On march 1, 1854, in a poor house at the top of Caroggio in Albisola Mare, with the prayer and blessing of Fr.

Francesco, Battistina and her sister Maria, enthusiastically and courageously started the Institute which was
named Daughters of Virgin Mary Immaculate. These pious women lived a common life, consecrating themselves
totally to God doing works of charity to others especially to the young girls and the sick. 
 
Even in the midst of so many difficulties, Mo. Teresa Vallerga was able to manage teaching in the public
elementary school in Albisola Mare. Fr. Francesco, on the other hand continued to teach in the School of Charity
in Savona while at the same time, directed and supported the young community.  He encouraged the sisters to
adapt a special style in the field of education. The sisters worked as “servants of the poor”. They chose to work
amid the people, freely carrying out their works of charity to everyone.
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On April 16, 1857, the first religious investiture of the two sisters took place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace. It
was presided by Fr. Ottaviano Poggi.  After a year another young lady, Bianca Spotorno, joined them. February 2,
1859, was indeed a significant day for the first three novices: Battistina Vallerga,
 
Maria Vallerga and Bianca Spotorno took their vows of poverty, obedience, chastity and a pledge of committing
themselves to the service of the poor. Battistina changed her name to Sister Teresa, Maria chose the name Ottavia
and Bianca became Sister Geltrude.
 
From 1859 to 1864 Mo. Teresa and Fr. Francesco formulated the fundamental rules of the young community of
the Daughters of Virgin Mary Immaculate, Servants of the Poor.  Their teachings and practices centered on prayer,
devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the Immaculate Virgin Mary, and her spouse, St. Joseph.  The institute grew and
became famous in that vicinity.  There was a time that Don Bosco heard about this newly founded community. 
He visited his Salesian community in Varraze and took the occasion to greet the Founders of the Daughters of
Virgin Mary Immaculate in Savona.  He had a good impression of these simple and humble servants of God.  He
told Mother Teresa, “The institute is small but the foundation is good.  Your institute will grow, at first somewhat
slowly, but it would grow”.  
 
On the evening of January 25, 1874, after a period of suffering and illness, Father Francesco Piccone died before
the very eyes of the sisters who devotedly took care of him during his last days.  All the people felt that a wise and
saintly priest had passed in their midst.  Mother Teresa with head bent, murmured “Yes, all for the love of you, O
God.”
 
The sisters joyously outlined their journey according to the spirit and lifestyle of Father Francesco Piccone.  The
seed which was sowed germinated and produced good fruits. The love of sacrifices, self denials and simplicity
were the virtues they concretely lived
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In 1879, Mother Teresa was truly grateful in having been able to open a house for the poor in Savona.  This new
home gave her the opportunity to actualize her thoughts, “Let the poor be your favorites”. The heavy work made
the physical condition of Mother Teresa grew very bad.  Yet in spite of all these sufferings she found the courage
to inspire her sisters with her examples and her words.  In the evening of February 22, 1880, the illness got worst. 
The sisters gathered around her bedside, heard her saying with a faint voice, “My daughters, give glory to God
and save many souls…our Lady how much I Love her, I am content to die in the consummation of Jesus’ Love”.  
Yes, Mother Teresa’s life was an expression of a life that had truly been devoted for the glory of God and the