The Salesian Family

Don Bosco inspired the start of a vast movement of persons who work in different ways for the benefit of the young. He 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 and the Association of Salesian Cooperators.

His spirit, charisma, and sanctity have also inspired many other founders of lay and religious groups. Each of these groups derives its spiritual nourishment from Don Bosco’s example of being a contemplative in action. Adapting St. John Bosco’s Salesian Spirituality to new cultures and times, twenty one groups are now officially recognized as braches of the Salesian Family. These apostles to the young now number over 405,000 members in over 128 countries. These groups live in communion with each other, share the same spirit and, with specifically distinct vocations, continue the mission he began.

There are 23 groups that are officially recognized as members of the Salesian Family.

1. Salesians of Don Bosco 16,645
2. Daughters of Mary Help of Christians 15,074
3. Salesian Co-operators 35,000
4. Past-Pupils of Don Bosco 197,730
5. Past-Pupils of the FMA 130,000
6. Women Volunteers of Don Bosco 1,308
7. Daughters of Sacred Heart 404
8. Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart 262
9. Apostles of the Holy Family 100
10. Caritas Sisters of Miyazaki 1,074
11. Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians 700
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
22. Congregation of Sisters of the Resurrection 50
23. Sisters Announcers of the Lord 23

(Source: Statistical data, GC 25, Rome 2002 – The value of the numbers are relative – Rome, 22/03/2006)

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