Fortaleza (Brazil). From 10 to 12 October 2018 Mother Yvonne Reungoat visited the communities and the works of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Fortaleza.
Welcomed by FMA, children, youth, and educators at the Pinto Martins International Airport in Fortaleza, Brazil, on the evening of October 10, Mother came to Maria Theresa community in a festive and joyful atmosphere.
On the morning of 11 October, Mother visited the Juvenal de Carvalho School. In the courtyard of the school, educators and children welcomed Mother with the song and music of the composer Italo Lemos, together with some members of the religious community of the Daughters of Mercy of Jesus Savior.
Mass was celebrated in the sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians with the participation of the educating community that gave thanks for the presence of Mother Mazzarello’s ninth successor.
After the Eucharistic Celebration, the young representatives of the communities of Ceará, Serra do Mel, and Teresina, presented the aspects of the northeastern culture of Brazil through art and music in the school gymnasium.
Addressing the young, Mother expressed her joy of being in their midst. Then a student accompanied Mother Yvonne to the school auditorium where a group of educators, representing the neighboring communities, were waiting for her. “Mother Yvonne, your presence fills us with joy and gratitude to be part of the Salesian mission, which brings hope to a world scenario so complex and so devoid of Christian values. Having you with us makes us feel as if Mother Mazzarello was among us, you welcome us and support us in our educational effort “, said Wanuzia Câmara, professor of Pedagogy.
Mother thanked for the gift of the Salesian charism that lives in the lands of north-east Brazil. A representative of the group addressed the words of thanks: “Thank you for your precious words, Mother Yvonne! With them, our responsibility for the Salesian charism grows. Undoubtedly, you are a missionary of communion, hope, and joy “.
The meeting continued with a moment of dialogue and ended with a joyful time of conviviality.
Mother, accompanied by some sisters of the Maria Teresa community, then visited Don Bosco Youth Center, which welcomes the most disadvantaged children, adolescents, and young people. Some families of the recipients of the Salesian mission were also present. The children welcomed Mother in a simple and warm way and expressed gratitude for her visit to the community.
On the 12th of October, on the solemnity of Our Lady Aparecida, after the Eucharistic celebration in the chapel of Maria Teresa Massa community, Mother Yvonne met the sisters of Maria Teresa – Fortaleza, Our Lady Help of Christians Institute – Baturité, Waldemar Falcão Institute – Aracati, House Maria Help of Christians – Serra do Mel, and Laura Vicunha – Teresina/PI.
“I thank you for the vitality of the Salesian charism in the north-eastern territory of Brazil, which is expressed in different environments: schools, social works, inserted communities. We are a living charism, and everything starts from a heart open to the mission. I appreciate the way in which you are collaborating with the laity, forming yourselves together. We cannot live alone, so I thank you for your insertion in the local church”.
