Estoril (Portugal). On 9 May 2021, on the anniversary of the birth of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, the Educating Communities of the works of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, young people, Groups of the Salesian Family of O. L. of Fatima Province in Portugal (POR), participated in an afternoon online for the celebration in honor of Mother Mazzarello.
A team of young people and FMA members of the Youth Pastoral and Communication Commissions of the Province organized and coordinated the event of the online feast, AlltogetherMaín on the journey of the Triennium in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the FMA Institute.
The invitation to participate by contributing to the feast with different talents, was launched on social networks through a video created by Sr. Diana Arrobas who, with the art of drawing, gave life to a synthesis of Maín’s life with youthful features. There were numerous songs, animated drawings, choreographies, and short representations on Mother Mazzarello, sent in video format and then edited and prepared for live streaming by the Communication team.
The Mother General of the FMA Institute, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, encouraged the FMA, the Salesian Family, especially the young, to broaden their horizons to bring the vitality of the Salesian charism to the world: “Young people are the heart of the Salesian Family. In Mother Mazzarello you young people can find an example. Her love for Jesus led her to recognize and follow the call to give Him her whole life. … Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello need young people who give their lives for others. … Your joy changes the world. Prepare World Youth Day with passion, an extraordinary event that will reach the world from Portugal. ”
The afternoon was animated by two young people, Mariana and Artur who, accompanied by the phrase “Little things are the road to heaven”, enthusiastically presented the different moments.
The Provincial, Sr. Rosa Cândida Gomes, thanked all for the realization of the event: “How was it possible to have a feast in the midst of a pandemic? With the involvement of everyone, from children to elderly sisters, it was possible. I want to thank in particular the young people who joined by putting their creativity at the service of all. Mother Mazzarello will be pleased to see so many happy people here on earth, which is why we cannot desist from having courage for great projects. Thanks to the media, we have managed to do something extraordinary. ”
The feast continued in the evening with the online praying of the Rosary, through the collaboration of young people and families, as an expression of love for Mary Help of Christians. The Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco of Sant’Antonio Province (POR), Fr. Aníbal Mendonça, present at the event, concluded the day with a Salesian Goodnight.
