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The Society of Saint Francis de Sales, commonly known as the Salesians of Don Bosco or the Salesian Society, is a Roman Catholic religious institute founded by John Bosco, an Italian priest, to help poor children during the Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century, named for Francis de Sales, a bishop from Geneva. In 1845, Don John Bosco opened a night school for boys in Valdocco, which is now part of Turin, Italy. In subsequent years, he opened several more schools, drawing up a set of rules for his helpers in 1857 that became the Rule of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, which was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1873. Soon, houses were formed in France and Argentina, and the institute began publishing its official print organ, the Salesian Bulletin, in 1877. Within ten years, the Salesians expanded into Austria, Britain, Spain, and several South American countries, then Columbia, China, India, South Africa, Tunisia, Venezuela, and the United States. Today, the Salesians are the third largest missionary organization in the world. At the head of the Salesians is the Rector Major and the Society's general council. Each of its geographical provinces is headed by a Provincial, and each local Salesian community is administered by a superior, known as a Rector. Among the ministries performed by the Salesians include the operation of homeless shelters or homes for at-risk children, vocational and language schoolls for children and adults, boys clubs and community centers, while some Salesians run parish churches. The Salesians are active in publishing and public communications, and the Society operates a network of colleges and universities. Its women's institute is the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, also known as the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Other members of the Salesian Family include the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesian Cooperators, the Visitation Sisters of Don Bosco, Past Pupils of Don Bosco, and several others.

 

 

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