THE APOSTLE OF YOUTH
to Don Bosco. "The good Master has again chosen you as His instrument; let us humbly thank Him and refer all to His grace. I am convinced that the Sisters of Mary, Help of Christians, will accomplish similar effects in the education of girls to those wrought by the Salesian Fathers and Brothers in the education of boys." And succeeding years have confirmed this prophecy of the saintly Pius IX.
Don Bosco confided to the Holy Father his solicitude in regard to the maintenance of both societies. "As to that, do not hesitate," the Pope said, reassuringly; "if the work is to last the nuns must remain under your authority and that of your successors. They can work amalgamated with you, as the Sisters of Charity worked with St. Vincent de Paul."
Don Rua, assistant to Don Bosco, was appointed prefect of the Society of Mary, Help of Christians; and the first Salesian house for girls was established under his direction about July, 1874. The progress of the Society, its wide expansion, was so astonishing that in ten years, 1884, more than thirty houses flourished in Italy, France and America. Wherever an Oratory for boys was founded the people called for a similar organization for girls. In the beginning Mary Mazzarello's nuns numbered only thirteen; when, in 1884, after incredible labors and sacrifices she died in the odor of sanctity, consumed with the love of God and zeal for the souls of His little ones, she left
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