(France, South Belgium). “Mary Domenica Mazzarello. Expert guide on the path to happiness” is the title of the book, in the Italian translation, edited by Gribaudi, May 2021 and written by Sandrine Gilles and Marie Vaillant, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the French Belgium-South Province Notre Dame des Nations (FRB ), engaged in youth ministry, in the Salesian Spirituality Center of Farnières – Belgium and in Don Bosco Ganshoren College – Brussels.
The text traces the human and spiritual journey that Mary Mazzarello embarked upon in reaching holiness. A journey characterized by constant and familiar dialogue with God, woven in an ordinary life where she herself discovers the presence of a God who is always near. Each line is a reflection of her humanity, her inner richness, and her ability to re-read events with wisdom and optimism.
Teacher of wisdom, of life, incomparable educator, spiritual guide, Mary Domenica urges us to walk together with realism and authenticity, to advance with courage by welcoming everything from life, to draw from the source that is Christ, and to walk in freedom, letting ourselves be shaped by God as a gift for others.
The Italian translation of the text was edited by Sr. Maria Collino, Sr. Rosanna Gatto Monticone, Sr. Laura Gorlato, and Sr. Maria Angela Gribaudo, with the revision and coordination of Sr. Vilma Tallone, Economer General of the FMA Institute. The cover was prepared by Sr. Angela Marzorati.
The original work in French, with the title “Prier 15 jours … Marie-Dominique Mazzarello, Foundress, avec Don Bosco, des Sœurs Salésiennes”, Nouvelle Cité edition, 2020, was published in 2020 by the Province France Belgium-South (FRB) on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the canonization of Mary Domenica Mazzarello (1951-2021) and in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (1872-2022).
Co-founder with Don Bosco of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesians of Don Bosco, Mary Domenica Mazzarello (1837-1881) learned little by little that holiness is achieved in living daily life with simplicity, joy, self-giving, and re-reading every event in the light of God.
With the onset of typhus disease, Main experiences her own fragility. The love she had for the Lord and her courage opened up new and broader horizons for her, a wonderful educational adventure that soon went beyond the borders of Italy to reach other continents, and today 97 nations. Educator and spiritual guide, she teaches everyone the way of “doing freely whatever charity requires” (L 35,3), the way to happiness.
“Have great confidence in Our Lady,
She will help you in everything”
(M. Mazzarello).
