Turin (Italy). On 6 May 2022, “the Consolata” of Turin, Mary Help of Christians Province (IPI), hosted an event to celebrate the 100 +1 years (1921-2022) of the House of the Young, the reality of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians seat of the FMA International Postulancy, of the Residence for university students, and the VIDES Listening and Literacy Center.
The event, prepared for some time by the whole community, was attended by many FMA who have lived in the House, university students and girls hosted in the past and present, the Postulants, and many friends who collaborate in the various activities of the House.
The afternoon began with the Eucharistic Celebration in the Consolata Sanctuary, presided over by Mons. Giacomo Martinacci, Rector of the Sanctuary, and concelebrated by some Salesians of Don Bosco. In the homily, the celebrant, connecting to the liturgical feast of St. Dominic Savio, underlined some characteristics that distinguish the House in via Giulio 8: first of all, welcome, assistance, and accompaniment.
The feast then continued with a round table on the theme “Hospitality yesterday, today, and tomorrow” attended by Sr. Paola Cuccioli, FMA, Responsible for the Historical Archive of the Mother House of Nizza Monferrato, with regard to the historical aspect of the House; Mrs. Sandrine Tchabouk as a witness of the family atmosphere experienced in the 7 years spent at the university residence; and Sr. Valentina Robazza, FMA of the Community, who presented the new reception space for the girls “Project A3”.
The Animator, Sr. Celestina Corna, introduced the round table, moderated by Sr. Silvana Rasello, FMA, which underlined the continuity of the FMA Community as an added value to the formative and educational work that has taken place and continues to take place at the House of the Young.
The Mayor of Turin, Dr. Stefano Lo Russo, honored the assembly with his presence and addressed words of appreciation for the mission carried out by the FMA, encouraging them to continue their commitment for the good of young people, in collaboration with the city of Turin.
The Provincial Vicar, Sr. Maria Torre, then brought the greetings and the message of the Provincial, Sr. Emma Bergandi, who lived for a few years in the Community and remembers it as a home full of warmth and initiatives for good.
The participants in the event were able to learn more about the life that vibrates inside and outside the walls of the House. Everyone had the opportunity to meet friends, benefactors, collaborators of the Municipality and of the Associations of the Territory, and to review the spaces of the structure that has marked the growth of many.
Much appreciated was the buffet prepared and offered by the formators and students of the CIOFS-FP Auxilium Professional Training Courses in Lucento (Turin), who demonstrated their professionalism, with pleasantness and Salesian style.
At the end, all those present received a reminder of these 100 + 1 years in which the message that Mother Mazzarello heard from Mary was carried forward: “I entrust them to you”.
Source: fmapiemonte
