Medellín (Colombia). In a poor and isolated neighborhood of the city of Medellín, for 20 years a group of past pupils of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Mary Help of Christians Province (CMA) has been offering their volunteer time to support the promotion of women of different ages who, participating in various tailoring, embroidery, and Christmas decoration workshops, they manage to take a step forward in life and earn some money to support their family.
This solidarity project – “Women Weaving the Future” – was born from the heart of Sister Mercedes Campos, FMA Provincial delegate for the Past pupils who in 2005, invited some Past Pupils to learn about the reality of the neighborhood “Belén Rincón”, where the Vocational Orientation Center (CMA) operates, and to act in solidarity with a Salesian heart.
The group of volunteers, along with some FMAs who accompanied them, went through the different phases of each process, trying to overcome all kinds of difficulties to ensure their presence every week and to carry out workshops on costume jewelry, aluminum embossing, Quiteña art, embroidery, wood painting, patchwork techniques, etc.
As good Past-pupils, they take care to listen to and encourage the women who attend the workshops. Like Mother Mazzarello, they offer various activities to strengthen their inner life. They animate strong liturgical times, offer the novena of Mary Help of Christians and the Christmas novena, present appropriate content in the space of the “good afternoon”, and have also offered the opportunity to experience the celebration of Jubilee 2025 together by visiting the city’s metropolitan basilica.
The change in the lives of these women has been gradual and evident. Many of them have managed to sell what they produce, participate in trade fairs to display their products, and, above all, have strengthened their self-esteem, with positive repercussions on their families and their relationships with their children.
The Colombian Mary Help of Christians Province joyfully celebrates this opportunity to live together – Past Pupils and FMA – the shared Salesian Charism, gift of the Spirit for the good of the Church.
