Abstract

Leitmotiv of educational style typical to saint Maria Dominika Mazzarello consists in „taking care of others.” This expression does not limit itself to the external signs of kindness or love. „Taking care of others” means for her much more; it signifies life founded on the attitudes of openness towards the „other.” Saint Maria Dominika Mazzarello is an example of a person rich in human and Christian values. She was a woman of great educational intuition and sensitivity, able to build deep interpersonal relationships with others. She had an incredible courage and passion for education. According to her, quality of religious life dedicated to formation of the young consisted in interiorization of love, clarity of motivation, rightness, and genuineness. Mother Mazzarello was aware that educational efforts realized in accordance with Sal esian style required a solid praparation and competence. Therefore, she continuously was sending the young sisters to College and University in order to improve and update their educational qualifications. Educational style of Maria Dominika Mazzarello was based on respect for each person and aimed at her or his integral development. Mother Mazzarello was convinced that holistic education included also supernatural needs of every human being. This firm belief found its manifestation in her work, in which she underlined necessity of looking for answers to questions regarding sense of life, truth, and love. In educational style of saint Maria Dominika, work was understood not only as a possibility of growth, but as an effort directed towards self-formation, as well. She used to remind that real educational influence was possible only in the environment promoting community values, family spirit and authentic joy. Her educational project is a fount of inspiration still today, because also nowadays there is a need for women who, as Maria Dominika, will be able to „take care of others” with wisdom and love.