Rome (Italy). From 5 to 26 July 2022, twenty Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from the Middle East-Europe Interprovincial Conference (CIME) and from the United States, lived the formative time of the First Month of the Second Novitiate accompanied by Sr. Robert Tomasi of Jesus Adolescent Province (MOR), Sr. Anna Trotti of Mary, Mother of the Church Preprovince (RMC), and Sr. Elena Ongarato of the Triveneta Province of St. Mary D. Mazzarello (ITV).
“In a climate of prayer and of reflection,” the Temporary Professed were able to review their life “in the light of the Holy Spirit” (C98) in order to be ever more ready for their ‘yes’ forever.
In the journey taken during the month, accompanied by the figure of Elia (1Kings 19: 1-18), the young FMA faced the fundamental elements of the life of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians through deep studies, lectio divina, reflections, testimonies, sharing, and group work. To this was added some outings under the sign of fraternity and of contemplating beauty and holiness: Redemptoris Mater Church, the rooms of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Subiaco.
To the treasures of the contributions received from many presenters: Fr. Marco Panero, Sr. Maria Ko, Sr. Anna Trotti, Sr. Roberta Tomasi, and Fr. Carlo Maria Zanotti SDB for the sessions dedicated to vocational unity; Sr. Linda Pocher on the religious vows; Sr. Elena Ongarato on fraternal life; Fr. Rossano Sala SDB and Fr. Andrea Lonardo on the youth mission; Fr. Erino Leoni SDB on the spiritual dimension and prayer life; Sr. Elena Massimi for the Rite of Perpetual Profession, was added the gifts of the Good Nights offered by various General Councilors and by Mother Chiara, who encouraged the Temporary Professed on their beautiful and challenging journey toward Perpetual Vows.
There were also times of fraternity that helped to broaden the gaze on the entire world and to create a climate of sharing, which better disposed hearts to receive the gifts offered by God in this time of Grace in which the Lord made Himself present and renewed His promise of fidelity to each one.
