Course for New Provincial Secretaries

Rome (Italy). From 6 to 23 March 2025 – a first part in Piedmont on the charismatic places and, from 11 March, in Rome, in the General House of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians – there was the formation course for the new Provincial Secretaries, Coordinated and animated by the General Secretary, Sister Maria Luisa Nicastro, together with her collaborators.

The theme of these days – “Provincial Secretary: a Mission at the service of Communion” – already suggests a task that does not involve only a set of practices to learn, with minutes, documents, statistical data, but that behind all this there are people, situations, relationships. The Secretary can therefore carry out in fullness the task entrusted to her if she lives a spirituality that puts at its center Jesus Christ and the love of the Father; if she lives the mission as a call; and, if in her heart, she guards and cultivates the desire for fraternity and communion.

One of the objectives of the course, in fact, was to deepen the “spirituality of the Secretary” who can make a synthesis between professional competence and service to the Provincial Community, in Salesian style. Other objectives were to improve one’s professional ability in the specific tasks required, to help increase historical awareness, know the persons of reference in the General Secretariat, and take note of the organization of the Secretariat and the General Archive in its various aspects.

The diverse origin of the participants – 22 FMA from all over the world – also favored the possibility to deepen and create communication networks for a mutual comparison, valuing cultural diversity.

The Course started with an itinerary to draw on the charismatic sources: Mornese (AL), Nizza Monferrato (AT), and Turin. One of the participants says, “It was a unique experience in Mornese. For some, it was the first time they saw these places. For all, it was a family moment that created a group and gave the opportunity to know each other and share. The comparison has helped to relativize the difficulties encountered in their Provinces, in their work, because you see that it is not only you who live them.”

The program continued in Rome with days rich in content, some more theoretical, such as the main elements of Canon Law; others more practical, such as the use of the Collaborative Platform, the drafting of minutes, and various Secretariat practices.

In two of the days, there was also space for the presentation of the different Sectors and their respective Councilors for Formation, Youth Ministry, Communication, Salesian Family, and Missions.

In addition, Sister Francesca Caggiano, Vice Postulator of the Causes of the Saints of the Salesian Family, talked about the path towards the Canonization of Sister Maria Troncatti, explaining how important it is to make these figures known and to encourage  asking for their intercession. It is not enough to distribute pictures and medals. What counts is the relationship that is established with the people to whom they are proposed and the testimony of faith of the FMA, so that prayer in communion with many can give the graces requested. It is also necessary to raise awareness of the fact that once a grace has been granted, it is important to give testimony and document what happened.

During the days, extraordinary formative opportunities were offered, such as the meeting with Mother General, Sister Chiara Cazzuola; the meeting with the Superior emerita, Mother Yvonne Reungoat; participation in the Conference on Mother Caterina Daghero and, especially, the Jubilee, with the passage through the Holy Door of  St. Peter’s Basilica.

Mother Chiara addressed the Secretaries with frankness and simplicity, highlighting some convictions that should support their task. First, the awareness that what was required, before the role, is a call to a greater love. Therefore, it is a service in the perspective of the Gospel. Then there is the desire for communion, because before structures and works, come people. Humility in accepting that as the Secretary, one learns, in an attitude of continuous search, in openness to the new and in creativity. There is respecting differences, recognizing the preciousness of each person, because in them there is God’s presence. In conclusion, some attentions to live as acts of love: remember, be punctual, organize work, inform, and communicate…. – to help the Provincial and the Provincial Councilors to do their work well and with serenity.

The evangelical icon indicated by Mother is Mary, who kept all things in her heart (Lk 2:19) and, as a charismatic reference, Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, who communicated in every way, making the hearts’ chords vibrate. Their secret was  constant union with God.

The participants of this Course appreciated the grace of being in Rome during the Jubilee Year and of being able to join the many “pilgrims of hope” who every day pass through the Holy Door and approach with faith the sacrament of reconciliation, renewing one’s faith and hope in Christ.

In a Good Night to the Community of Mary Help of Christians (RCG) of the Generalate, they also thanked the Animator and the Sisters for the welcome, care, and attention experienced during their time in Rome, which allowed them to devote themselves fully to their preparation.

The last day served to gather together the strings of the entire formation course, with a moment of practice and evaluation in the morning, very useful to answer some questions left open. Then there was a concluding time of celebration and thanksgiving in the afternoon, in which each of them gave their own contribution to say a heartfelt thank you to Sister Maria Luisa and all the collaborators of the General Secretariat.

In a simple and joyful way, we wanted to give expression to the diversity, creating a harmony of voices with a song, an Indian choreographic dance, and a lovely skit, with some Sisters who dressed up as Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello, and Mary Help of Christians. The course ended with the presentation of the “diplomas of secretary ok!” and the group photo, to remember what had been  experienced and the interwoven relationships.

Photos: Flickr FMA