THE HISTORY
The Salesian mission in Sicily and the legacy of Blessed Maddalena Morano
Maddalena Morano, born in Chieri (Turin) in 1847, embraced with trust the mission to educate and train young women. In 1881, she arrived in Sicily, in a context of great cultural and religious poverty, bringing with her the Salesian educational method based on Don Bosco's Preventive System.
In 1890, she arrived in Alì Terme, where she founded an oratory, a sewing and embroidery workshop, a school, and the novitiate for the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. From there, her work extended throughout Sicily, making Alì Terme the heart of the Salesian expansion on the island. She dedicated her life to education, the promotion of women, and evangelisation, becoming a point of reference for the Church in Sicily. She died on 26 March 1908, and in 1939, her remains were transferred from the cemetery chapel to the Church of Mary Help of Christians, now a Sanctuary.
A woman who came from afar to draw close to the people
On 5 November 1994, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Maddalena Morano Blessed, recognising the value of her educational apostolate.
On 8 October 2017, the Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela officially proclaimed Blessed Morano Patroness of catechists and educators, recognising her contribution to the Christian formation of new generations.
Go to the comic book
A living legacy
Today, the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Alì Terme continues to be a point of reference for the community, keeping alive the work and message of Blessed Morano.
Her mission of education and human promotion continues thanks to the work of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, who with passion and dedication carry forward the values of hospitality, formation, and spirituality.
Learn more about the life and work of Blessed Maddalena Morano by visiting the Sanctuary and the Museum dedicated to her!
Discover the life of Blessed Morano!
An example of faith and dedication that left an indelible mark in Sicily.
