Rome (Italy). It is time to rekindle the fire is the slogan that will accompany the celebrations of the Triennium in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the first missionary expedition of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (14 November 1877). (Materials)
The choice of logo, among 39 proposals in competition, fell on that made by Valentina Calabrese, Gaia Greco, Angelica Buanne, Ilaria Fara FMA, Anna Maria Spina FMA, Gabriele Maria Calabrese SDB, a group of missionary animation of Central Italy.
The evaluation committee, made up of FMA, lay people, and young people, expresses sincere gratitude to all participants for the highly appreciated work received from different parts of the world, manifesting a marked missionary sensitivity and a great sense of belonging to the Institute, combined with artistic skills and competences.
May Help of Christians: the figure of Mary chosen for this logo is that of the Help of Christians ‘stolen’ from the sacristy of Valdocco and given by Fr. Cagliero to the first missionaries on the day of departure. It is the presence of “Mary Help of Christians, who holds in her arms a gracious smiling Baby […] Don Bosco has blessed it and sent it to the missionaries: “Bring it, and may Our Lady bless you and accompany you on your long journey.” (Cronistoria, vol. 2, 288). Therefore, in the logo, Mary and Jesus become the traveling companions who protect and guard every mission.
The ship: reproduces in a stylized form, the ship that can be seen in the photo of the first missionary expedition. That huge ship, that in the middle of the sea will be lost to sight to reach distant lands and bring to America also the feminine Salesian charism
The portholes of the ship: are a reference to the ship, but in their number, they recall the five continents in which the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians are present today. In addition, they recall the crown of the Rosary, a daily and unmissable prayer for each FMA.
The Cross: stands very high on the ship to recall the sacrifice that the missionaries assimilate in their departure, a sacrifice lived in every mission; a sacrifice necessary for it to become fruitful.
The first six missionaries: the six figures on the ship are close together and shrouded in the shadow of Mary, who accompanies them. They form a single element – the community – and, in their diversity of height and shape, reproduce the shape of a fire, evidence of the Spirit that accompanies and inspires the missionary dream of the FMA, but also a sign that recalls the fire of God’s love that Mother Mazzarello invites us to keep alive.
The circle that delimits the logo: the logo is written in a circle that wraps around the design. This is not only a stylistic choice that gives compactness to the logo but the momentum of the line recalls the missionary dynamism of the Congregation in the world and forms a halo, sign of the holiness of daily life carried over the ocean by missionaries
On 14 November 2024, with a live streaming from the General House of the FMA Institute in Rome, Mother Chiara Cazzuola will officially open the Triennium of preparation for the 150th anniversary (1877-2027) of the first missionary expedition to Uruguay.
Gracias por el Logo y el Lema plenos de significado. Me parece muy significativa la ubicación de las 6 primeras Misioneras en la imagen de la Virgen. Definitivamente como Ella, Auxiliadoras y con Ella generadoras de vida
This logo is very well thought out and secures links with our first missionary sisters, their courage & no doubt their deep conviction of being called anew with each new dawn to serve the poor & spread the values of yhe Gospel
Gracias por el logo bien inspirado entre FMA y laicos. Llena de esperanza en este camino misionero allí donde Dios nos llama a colaborar con Él.
Me encanta el ligo sobre tido la Virgen que lleva a su hijo sonriente. Y sin ellos quienes acimpañan a los misioneros.
Avete trasformato l’Amore per le Missioni in linguaggio artistico essenziale e fortemente evocativo. Attuale è il dinamismo sotteso ad una vocazione che è il viaggio verso la maternità spirituale in terre lontane. Maria Ausiliatrice è il codice di garanzia. Grazie! Sr Margherita Maderni,
Thank you for the beautiful and meaningful LOGO.
Congratulations and well done to Sr Ilaria and your group. The logo is very comprehensive, inspirational and impressive. The explanation of the logo has given us much to reflect on.
Best wishes from the Sisters in Dún Íde community, Limerick, Ireland
Thanks sisters! All the best for you and my commmunity in Irland!!! God bless you and your missions. I miss you…. 😉 Pray for us!
Gracias por El Logo. Sera un Signo del Amor de Dios que siempre tiene la iniciativa de llamar enviar a las misioneras… Un abrazo misionero. Sor Aida