As a religious family, we were founded by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello in Mornese, Italy, on August 5, 1872. Now we are more than 10,700 Sisters in 96 countries. John Bosco envisioned us as a living monument of his gratitude to Our Lady for her daily care and protection. Our charism, or specific gift to the Church, is youth ministry, particularly for the poor and marginalized young people.
In 1955, amidst China’s communist takeover and the expulsion of Catholic missionaries, the Salesian Sisters found refuge in Hong Kong, with some eventually reaching the Philippines. That same year, three FMA Sisters, Sr. Erminia Borzini, Sr. Josephine Gallo, and Sr. Ligia Borges, along with Sr. Catherine Moore, representing Mother Provincial Elena Bottini, established the Salesian spirit of Mornese in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. From 1955 to 1984, FMA Philippines operated under the Hong Kong Province, overseen by six Provincial Superiors.
Finally, in 1984, FMA Philippines achieved autonomy, first as the Delegation of St. Mary Mazzarello – Philippines, and then, on October 8th, as the canonically established Province of St. Mary Mazzarello – Philippines. The influence of the Philippine Province extended to East Timor and Indonesia, where FMA communities were established, until 2003 when these regions, along with others, formed a separate Pre-Province.
In 2001, the first FMA presence in East Boroko, Papua New Guinea, was established as part of the Philippine Province, with three Filipina Sisters pioneering this mission. Today, the FMA are currently present in two communities across Papua New Guinea (East Boroko and Tapo) and 18 communities in the Philippines, continuing their founders’ educational mission and striving to be signs of Christ’s love for young people and forming them to become good Christians and responsible citizens.
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