Sucúa (Ecuador). On 22 August 2025, in an atmosphere of communion, faith, and gratitude, the blessing of the cross took place in Sucúa at the place of the birth into Heaven of Sister Maria Troncatti, a missionary FMA who will be canonized on October 19, together with a statue in her honor. This significant event marked the beginning of the Triduum dedicated to remembering her generous commitment to the mission in the Amazon.
The celebration began with the blessing of the cross on the exact spot where the plane crash occurred on 25 August 1969. This meaningful gesture invited prayer and grateful remembrance for the life of the woman who today is a model of holiness for the Salesian Family and for the Church. In his words, the parish priest Father Ruperto Patiño highlighted, “The Church wants saints to be a model to follow. They help us walk towards Christ as they did, by sacrificing and loving each other. Sister Maria Troncatti’s life is for us a shining example of total dedication to God.”
This was followed by the blessing of the statue of Sister Maria Troncatti, depicted next to a Shuar girl and a young settler, symbols of the cultures she served and loved deeply. Subsequently, a procession took place in which the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and numerous devotees participated. They prayed the Holy Rosary expressing their trust in the intercession of the Blessed. The walk ended in the amphitheater of the Río Upano State School, home of the IX Amazon Youth Meeting and Festival 2025 (EFJA), which brings together young people from the Apostolic Vicariates of Aguarico, Méndez, Napo, Puyo, and Sucumbíos.
Upon arrival at the amphitheater, the statue was greeted by hundreds of young people from different Amazonian provinces. Her presence will accompany and bless this important space of formation, prayer, and missionary commitment.
May the holiness of Blessed Maria Troncatti continue to encourage young people to be witnesses of hope, following the example of this Salesian missionary who dedicated her life to evangelizing, caring for life, and building peace in the Amazon.
Tudo é muito lindo quando se fala do testemunho e vida de Ir. Maria Troncatti.
Sou sua devota e peço-lhe que interceda pela paz no mundo.