Rome (Italy). From 9 to 11 February 2025, 17 Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Mary Mother of the Church Preprovince (RMC), of the Generalate (RCG), and an FMA of the Mornese Community (AL), met in Rome, at Sacred Heart House of St. John Bosco Province (IRO) for a formation encounter. The meeting was attended by the Superior of the RMC Preprovince, Sister Jessica Salvaña, and the Vicar, Sister Anna Maria Trotti.
“Forming ourselves for the mission among young people today: living formation and study as the main structure of ‘mission'” was the theme at the center of the days, according to the commitment made for the formation year 20224/2025 of “joyous walking in hope, in community, and in mission”.
Sister Jessica Salvaña set the formative tone with an initial reflection on hope. “For us Salesian sisters” – she said – “hope is always accompanied by a qualification: ours is a ‘joyful hope’. How can we personalize this ‘joyful hope’ and live it in our daily life? This is the responsibility and task of each FMA.”
The formative content was offered by Fr. Mario Llanos, Salesian of Don Bosco, Professor of Pedagogy and Vocation Pastoral at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome. He spoke about studies as a form of preparation for mission among today’s young people. Fr. Mario broadened the views of the young FMA, who are mostly continuing their studies in Rome, helping them to recognize that they are essential, not only for the ‘future’ mission of tomorrow, but also for that of today – in their relationship with God, in their personal journey, and in community life.
At the end of the encounter, there could not be missing in this Jubilee Year, a time of community prayer with the pilgrimage to the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica, bringing with them the intentions of the Institute and of their respective Provinces.
The Temporary Professed expressed great gratitude for this experience. Sister Ewarlin, of Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of Shillong (INS), shares, “It was a time of grace and enrichment, a time of self-introspection that led me to the moments in my life when I experienced the greatness of God, both in joy and in difficulties.”
Sister Rindra, of Mary Source of Life Province (MDG) of Madagascar, adds, “Through this formation, I have recognized the importance of studies in our Salesian religious life and how the knowledge we receive can help us to grow in our vocation. ‘I am a mission’ and I am called to be a beacon of hope for my community and the Institute.”
Sister Marie Mauricette, of Mary Help of Christians Community of the Generalate, observes, “The theme stimulated us to live study not as a burden, but as an opportunity, a tool for living our consecration to God well, to be more capable of proclaiming the Gospel with competence and depth. Studying is an act of love towards Jesus, the Teacher par excellence, towards the Church, towards our neighbor.”
Through this encounter, the young Sisters renewed their dedication to their current mission of study, preparing themselves to begin in the next few days, the second semester of the school year.
