Padova (Italy). On 8 September 2023, on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, in Legnaro, a town not far from Padua, the Largo in front of the parish nursery school was named after the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
The initiative was born in memory of the precious service recognized to the FMA of the Triveneta Province of St. Mary D. Mazzarello (ITV), who left the town about two years ago after 70 years of presence.
The Salesian Sisters arrived in the town after the war, in the early 1950s and immediately made themselves loved by the people, who entrusted their children to them with confidence. They became a point of reference for parents, girls, and boys, as they were attentive to their spiritual growth in difficult times also from a social point of view.
In those years, Sister Berta Antonietta, who spent her life for the Community of Legnaro, was particularly appreciated and remembered by everyone. She is also remembered for her commitment with her Sisters in organizing summer mountain camps, as a help to parents who were mainly busy working in the fields. As a sign of gratitude, Sister Berta Antonietta rests in the chapel of the municipal cemetery and several years ago the Municipal Administration dedicated a Street to her.
At the little ceremony, held by the Mayor Vincenzo Danieletto and the Parish Priest, Monsignor Daniele Prosdocimo after the Holy Mass on the day of the town festival, there were priests and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians present, invited for the occasion.
After explaining the meaning of the dedication, a sign of living memory of the FMA for the many years of dedication towards children, guide for girls and boys, also with the sports initiative of the PGS, and a point of reference for all the activities in pastoral and apostolate of the Parish, the Mayor uncovered the sign indicating the Largo.
The plaque was then blessed by the Parish Priest, who asked the FMA present to continue to remember the Community of Legnaro in prayer, just as the Community itself will not forget the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The ceremony, interrupted by frequent applause, ended with personal and spontaneous memories among the numerous citizens and religious people present, in an affectionate atmosphere and with the usual photos.
Sister Dora Polanzan, FMA who served in the nursery school, then also spoke on behalf of her Sisters, heartily thanking the authorities and all the citizens for the initiative.
This simple and intense moment of grateful memory will remain imprinted in the minds and hearts of the citizens and Sisters who experienced it, just as “Largo Daughters of Mary Help of Christians” will carry forward the memory of their precious presence.
