Daughters of Mary –Auxillatrix (Help of Christians-FM A Estd in Darj 1991
DAUGHTERS OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
(Known as Salesian Sisters) FMA was founded by St. John Bosco and Co- Foundress St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, We belong to the PROVINCE OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS - KOLKATA
Our religious family has its origin in the heart and mind of St John Bosco and in the creative fidelity with which St Mary Domenica Mazzarello and her Sisters assumed the project he intended, that of
being called 'Daughters of Mary Help of Christians' (Salesian Sisters), a living monument of gratitude to his Madonna. At the persistent request of many people in Turin, and as a result of his perceptions, Don Bosco resolved to take steps in setting up an Institute that would reach out to many poor and abandoned young girls. He was inspired to do so, through his contact with various female institutes, his deep Marian devotion, the encouragement received from Pope Pius IX and the many inspirations he had in this regard, through' dreams' and significant happenings.
There were two significant signs that conveyed the same message: that an educative environment similar to the one for boys at Valdocco, Turin, should be set up for children and young girls. It was
Mary Domenica Mazzarello who, as co-founder of this Institute gave life and form to this newly founded Institute On August 5th 1872, the first group of young women, following the example of Mary, in declaring their "Yes" to God's Call, committed themselves to be 'helpers' of young people We began to work in Darjeeling Diocese in the year 1991, through the instrumentality of Late Rev. Bishop Eric Benjamin. He invited and offered the land and permission given by the Government of Sikkim to open a co-education school at Gesying Sikkim. We have a high school, boarding for girls and boys with teachers quarters are functioning at Gesying (Sikkim.)
Our second foundation was in Kurseong in 1995 at St. Mary's Hill. We offer boarding facilities for young girls from the villages to attend the nearby schools and for girls who are drop outs and those with least chances to attend regular classes to prepare themselves for class X and XII National open school exams and complete their studies. It is also the centre for spiritual renewal and retreats. We have a budding third foundation in Mirik which is just in its initial stages (March 2008)
Our Provincial is SR. ROSE KUREEKATTU FMA. The Present strength of the congregation in the Diocese is 15 Professed Sisters. Our apostolate consists of education of the youth especially weaker section .We have boarding's, village apostolate, Parish Animation, Dispensary, youth activities, Catechetical and youth animation.
