Bandel (India). On 29 December 2025, at the Auxilium Convent in Bandel, the Mary Help of Christians Province (INC) in Calcutta celebrated the Holiness of Sister Maria Troncatti, canonized on 19 October 2025. The celebration at the Province level was characterized by grateful prayer, a solemn liturgical celebration, and the joyful participation of Sisters, clergy, members of the Salesian Family, and religious people from the surrounding areas. The presence of the Sisters gathered for the annual Spiritual Exercises, from various Communities, gave the initiative a deeply community and Province character.
The day began with Morning Prayer animated by Sister Stella Potteparambil, followed by the Eucharist, preceded by a short introduction by Sister Dominica Thapa, who briefly outlined the figure of Saint Maria Troncatti.
In the entrance procession, the Provincial, Sister Leelamma Palliparambil, carried the relic of the Saint, while Sister Maxima Dung Dung symbolically carried a First Aid box, representative of the Saint’s mission of care. In the prayer of the faithful, led by Sister Pranati Sabasundar, the missionary and pastoral concerns of the Church were brought. The liturgy was enriched by an entrance dance by Barasat aspirants and the singing of the YCS choir of the Auxilium Convent School in Bandel, directed by Mr. Amit Minz.
Holy Mass, the culmination of the day, was presided over by Fr. Cletus D’Souza, Salesian of Don Bosco, Head of Don Bosco “Nitika” Catechetical Center in Calcutta, and concelebrated by Fr. P. A. John, Prior of Bandel Basilica; Fr. James Mathew and Fr. Thomas Gomes. In his homily, Fr. D’Souza reflected on the true meaning of holiness, describing a Saint as one who allows the light of Christ to shine through his or her own life. He presented Saint Maria Troncatti as a transparent instrument of God’s grace, whose life brought hope, healing, and reconciliation to people living through suffering and conflict.
He then highlighted the spiritual motherhood of the Saint, recalling how she was lovingly known as “Madrecita” by the indigenous peoples she served. Her compassionate presence made others feel valued, protected, and loved. He emphasized that this maternal care is a universal Christian calling, an invitation for all to nurture life, faith, and hope, especially among the poor and marginalized. He also portrayed Saint Maria Troncatti as an artisan of peace and reconciliation, who worked tirelessly among ethnic groups in conflict, promoting unity without discrimination. Her life was presented as particularly significant for today’s world, marked by division and violence.
Inspired by the crucifix and supported by a deep faith, Sister Maria embraced the sacrifices with joy, dedicating herself totally to God’s mission through her service as a nurse and missionary among the indigenous people of the Amazon. The celebrant concluded his homily by recalling that holiness is a universal calling, summed up in the ideal, “All for holiness, holiness for all.”
A brief cultural moment followed, with a prayer dance, an animated song by the aspirants, and a video presentation of the Canonization celebrations throughout the Province. The program concluded with a message from Sister Leelamma Palliparambil, Provincial of INC, who encouraged everyone to imitate the Charism of Saint Maria Troncatti with renewed zeal. Sister Celine Alexander, Animator of the Auxilium Bandel community expressed her thanks and the celebration concluded with a fraternal meal, a manifestation of unity, gratitude, and communion among all those present.
