Maddalena Caterina Morano was born on 15 November 1847 in Chieri, Turin. At the age of eight, she lost her father, Francis, and began helping her mother with household work. Thanks to her uncle, a priest, she was able to continue her studies, and her talent for teaching was soon evident as she assisted younger children. During this time, she also encountered Don Bosco for the first time while walking to Buttigliera d’Asti. Determined to dedicate herself to education, she earned her teacher’s certificate at just seventeen.
At nineteen, Maddalena began teaching in Montaldo Torinese, where she served with dedication for fourteen years. Known for her competence and commitment, she gained great respect within the community. After ensuring her mother’s security by purchasing a home for her, Maddalena followed the guidance of her spiritual director and sought counsel from Don Bosco. He introduced her to Mother Maria Mazzarello at Mornese, who warmly welcomed her into the Salesian family.
In 1880, Maddalena made her perpetual vows, entrusting her life completely to God and praying for the grace to “remain alive until she became a saint.” The following year, at the request of the Archbishop of Catania, she directed a new educational work in Trecastagni. There she taught, cooked, cleaned, and catechized, becoming so admired by the girls that they often exclaimed, “We want to be like her!”
After a year in Turin leading the Valdocco community, Maddalena was sent to Sicily as Visitor, directress, and novice mistress. With untiring zeal and deep faith, she founded schools, oratories, workshops, and hostels throughout the island. Inspired by devotion to St. Joseph and Mary Help of Christians, she nurtured vocations and built vibrant communities grounded in Don Bosco’s Preventive System. The bishops entrusted her with overseeing catechetics, the foundation of oratories, and the establishment of a Teacher’s College in Catania.
Afflicted with a tumor, Maddalena Morano died in Catania on March 26, 1908. At her passing, Sicily already had 18 houses, 142 sisters, 20 novices, and 9 postulants, a testament to her fruitful mission. On 5 November 1994, Pope John Paul II beatified her, and her remains are now venerated at Alì Terme in Messina.
