Rome (Italy). The Commission for liturgical spiritual history, set up in view of the canonization of Sister Maria Troncatti (1883-1969), has elaborated an itinerary to get to know better the figure of the Blessed, her message, and her actuality – starting from the slogan, “Mother, missionary, artisan of peace and reconciliation” – with a video and a note for further reflection proposed on the 25th of each month, in memory of her birth in heaven.
The 5th video of the month of June, through the interview with Mons. Pedro Gabrielli, Salesian of Don Bosco, Bishop emeritus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Méndez in Ecuador, highlights the commitment lived by Sister Maria to build peace between settlers and Shuar, up to giving her life for reconciliation between the two sides.
Monsignor Pietro (Pedro) Gabrielli was born on 17 March 1931, in Pove del Grappa, in the province of Vicenza. Arrived in Ecuador in 1958, she is sent to the Ecuadorian jungle, where she works with passion for the indigenous Shuar and the settlers of Morona Santiago. Humanity, simplicity, humility, and openness to all are the hallmarks of her missionary work.
In 1993 he was appointed Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Méndez by Pope John Paul II. From that position, he continues the work he is most passionate about, walking and visiting people to make them share in the infinite love of God. In 2006, he presented his resignation, which was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on 15 April 2008.
Mons. Gabrielli met Sister Maria Troncatti in the 1960s, when she was working intensively at Pius XII hospital. He admired her great sense of motherliness and her sacrificial dedication in defense of everyone’s physical and spiritual health.
“The relations, unfortunately, were not the most desirable nor the best,” he says in the interview “Sister Troncatti desired peace; and for peace, tranquility, and cooperation, I believe she gave her life, offering her existence so that there would be greater harmony and peace between the two ethnic groups”.
On 4 July 1969, a large fire was started in the Salesian house probably by some settlers. Everything was burned but fortunately there were no victims.
How did Sister Troncatti react? “She reacted like a real mother,” recalls the Bishop emeritus. “We left the house with what we had on us, because the flames of the fire were voracious everywhere. (…) She acted with incredible promptness. She ran off into the night, despite her swollen feet and physical discomfort. She went to open the only clothing store there was in Sucúa to immediately buy us something with which to protect ourselves from the cold of the night”.
An equal love and attention towards all, testifies Msgr. Gabrielli: “For me, Sister Maria Troncatti was a true blessing. She was the benefactor, the nurse, the rescuer of everyone, both settlers and Shuar; everyone turned to her. Therefore, expressing one’s love and gratitude to Sister Mary Troncatti necessarily meant considering the relationships she cultivated. Sister Mary Troncatti loved the settlers and desired their well-being, their health, their life. At the same time, she loved the Shuar because they were the heart of the mission, her children”.
The material is offered to be developed, expanded, and adapted to contexts to promote knowledge of the figure of Sister Maria Troncatti in the Educating Communities, among young people, in the local Church, and in the territory of belonging. The module is edited by Sister Eliane Petri and a group of FMA of the Spirituality Course of Mother Canta House.
