Dublin (Ireland). On 5 August 2022, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the communities of the O.L. of Ireland (IRL) gathered for the Eucharistic celebration and for a time of conviviality.
The encounter began with a time of personal reflection on the image of the picture depicting the presence of Mary in the places of the origins of the FMA Institute, painted by Massimo Ricci, artist from Nizza Monferrato, and donated to Mother Chiara Cazzuola on the occasion of the Feast of Gratitude celebrated in Piedmont from 24 to 26 April 2022.
During the day, the anniversaries of Profession of eleven FMA of the Province were also celebrated: three celebrated 70 years, three 60 years, four 50 years, and one 25 years. At a significant moment during the Holy Mass, the first eleven sisters were remembered who, on 5 August 1872, responded to the words “I have called you by name”. At each jubilee, a candle was then given representing the call, followed by a blessing prayer recited by all the sisters present.
It was a gesture of communion with the history of the Institute’s foundation, like each of the symbols used in the liturgy, including the well of Mornese, the image of the world, and the Centenary book of the Province. In prayer, the FMA expressed their gratitude for the blessings of God in their life and in that of the Province, in unity with the sisters scattered throughout the five continents.
In the months preceding the 150th anniversary, each community planted a tree, to remember their roots present in Mornese and the life that is received by returning to the sources, generator of other life for young people and for present and future generations of FMA.
Muito bom.wonderfull