Carrara (Italy). On 8 March 2024, International Women’s Day, the presentation of the “Carrara Celebrates its Women” awards took place at the Ridotto of the Teatro degli Animosi in Carrara, in the Tuscany region, the tribute that the Municipality bestows on women every year who have been able to distinguish themselves in the artistic, scientific, cultural, and social fields and raise high the name of the city, now in its 16th edition.
Among the women awarded, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Our Lady of the Cenacle Province (ILS) of the Cappelletto work, managed by the Foundation-Pious Work “Sacred Heart Institute” of the Diocese of Massa Carrara and Pontremoli, with this motivation: “For the ‘example of hospitality and availability constantly demonstrated towards women and children.”
“Like every 8 March, this year too Carrara pays homage to women who have not only distinguished themselves in work, in the arts, in social life, but who in doing so have also contributed to the growth of our entire community,” affirmed the Mayor Serena Arrighi. “I want to congratulate them all and express my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the city.” The Vice-Mayor and Councilor for Equal Opportunities, Roberta Crudeli, also expressed her appreciation for the contribution given to the city by these women.
The Councilor for Culture, Gea Dazzi added, “This is an important opportunity not only to celebrate women who have distinguished themselves at various levels and in different fields, but to tell stories that are good for the female world and beyond. These are stories that can be an example and stimulus for all young women.”
The honor was received in the name of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians by the Director, Sister Fiorella Mioda. In receiving it, she recalled all the sisters who preceded her that with their commitment made this recognition possible and underlined:
“When taking care of children, young women, and mothers who experience situations of social hardship, it is essential to welcome their lives, their situations and put ourselves at their service unconditionally. Being at their side, accompanying them, supporting them, valuing them is a task that cannot be carried out individually or by a small group of educators. We need a community that works together so that each person welcomed can realize her life plan.
The community of Carrara, through many people, families, institutions and associations, especially the FMA Past Pupils association, has always been and continues to be close to the work of the Foundation, to the children, to the young people, to the Sisters. With so much benevolence, we never lacked their help and support. Our gratitude is great. If we do it together, the good becomes even greater.”
On such a significant day, it is a valuable event for the city, which has recognized the excellence of its women professionals, particularly active in the various worlds of their expertise, and also a beautiful page for the history of the FMA Institute, committed for almost a hundred years in the city of Carrara – precisely since 1925 – in the reception of girls, first in the boarding school, now in the Family Home, in the reception of emergency situations, and in the intercultural after-school program.
