Rome (Italy). In the life of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the first days of August always have a festive tone, because it is the period in which the beginnings of the Congregation are remembered and some Sisters become FMA, or celebrate their anniversary of religious profession. Furthermore, for the Provinces of Europe and the Middle East, the formation for Sisters from 1 to 4 years of Profession is held at this time.
The jubilee year with its events, in particular the Jubilee of young people, and the 50th anniversary of Profession of the Mother General, Sister Chiara Cazzuola, have created an unprecedented opportunity for the Temporary Professed Sisters.
On 4 August 2025, at the beginning of the formation week in Rome, the 48 sisters with temporary vows from the CIME Inter-provincial Conference of Europe and the Middle East and from the Preprovince Mary Mother of the Church (RMC), from all continents, renewed their Profession in the hands of Mother Chiara, with the witnesses, Sister María del Rosario García Ribas, Vicar General, and Sister Nilza Fátima de Moraes, Councilor for Formation.
The Eucharistic Celebration took place in the chapel of the Generalate, with the presence of the Mother and the Sisters of the Council, the Provincials, and some Sisters of the Houses of Rome. Presiding was Fr. Flaviano D’Ercoli, Salesian of Don Bosco of the Sacred Heart Circumscription (ICC). In the preparatory retreat, he invited the young FMA to remember the time lived since the first Profession and to bring back to the center the deepest desire that moves to respond to the call of the Lord, and to respond to it as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
It was a simple but well-attended celebration, with the presence of some young people from the nearby Salesian parish of Holy Mary of Hope, who animated the liturgy with singing, representing all the young people of the world. The greatest joy was not just being able to renew, but being able to do it together. Usually, in fact, it is separated by kilometers of distance, while this time, united by the Jubilee, it was in the House of the Generalate.
The Celebration concluded with the wish of the Mother to the Temporary Professed, through the words written and given by the Sisters who met in Rome from 24 to 27 July together with her to celebrate the 50th of Profession:
“Dearest young FMA Sister,
as you take your first steps in religious life as a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, welcome our embrace of Sisters who have walked this path for fifty years and still live the joy of the call today.
Have courage. Be yourself, cultivate joy and keep alive the fire of love that comes from the personal encounter with Jesus. He is your strength, your peace, and your happiness. Nothing matters more than Him. Everything passes, even the effort, but His love remains and guards you every day.
Love your life intensely, the young people, the Sisters, and the people that the Lord entrusts to you. Put your heart into everything you do. Even when you feel fragile, remember: you are a precious pearl in the hands of God.
Do not be afraid. If He calls you, it is because He loves you and wants you happy. Trust, abandon yourself, listen to Him, look for Him, talk about Him to young people. Let yourself be loved by Him to learn to love gratuitously.
We wish you to be a happy, faithful, passionate, and zealous FMA.
Walk every day with gratitude, with your eyes fixed on Him. And when you pray, know that we too will be there, with you and for you, to give thanks for your life given.
With affection and blessing, your Sisters of the 50th of Profession of Holy Year 2025.”
Photos:: Flickr FMA
