Cabinda (Angola). On 10-11 February 2026, the first group of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the “Third Age” of Queen of Peace Province (ANG) – Sister Anna Bello Soares, Sister Maria das Graças de Souza, Sister Elsa Pulido, Sister Ana Maria dos Santos – accompanied by the Provincial, Sister Natália Miguel, and the group coordinator, Sister Zvonka Mikec, gathered with fraternal joy at the Community of Mary Help of Christians in Cabinda.
On the first day, Sister Natália presented the theme, “Entrust Yourself to the Lord of Life, from Dawn to Dusk,” through which she nourished the group with edifying reflections on this particular stage of life, which should be lived as a precious time, striving to maintain spiritual youth. She also cited Article 106 of the Constitutions of the FMA Institute, “The constantly renewed response to the gift of vocation is such, that even at an advanced age, though energies are declining, it still offers specific spiritual richness.”
In the afternoon, the FMA shared a rich moment of sharing, building on the morning’s reflection and the book, “The Great Art of Aging” by Anselm Grün, which Sister Zvonka had given to each of them the previous year. Some expressions of the sharing:
“It’s beautiful to know how to attain wisdom and be a blessing in old age.”
“When we accept aging without difficulty, we acquire a new fertility.”
“Aging well is an art.”
Over the course of the two days, videos were presented in which several Sisters from other Congregations spoke about the richness of old age. “We are pilgrims; we are guests on earth, and the God of hope fills us with joy and peace.”
On the second day, the group had the opportunity to stroll through the city of Cabinda. At the Goodnight, the Third Age Sisters expressed their gratitude for the enriching meeting, well led by Sister Zvonka and Sister Natália, for the fraternal welcome of the Cabinda Community, and for the joy of the group’s conviviality.
