Rome (Italy). From 5 to 26 July 2024 in Rome, at the House of the Franciscan Angeline Sisters, 12 Temporary Professed Daughters of Mary Help of Christians had the experience of the 1st month of the second Novitiate in preparation for perpetual vows. Accompanied by Sister Anna Trotti, FMA, the Temporary Professed came from North America, Africa, and Europe.
The formation took place at different times: from conferences with Fr. Marco Panero, SDB, and other speakers, to pilgrimages to Rome, to Marian and Salesian sites, and in encounters to dialogue on the experiences of the FMA from the whole world. The experience was based on sharing fraternal life among the young FMA, made of daily life, prayer, fraternity, and times of games and recreation.
The themes addressed were in particular: the experience of Elijah and his crisis, vocational unity, fraternal life, vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, the accompaniment of young people, and the rite of perpetual profession.
In addition to the enriching insights, the moments of community and personal prayer were appreciated, as well as the sharing in groups about what was being lived.
Stimulating and inspiring were the encounters with the General Councilors of the FMA Institute: Sister Nilza Fátima de Moraes, Counselor for Formation; Sister María del Rosario García Ribas, Vicar General; Sister Ruth del Pilar Mora, Counselor for the Missions; Sister Maria Ausilia De Siena, Counselor for Communication.
The most anticipated and moving moment was the encounter with Mother Chiara Cazzuola, accompanied by Sister Paola Battagliola, Visiting Counselor. Through moments of diversion and knowledge and dialogue in a family atmosphere, each one was able to share with Mother her own questions, concerns, and dreams. Strong was her encouragement to continue the journey in fidelity and joy.
At the end of these days, they were given the opportunity to live a day of desert and prayer in which each had the opportunity to make a synthesis of the experience so that it may be a stimulus and help for the new pastoral and scholastic year, characterized by the most immediate preparation for their total donation in the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The Temporary Professed and the communities that accompany them rely on the prayer of everyone.
