Rome (Italy). From 24 September to 14 October 2024, 35 Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from the five continents and 13 English-speaking Provinces of the Institute met in Rome at Sacred Heart House of St. John Bosco Province (IRO), to live the experience of Project Mornese in English, organized by the Formation Sector of the FMA Institute with the aim to “Rekindle the beauty of our vocation at the sources of the Salesian charism, to be with Mary, a presence that generates life today.”
The group began its itinerant journey led by the Coordinator, Sister Jeanette Palasota, Sector collaborator, and the Animators: Sister Edna Macdonald of Mary Help of Christians Province (SPR); Sister Josephine Rani Susai of St. Thomas Apostle Province (INM); and Sister Minimol Chettayil of Mary Help of Christians Province (INC); along with the chaplain, Fr. Paul Raj Irudayaamalraj, Salesian of Don Bosco of the INM Province.
Sister Nilza Fátima de Moraes, General Councilor for Formation, gave the inaugural discourse in which she stressed the importance of deepening our understanding of the identity and charism of the Founders, inviting all to re-tune themselves on the fundamental values of faith nourished in the early years of the Institute. Mother General, Sister Chiara Cazzuola, in her surprise visit at the beginning of the journey, encouraged reflection on Mother Mazzarello’s lessons, with words that resonated in the hearts of the participants along the way.
The 1st stage from 24 to 27 September. At the heart of the Church and the Institute. The first stage took place in the city of Rome to deepen and reflect on one’s ecclesial belonging. The participants had the privilege of attending the General Audience with Pope Francis, receiving his blessing and taking part in the pilgrimage Mass in St Peter’s Basilica. This experience deepened the spiritual bond with the historical and faith significance of the place. The guided pilgrimage to the Catacombs and to Saint Mary Major, with personal reflection, and the Mass in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, built by Don Bosco, strengthened their faith.
2nd stage in Turin, from 28 September to 1 October. In the footsteps of Don Bosco, to learn to forever be a creative and courageous presence like him, at the school of Mary. Visiting Becchi, Chieri, and Turin, they were able to meet the Madonna of Don Bosco, Mary Help of Christians, who guided everything in the history of the Institute and his vocation, always remaining present as a support. In a significant moment of reflection and prayer, each one once again entrusted to Her the key of their own lives, the future of their Provinces, and the mission among today’s young people.
3rd stage in Mornese, from 2 to 10 October. With Maìn, on the paths of life, to renew the joy of one’s own Salesian vocation and to be, like Mother Mazzarello, a presence that generates life and hope. The participants experienced the third stage with the emotion of arriving at the “house of God’s love” in Mornese, a regenerating experience where they were able to meet Mother Mazzarello by walking through her places of origin. On the road leading to the parish, in the broad horizon of Valponasca among the vineyards, on the banks of the Roverno, they imagined her sitting down to write some letters, and above all, they felt the invitation to become holy, building community communion with the Sisters, among the children and young people, and the Educating Communities. The Missionary Festival enriched the participants and kindled missionary ardor. Through moments of silence, personal prayer and group sharing, they were able to hear the voice of Maìn and guard it as an invaluable gift.
4th stage in Nizza Monferrato, from 11 to 13 October. The Preventive System in the FMA Institute, to study in-depth the Preventive System incarnated in Nizza Monferrato. In the last stage, the itinerary brought the FMA to the Mother House of Nizza. In the room of Mother Mazzarello, the hearts of the participants were animated by the desire for a life without limits like hers: an ardent commitment to God, the Charism, and the Preventive System, with the certainty that great sacrifices produce a greater good. It is a greatness that can only be discovered by trusting in the faithfulness of God. Nizza symbolized the greatness to which the Institute is called.
The names of many FMA groups resound within the walls of that house: Emilia Mosca, Elisa Roncallo, Catherine Daghero, Enrichetta Sorbone, and many others who strengthened their vocation as consecrated women and educators. Here the passion for today’s young people was rekindled, guiding the group towards a future of hope. All were invited to identify two strategies of the Preventive System to be implemented in their own Educating Communities upon their return.
Return to Rome, the participants expressed their gratitude for what they had experienced:
“We return to Rome with an eternally grateful heart, not only for the richness of content and experiences but, above all, for the fraternity experienced in intergenerational dialogue and in caring for one another. We start from the commitment to continue living the spirit of Mornese, making our communities ‘Mornese in outreach’, communities that generate life in today’s society. We cannot conclude this pilgrimage without thanking God and Mary Help of Christians, our Mother General, Sister Chiara Cazzuola, the Vicar General, Sister María del Rosario García Ribas, our Superiors, the Sisters of our communities, and we pray to the Lord to send abundant blessings on all those who made this experience possible, in particular our Animators, with the hope that it can be shared by many other FMAs and members of our Educating Communities.”
