Coacalco (Mexico). In the context of the 150th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians the commemoration of the XIV Anniversary of the Dies Natalis of the Servant of God sr. Antonietta Böhm, is remembering one of the precious stones of the Institute that with their Holiness adorn the Monument of Gratitude wanted by Don Bosco to Mary Help of Christians.
Mother Antonietta’s is a fruitful life, like a large and strong tree that has borne fruits of holiness. The seed of her life was planted on 22 September 1907 in Bottrop, Germany. Her deep roots grew in the bosom of a Christian family, in which she learned to live charity in service to the neediest. Her trunk, which sustained her fruitful life, was strengthened when she met the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the oratory of Essen, Germany in 1925.
She began to extend the branches of her life on the day of her religious profession in Nizza Monferrato, on 5 August 1928, and her leaves with the missionary vocation. In fact, she leaves for the missions on 1 September 1934 and works with tireless dedication in Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Mexico.
The fruits of her fertile branches are the Christian virtues that she lived to a heroic degree, among which are her faith and great trust in the powerful intercession of Mary Help of Christians and her exquisite charity towards the poorest, as well as her amiable ways that always characterized her.
The flowers that embellished her branches are the graces she obtained with her prayer that reached and continues to reach many people. Every tree must be pruned to continue bearing fruit. Sr. Antonietta Böhm died on 27 April 2008 in Coacalco, Mexico, at the age of 100.
Her presence continues to be alive among the FMA, with new buds of flowers and fruits, as she continues to intercede for the needs of all. On 7 May 2017, Bishop Guillermo Ortiz Mondragón starts the diocesan process for her beatification in the Diocese of Cuautitlán, Mexico.
Gratitude for the gift of her life is expressed in the song written by Sr. Guadalupe Mastranzo Benítez, FMA of “Our Lady of Guadalupe” Province, in Southern Mexico.
SEEDS OF LOVE
Strong tree that the Lord planted,
Tree that gives life in love
its root in God, Mary its inspiration
a life that bears fruit today.
Mother of deep roots, she gave herself
in service to the poorest, out of love.
Model of trust, of abandonment to God,
faithful daughter of Mary whom she imitated.
It was the action of God who, through her, gave us shade,
small seed, which always gives life
to those who suffer and need the Lord.
It was the action of God who, through her, gave us shade,
small seed, which always gives life
to those who suffer, she gives shelter out of love.
Mother of love, service, and compassion,
you are for the poor in whom you discovered God.
Model of cheerfulness and always in prayer
you brought to Mary and showed her face.
RIT.
