Marrero (United States). In Marrero, Louisiana, for generations the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Province of St. Joseph (SEC) and the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Province of St. Philip the Apostle (SUE) have worked side by side to educate and form in the spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, shaping the lives of young men and women through faith, education and service.
Academy of Our Lady, an all-girls Catholic high school administered by the Salesian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Community of Harvey, and Archbishop Shaw High School, administered by the Salesian priests, serve as pillars of this mission on the Westbank of New Orleans. Together, they foster a vibrant community rooted in Salesian spirituality.
Their collaboration is evident in shared traditions like Salesian Lunches, where students gather for fellowship, and Young Salesian Day, which allows high school students to mentor local elementary school children. Don Bosco Day in January brings both schools together for Mass and celebrations, while the COR Retreat offers a life-changing faith experience led by lay leaders who carry on the Salesian legacy.
That same spirit of unity took center stage last fall as the two schools came together for the inaugural Mary Mazzarello Day on November 20, 2024 – a landmark event celebrating the strength and vision of the Salesian co-founder.
Faith, Fellowship, and Friendly Competition
Students from both schools gathered for a day filled with Salesian joy. The event featured a skit dramatizing Mother Mazzarello’s fearless leadership, unwavering strength, and deep commitment to girls’ education. The skit, performed by the AOL and Shaw Theater Class, was a powerful reminder of the Salesian charism that continues to inspire students today.
Planned by members of both AOL and Shaw’s Student Councils, the event embodied the Salesian pillars of a home that welcomes, a playground where friends meet, a school that prepares for life, and a parish that evangelizes.
“”Being able to meet with AOL for the planning of Mary Mazzarello Day allowed us to form a true connection between the two brother and sister schools. We took ideas from both sides to make the day enjoyable for everyone involved,” said Richard of Archbishop Shaw.
The planning process went beyond logistics – it was an opportunity for both schools to unite in their shared Salesian mission.
“It felt nice to organize this day with Shaw. The outcome lived up to my expectations because both schools had fun, and even though we lost, we kept a great attitude throughout the day,” said La’Niyah of Academy of Our Lady.
A Game-Changing Moment
The day was filled with spirited competitions and games, leading up to an unforgettable final showdown. With the score tied, Fr. Steve Ryan, Shaw High School’s Director, and Sr. Michelle Geiger, AOL’s Principal, were called to the floor for a high-stakes tiebreaker: rock-paper-scissors.
As the entire gym chanted, “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!” Fr. Steve threw rock, and Sr. Michelle chose scissors, securing a win for the Shaw Eagles—who took home the St. Mary Mazzarello statue as their prize. While Shaw may have won the statue, the true victory lay in the spirit of unity and devotion that both schools shared.
“I was fine with losing, even though I do like to win,” Sr. Michelle reflected. “I am very happy because I have never seen a Mary Mazzarello statue on Shaw’s campus. By their so-called loss, Mother Mazzarello is now present in their school. Win or lose, as Salesian women, we have won.”
The addition of the St. Mary Mazzarello statue to Archbishop Shaw’s campus serves as a lasting symbol of the Salesian family spirit – a powerful reminder that through collaboration, faith, and shared mission, both schools continue to transform the lives of Don Bosco’s children on the West Bank of Louisiana.
