Novo Mesto (Slovenia). The Annual Assembly of Mary Help of Christians Province (SLC) of Slovenia and Croatia was held on Sunday 31 August 2025, in Novo Mesto, at the Baraga Institute, with the participation of almost all the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the two Countries.
A Sister recounts the experience:
It was beautiful to meet together as Sisters and it was useful and stimulating to listen to the current content that will be at the center of the new pastoral year: the realization of one’s vocation, a renewed commitment to respond with joy and ever-new dedication to God’s call. In the working groups, we learned about and explored the vocational plan of our Province and reflected on how we wish to experience it in the coming years.
It’s not enough ‘to have found one’s vocation’; we want to live it fully and we are committed to helping young people on this journey too. Finding one’s vocation means finding a good way to live, ‘in this world and in eternity’, Sister Marija Šimenc pointed out in the introductory presentation.
The words of our Superior, Sister Mateja Kranjc, encouraged us on this journey. We are grateful for the young people who are preparing to be Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and who, God willing, will soon join our Communities. At the same time, we are grateful for the gift of vocational fidelity, this year in particular, for our Sister Brigita Zelic (50 years) and Sister Dragica Devčić (60 years ) who, during the solemn Eucharistic Celebration, in the presence of some relatives and friends, renewed their vows.
The Provincial of Saints Cyril and Methodius Province (SLO), Fr. Peter Končan, who presided over the Holy Mass, expressed gratitude for the bond and collaboration between the Salesians and the FMA, who together are testimony and work for young people. His words confirmed us on the path of careful planning of our life and pastoral care, reminding us at the same time to always remain vigilant to the flow of life and to the breath of the Spirit of God, to be fruitful. With the power of Charism, we can give a generative response to the needs of young people today. The Provincial recalled as a shining example our missionary Sister Maria Troncatti, messenger of joyful dedication, peace, and reconciliation, who will be proclaimed a Saint in October.
With a rich wealth of significant content, the powerful intercession of the Saints, and a renewed sense of fraternal communion, we enter the new school and pastoral year. As a sign of wishes for a good journey, we received symbolic gifts: the mascot of the Holy Year, a “food supplement” to live our vocation well, and an image of the missionary Maria Troncatti.
Above all, we have been enriched by a new hope and the joy of the gift of vocation, which we can live for others, especially for young people.
