Turin (Italy). From 30 March to 2 April 2023 in Turin, Valdocco, the European Conference of the World Confederation of Mornese Past Pupils of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians is held on the theme “We are a Family that listens and interacts on the Net”.
“A beautiful and profound theme, which relaunches us on the charismatic journey of being and belonging to the great family generated by the heart of Don Bosco”, highlighted the Mother General of the FMA Institute, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, reaching out with a Message to the more than 100 participants from all over Europe, to ensure prayer and accompaniment in this event.
She then expressed her wish, “After a long period of separation and physical distance due to the pandemic, you find yourself together to reinvigorate the sense of belonging and be able to work in a serene and constructive dialogue. May you live this new experience intensely in the holy land of Valdocco where it all began. (…) May your presence bring, in the specific nations of Europe, in the entire human family, and in the Church, light, hope, and fraternity.”
In the afternoon of March 30, the Conference opened by manifesting “The joy of being together” with the presentation of the Conference, greetings of Welcome, prayer, the presentation of the Federations, a dynamic of knowledge, and an aperitif together.
“In these days we are learning how to be the yeast, the light of joy and happiness that the world needs today, starting with our families and the families of our Past Pupils and young people. Let us continue to be the hands of the FMA and make sure that what we have learned is not left as a trophy in a showcase or on the mantelpiece,” said the President of the Confederation, Mrs. Maria Carmen Castillon in her greetings.
The World Delegate, Sr. Gabriela Patiño Osorio, speaks of networks and relationships, the theme of the days, in her greeting, “that web of relationships where mutual support and the exchange of gifts may distinguish the life of the Association both internally and in its external relationships. The Association, therefore, is a network, a precious fabric embroidered by each and every one, made together with so much love.”
“We are Family” is the title of the day of March 31, in which a two-part talk will be held in the morning: “The beauty of being a family: a call to take care” with Sr. Linda Pocher, FMA; and “The beauty of belonging to the Past Pupils Association” with Simona Ameglio. In the afternoon, the meeting will be in the courtyard for guided visits to the “Don Bosco House Museum” and to Don Bosco’s places in Turin. This was followed by the round table “We are family in the Association”. In the evening, there will be a vigil entitled “Laity on the path to holiness”.
Saturday 1 April, the theme will be “Weaving harmony in relationships”. Federica Storace will talk about “Be a weaving of relationships”. In the afternoon, after the guided tours, there will be another meeting entitled “Experience on the Net” held by Federica Storace and Marina Lomunno. The “Family evening” will conclude the day.
Sunday 2 April the morning will be dedicated to “Work for Federations on the dream, to be: visible, concrete, proactive”. The Conference will end with the Eucharistic Celebration and lunch.
