016)
1. | Salesians of Don Bosco: (with novices and bishops) | 15762 |
2. | Daughters of Mary Help of Christians | ** 14655 |
3. | Salesian Cooperators | * 26239 |
4. | The Association of Mary Help of Christians | 100000 |
5. | Past Pupils of Don Bosco | * 97357 |
6. | Past Pupils of the FMA | 130000 |
7. | Women Volunteers of Don Bosco | 1230 |
8. | Daughters of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary | ** 378 |
9. | Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart | ** 221 |
10. | Apostles of the Holy Family | ** 69 |
11. | The Sisters of Charity of Jesus | ** 990 |
12. | The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians | ** 1050 |
13. | The Daughters of the Divine Saviour | 167 |
14. | The Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary | 109 |
15. | The Sisters of Jesus the Adolescent | 26 |
16. | The Association of the Damas Salesianas | 2083 |
17. | Volunteers with Don Bosco | 82 |
18. | The Catechists Sisters of Mary Immaculate Help of Christians | 500 |
19. | The Daughters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate | 37 |
20. | Witnesses of the Risen Lord TR | 750 |
21. | The Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel | ** 357 |
22. | The Congregation of Sisters of the Resurrection | 50 |
23. | The Congregation of the Sisters Announcers of the Lord | 23 |
24. | The Disciples – Secular Institute | ** 400 |
25. | The Comunity of “Canção Nova” | 1300 |
26. | The Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel (Michaelites) | ** 261 |
27. | The Sisters of Maria Auxiliatrix | ** 110 |
28. | The Community of the Mission of Don Bosco (CMB) | |
29. | The Sisters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate | 29 |
30. | Visitation Sisters of Don Bosco (VSDB) | 122 |
31. | Contemplative Fraternity of Mary of Nazareth (New as of 7/11/16) |
Source:
*Statistical data, GC26, Rome 2014
**Annuario Pontificio 2008; other figures are updated by individual institutes