FMA Past Pupils National Meeting – Brazil

Recife (Brazil). From 13 to 16 November 2025, approximately 60 Past-pupils of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, from different regions of the Country, gathered in Recife – Pernambuco, to experience the National Meeting, promoted by Mary Help of Christians Federation of the Northeast Region based in Recife (PE).

The event, with a program characterized by spirituality, education, conviviality, and strengthening of identity, takes place every four years. The last meeting, promoted by the Amazon Federation, based in Manaus, was held virtually during the pandemic.

Activities began with the welcoming of delegations and a moment of prayer that officially opened the meeting, fostering socialization and exchange between the different regions. Subsequently, a roundtable discussion was held with Sister Maria Américo Rolim, FMA representative for the Salesian Family in Brazil; Auricléa Neves, Confederal Councilor for the Region of Brazil; Sister Raquielle Cassemiro, Delegate of the Mary Help of Christians Federation (Northeast); and Luciana Falcão, President of the Mary Help of Christians Federation (Northeast), who presented the journey of the Past-pupils Association in the various realities.

In her presentation, Sister Maria Américo highlighted the history and mission of the Past-pupils in Brazil, consolidating the importance of recovering, with enthusiasm and creativity, the vitality of the Associations and Federations. The opening was also enriched by the musical presentation of the Duo Concitato and concluded with a cocktail in the Salone Balanço, which encouraged the first interaction between the participants.

On the second day, the program offered reflections and educational experiences. The morning prayer was led by the Federation of Our Lady of the Amazon (BRM), followed by a conference on Saint Maria Troncatti, given by the Past-pupil, Auricléa Neves, who emphasized the missionary strength and testimony of a woman of deep faith and missionary dedication.

The morning continued with group activities aimed at planning animation and renewal strategies, culminating in a plenary session that brought together various contributions. In the afternoon, the conference “Marian Messages of Hope”, by Father Fábio Farias Leite, Episcopal Vicar of the Boa Viagem Region (Recife), helped deepen Mary’s maternal presence in Christian life and in the journey of Past-pupils. The day ended with the celebration of Holy Mass in the small church of Our Lady of the Good Road.

On the third day, the meeting continued with spaces for in-depth discussion, dialogue, and sharing on identity, belonging, and leadership in the various groups, strengthening the path of each Federation. The sharing of experiences and the Salesian family climate characterized the entire experience.

The final day began with prayer led by the Mother Mazzarello  Federation (BMM). Subsequently, the commitments were presented and the event was verified, indicating avenues for new local actions and initiatives. The moment concluded with a “letter of commitment” assumed by all the participants.

Immediately afterwards, the group gathered in the auditorium for the closing Holy Mass, a moment of gratitude, sending and reaffirming the commitment according to the Salesian Charism. The convivial lunchtime was followed by an optional outing to Brennand’s Château de Armas, for a final cultural touch.

The National Meeting left as its mark a strong spirit of unity, renewal, and missionary commitment, reaffirming the role of Past-pupils as an active and transformative presence in the world, inspired by Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello, and the Salesian spirituality that continues to generate life and hope.