Montevideo (Uruguay). From 17 to 19 May 2025, Casa Maria Auxiliadora of Villa Colón, Montevideo, called the “Mornese of America”, hosted the Annual Assembly of the Interprovincial Conference of the Southern Cone of Latin America (CICSAL) convened by the President of CICSAL, Sister Ángeles Grassi, Provincial of the Uruguayan Immaculate Conception Province (URU).
The meeting brought together the Provincials of Saint Gabriel Archangel (CIL) of Chile, Sister Marisol González; of St. Raphael Archangel Province (PAR) of Paraguay, Sister Cecilia Camacho; and the Provincial of Laura Vicuña Province (ARG) of Argentina, Sister Silvia Boullosa. In addition, there were the Delegates for from each Province for the Triennial Verification and those responsible for the various sectors coordinated by CICSAL.
The event saw the special participation of Sister Leslie Sándigo, General Councilor for the Salesian Family and contact person for the CICSAL Conference, who accompanied the participants during the three days of intense work.
The objectives of the meeting were: to carry out a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the processes in each of the areas in relation to the strategic planning of the Conference, including proposals and suggestions for their improvement; deepening the theme of General Chapter XXIV through the synthesis of the responses of each Province in relation to the processes developed and the attitudes to be strengthened, to be a presence that listens, walks together, and networks.
The meeting began on 17 May, with the evaluation of the different sectors of coordination, both in presence and through Zoom.
Sunday 18, in the morning, Sister Adriana Silva of the URU Province, Doctor in Theology, shared with the participants an in-depth discussion on the encyclical letters of Pope Francis, – in particular the link between the “Dilexit Nos” and the Acts of the General Chapter XXIV – By combining prayer and reflection, to broaden the perspective before personal and group work related to the theme of the Triennial Verifica.
In the afternoon, we discussed the work related to the category of a “Presence that listens”, with the synodal methodology of “conversation of the Spirit”, to promote community sharing and listening to the voice of the Spirit.
To conclude the day, the CICSAL Provincials participated online in the CIS meeting, the Conference of SDB Provincials and FMA Provincials of the Southern Cone, thus maintaining continuity in the formation, reflection, and collaboration work which has been going on for several years.
On May 19, the work day began with prayer in the place where the first Daughters of Mary Help of Christians lived when they arrived in America, in the House of Villa Colón. The encounter with the humility, littleness, and missionary passion of the origins accompanied the whole day. The work of synthesis was resumed, facing the categories of a presence that walks together, community presence in outreach, and networking. It concluded with the proposal of the theme for General Chapter XXV.
During the final Verification, the participants thanked the community of Villa Colón for their hospitality and highlighted the work done by all with responsibility and a sense of belonging. To the protection of Mary, who gives us the smiling Jesus, they entrust the path of the Conference and the next Triennial Verification, which will be held in Paraguay in August 2025.
Photos: Flickr FMA CIL
