Turin (Italy). On 7 October 2023, Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, in Turin in the Chapel of the Mary Help of Christians Community of Mary Help of Christians Province (IPI), singing the song ‘Called by Name’, eleven young women officially began the journey to become Daughters of Mary Help of Christians with the entry into the Postulancy, the time preceding the Novitiate. The young women come from Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Jordan, and Italy (Udine and Rome).
Their story:
The days that preceded this moment were full of prayer, discussion on the Word of God, following which we composed together, the text of the entrustment to Mary, then pronounced at the feet of the Help of Christians in the beautiful church of “27”.
In this way, we wanted to express our profound desire to have Her guard our path and, above all, our adherence to the Word of Jesus chosen for this occasion. It is taken from the Gospel of Matthew, the story of Jesus walking on the water (Mt 14:22-36). The words that Jesus addresses to his disciples: “Courage, it is I”, express our desire to live this year with the courage to let ourselves be formed by the Love of God, expressing an attitude of trust in those who will accompany us, “savoring” the ideas given by the formation personnel, by prayer, community life, and apostolate.
The function of the imposition of the medal, although experienced in a private way and in respect of this delicate time, saw the sincere participation and sharing of some Sisters of our new Community, Mary Most Holy Consolata, and the neighboring communities, together with some Salesian brothers and friends.
In particular, some of our Provincials and the Vicar General of our Institute, Sister María del Rosario García Ribas were present and reminded us of the importance of “sharing life, forming community, walking together with the community and the entire people of God.” The celebration in the church was followed by refreshments prepared on the veranda by the Sisters of the Provincial house, whom we sincerely thank for offering us the opportunity to meet many friends and experience the warmth of the Salesian Family.
With the Word “Courage” in our hearts, guarded by the hands of Mary Help of Christians and with the support of so many Sisters and friends to whom we express our thanks, we hope for a journey rich in the presence of God. Only thanks to Him can we harmonize our diversity, thus making us capable of bringing His presence among young people in the most authentic Salesian spirit.
Avete fatto una bellissima scelta, il Signore porti a compimento l’opera che con il Suo aiuto avete iniziato. Grazie per la testimonianza che ci date! E’ bello offrirsi a Dio sin dalla giovinezza. E’ bello vedere giovani donne che hanno il coraggio di consacrarsi all’Amore.