Calcutta (India). To celebrate the Canonization of Blessed Maria Troncatti, the Mary Help of Christians Province of Calcutta (INC) wanted to honor the holiness of this extraordinary missionary in all its Communities in West Bengal, North Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, and New Delhi.
The celebrations, at the community and parish level, rich in faith and creativity, included quizzes, dances, songs, dramatizations, and drawings, culminating in a solemn Thanksgiving Mass, presided over by the Archbishop Emeritus of Calcutta, Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, with the entire Salesian Family, on 18 October 2025, on the eve of the Canonization.
Every initiative beautifully highlighted the life and mission of the new Saint. These events saw the involvement of priests, religious sisters, lay collaborators, members of the Salesian Family, oratory members, boarders, staff, students, and local communities, who expressed their love and gratitude for the gift of Saint Maria Troncatti to the Church and, in particular, to the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
The various initiatives brought to light how the courageous and generous service of Sister Maria Troncatti among the Shuar people of Ecuador – to whom, as a nurse, educator, and catechist, she dedicated her entire life – became a wonderful example of missionary heroism and charity. Armed only with her faith, a medical kit, and a compassionate heart, she healed the sick, educated the young, and brought the light of the Gospel to remote villages. Her presence transformed lives by building trust and spreading peace in communities often divided by conflict.
Saint Maria Troncatti, through her tireless effort, became a bridge of love and compassion between cultures, embodying the true spirit of missionary discipleship. Her bold service continues to be an inspiration for living the Gospel with courage, simplicity, and joy.
Through these moments of reflection and celebration, the participants rejoiced at the testimony of a woman who lived her vocation with profound faith, heroic charity, and missionary zeal. The celebrations continue throughout the month of October, filling hearts with joy and renewing the spirit of discipleship in everyone.
In her honor, two types of remembrances were distributed to people. In both, the prayer is printed and in one of them a short profile is also provided of Saint Maria Troncatti.
Inspired by the example of Saint Maria Troncatti, the Province renews its commitment to follow the Lord more closely, to grow in a deeper relationship with Him, and to bring His love and compassion to all people, especially the neediest.
