La Estrella (Colombia). On 20-21 September 2025, a group of 28 people belonging to the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), accompanied by the spiritual animator of the Province of Mary Help of Christians (CMA), Sister Ligia Henao Segura, experienced two days of retreat at the House of Spirituality La Montañita, in the municipality of La Estrella – Antioquia.
Upon their arrival, the Sisters of St. Joseph Community welcomed the group with joy, encouraging them to live a profound experience of God. In the afternoon, they listened to a conference given by Sister María Victoria Montoya, Animator of the Aspirants, who was there to begin spiritual exercises with the young women in preparation for entry into the Postulate.
Sister María Victoria reminded them of the importance of silence in order to have an intense prayer experience. After dinner, Sister Ligia asked them some questions about the group’s expectations of the two days.
On Sunday 21, after the prayer of Lauds, the invocation to Mary Help of Christians and breakfast, Fr. John Jairo Gómez Rúa, Salesian of Don Bosco, addressed the group. In his conference, he related the Virgin Mary, the Beatitudes, and Hope, and spoke about how to become saints, always keeping our gaze fixed on Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. “We cannot distract ourselves. If we lose the horizon, which is Jesus, everything is lost in the void.” He then left some questions for their reflection, relating what they heard to daily life.
Subsequently, a time was dedicated to confessions. Sister Ligia prepared the group on how to make a good confession and on the importance that the Sacrament has in the spiritual growth of each person. In the afternoon, the Eucharistic Celebration was held. In the homily, the priest referred to the importance of the laity in the Church and encouraged them to be faithful Christians, bearing witness to their faith. During the Eucharist, 13 people from the group made their Promise and thus officially became members of ADMA, committing themselves to bring their testimony of Christian life with the trait of Salesian Charism to the world, in particular to the local reality to which they belong.
Amidst the applause, they received the medal and regulations of the Association. María Victoria Bernal, provincial delegate for the Salesian Family, distributed the image of Mary Help of Christians and addressed them a few words about what it means to belong to the SF.
Some testimonies:
“For me, it was a wonderful experience. Receiving the Lord’s blessing and the commitment to accept this challenge, to improve my spiritual life, and belong to the Salesian Family, is a great blessing.” (Orbidia)
“I feel great joy and I thank God and Mary Help of Christians for the grace of this retreat and of belonging to the Salesian Family. I thank Sister Ligia for promoting this experience, for forming us in the Charism of Don Bosco and for everything she does to ensure that we grow spiritually.” (Consuelo)
“I thank Sister Ligia for her mission and for her patience with everyone. I had a very beautiful experience. I experienced silence and internal dialogue with Jesus. I understood how external noise distracts us and distances us from a good relationship with the Lord. The Rosary had no meaning for me, and since I started attending ADMA, my life has had a major spiritual change. Now I pray it with my husband and my family. I welcomed Mary into my heart and into my home. The experience of a silent retreat was a challenge for me and I felt a deep peace as I let God speak. I understood the importance of acts of love, with small gestures of kindness that we should practice every day. I consecrated myself to the Blessed Virgin Mary with all my heart, with conviction and faith, to honor her with my life. This retreat led me to a profound personal and spiritual change. I learned the five steps for a good confession and was able to confess well after many years. This retreat leaves me full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus and Mary, grateful for the many gifts received and with a heart willing to listen to His voice every day.” (Marta Cecilia)
