Maputo (Mozambique) On 8 August 2020, at the Provincial House of Maputo, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of St. John Bosco Province (MOZ) celebrated the 70 years of religious life of Sr. Maria Dolorinda Ferreira and the 80th anniversary of Sr. Carla Baietta , both missionaries of the first group of pioneers who in 1952 brought the Salesian charism to Mozambique.
The motto chosen for the celebrations, which accompanied the preparation and celebration of this moment of grace, was: “We have made this land our land and this people our people”.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by the Archbishop of Maputo, Fr. Francisco Chimoio and, in compliance with the health regulations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, representatives of some groups of the Salesian Family were present: Salesians of Don Bosco, FMA, Past Pupils, friends, and benefactors.
It was a time full of emotion for all present, especially when Sr. Maria Dolorinda Ferreira recalled some episodes of the journey, the arrival, and the first years at John of God Institute in Namaacha (Maputo), of the first FMA Community in Mozambique. The seed of the Charism was sown in this land and the missionary zeal of these sisters makes us breathe today with gratitude the freshness of our origins.
Sister Carla, with her 103 years, continues to be a joyful and affectionate presence, with her continuous dedication to the Lord. Sister Maria Dolorinda, at 89, is still active in the community and shows her love for the Institute and for vocations in every gesture.
The Eucharist was followed by a time of fraternity offered by benefactors and Past Pupils in a family and discreet atmosphere of praise for the vocation, donation, and fidelity of God in the life of the sisters celebrated.
Queridas irmãs Maria e Carla parabéns pelos anos vividos na fidelidade de amor ao Senhor em favor do crescimento do Reino de Deus em terras Moçambicanas! Obrigada a Deus pelo dom das vossas vidas e pela fidelidade à vocação salesiana de FMA em terras de missão.