Second “International” Novitiate Brazil and Angola

Recife (Brazil). From 27 December  2025 to 8 January 2026, the formation stage of the Second Novitiate of the Interprovincial Conference of Brazil (CIB) was marked by a new development. It transformed into an international Second Novitiate, with two participants from Angola.

The meeting took place in the cities of Gravatá and Recife, in the state of Pernambuco. On 27 December, on the Solemnity of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Temporary Professed Daughters of Mary Help of Christians arrived in Recife, at the headquarters of the Our Lady Help of Christians Province (BRE), to experience the first stage of this time in preparation for the Profession of Perpetual Vows.

The host Provincial, Sister Maria Américo Rolim, welcomed the young FMAs: Sister Olívia Maria Matas and Sister Giselle Ferreira dos Santos, of the BRE Province; Zeferina Cuamba Cotingo, of the Queen of Peace Preprovince of Angola (ANG); and Virgínia António Ganga, also of the ANG Preprovince, currently studying at the Our Lady Aparecida (BAP) Province in São Paulo.

In her message, Sister Maria emphasized the importance of this period in the vocational itinerary, as preparation for the definitive commitment to Salesian consecrated life, within the FMA Institute.

Over the course of the days, the Temporary Professed explored central themes of Salesian spirituality

• The Preventive System and the Mission, with Fr. Magno Xavier, Salesian of Don Bosco;
• Religious Vows (chastity, poverty and obedience), with Sister Solange Sanches, FMA of the BAP Province and Novice Formator;
• Vocational Unity in A Marian Key, with Sister Jane Maria da Silva, FMA of the Mother Mazzarello Province (BMM) of Belo Horizonte;
• Community Life, with Sr. Antoniele Holanda, FMA of the BRE Province.

The program included intense fraternal coexistence and moments of sharing in the Salesian family spirit.

The encounter culminated in a retreat led by Sister Luz Inés Valdés, FMA of the BRE Province, and with the celebration of the birthday of one of the participants, Sister Virgínia. At the conclusion of the experience, Sister Maria Américo once again addressed the Temporary Professed, valuing their shared experiences and emphasizing their daily commitment to the Salesian vocation, characterized by fidelity, giving, and availability for God’s call.

This journey represented a time of grace and profound encounter with Jesus in light of Mary’s motherhood, strengthening young FMAs in their daily “yes” to consecrated life.

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