Cardinal Leo Visits Salesian Sisters

On May 11, His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo made his first visit to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, more familiarly known as the Salesian Sisters. During this visit, His Eminence met Sr. Ruth del Pilar Mora, who is a member of the General Council for the Salesian Sisters. The sisters and the Cardinal shared joyful stories about serving the youth, and their hopes to continue meeting the needs of the youth in the Archdiocese. The Cardinal also shared with the sisters his admiration for St. John Bosco, who founded the congregation in 1872. He also shared fond memories of the Salesian communities that he met during his time in Montreal.

There was a true family spirit present, over an excellent supper prepared by two Salesian Cooperators. The Salesian Cooperators is an association, also founded by St. John Bosco, of men and women from different walks of life, who promise to live the Salesian charism and support the mission to the young within their capacity. The evening ended with the sisters singing two songs dedicated to the Blessed Mother, written by a Salesian priest and a sister.

Although there was an atmosphere of joy, there was also sadness as they remembered the life of Sr. Alphonsine Roy, FMA, who was the religious superior of the community of Salesian Sisters in Etobicoke. She passed away in April 2026, but all who were in attendance remembered her smile, humility and holiness. Sr. Alphonsine celebrated 60 years of fidelity as a Salesian Sister last year. 

The Salesian Sisters have been in the Archdiocese of Toronto since 1990, serving the youth in the schools and parishes, through works including teaching, Catechesis, youth ministry, retreat ministry, and discernment programs for young adults. If you would like to learn more about the sisters, please visit salesiansisters.org.