Rome (Italy). The preparation and celebration of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians were occasions to return to the sources of the Charism. History is not a school subject but, the ancients said, a teacher of life. Rereading the sources and texts that tell the origins and development of the Institute, we find the tree from which we were generated, the seed from which we were born.
The historical reconstruction of the origins of the FMA institute is a fascinating story that testifies to great love and dedication for future generations which, like the house built on the rock, will bear lasting fruits and be fecund for the good.
Among the many Daughters of Mary Help of Christians who have dedicated themselves to this delicate and demanding task, gratitude goes in a particular way to Sr. Piera Cavaglià who was Secretary General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians for 19 years and, since 1979, Professor of the History of the Institute at the Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences “Auxilium”. Now she is called to the service of Animator of Our Lady of Grace ‘Mother House’ of Nizza Monferrato, in the Province of Mary Help of Christians (IPI).
To her we owe a myriad of projects, researches, studies, and publications which accompanied and continue to accompany the initial and ongoing formation of thousands of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. She also held many conferences on the occasion of the Spiritual Exercises or meetings for Provincials, Animators, Temporary Professed. Sr. Piera’s contribution is invaluable and she speaks of the genuineness of the Salesian charism, even before her writings, through her life witness.
With her precious work and her total and tireless dedication to the good of the Church and the Institute, Sr. Piera is a point of reference for every FMA. Her studies made it possible to discover in the history of the Institute the gift of God that every sister and every community has sown over time, under all skies.
A special thanks from Mother and the Sisters of the General Council, who throughout these first months of life at the service of the FMA Institute have felt that she is a close and available sister, attentive and ready to share wisdom and experience. Thanks, in particular for the Spiritual Exercises that she masterfully guided in June 2022, for a return and a relaunch in the freshness of the Charism.
A moving and grateful thank you from the sisters who work in the General Secretariat, who for many years have appreciated and experienced her guidance and help. On 25 July 2022, they went with her on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Miracle, to thank the Lord for the gift of her life and to ask Mary for her intercession and blessing on her and on her new mission.
To Sr. Piera, gratitude for the desire and commitment to promote the vitality of the charism in the complex context of contemporaneity, in the footsteps of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, and the wish for a good journey of holiness, in this stage of life which now passes through the, Mother House’ of Nizza.
Dearest Sr. Piera,
I remember you with Gratitude..You were my guide when I was a student at Casa Canta in 2002.
I still remember your enthusiasm and passion.
With all good wishes
Sr. Shiny Alphonse
CARISSIMA Sr. PIERA,
SONO ETERNAMENTE RICONOSCENTE. GRAZIE DI CUORE. LO SPIRITO SANTO TI ILUMINI NELLA NUOVA MISSIONE.
Carissima Sr Piera,
non ci sono parole che possano esprimere la riconoscenza e la gratitudine nei tuoi confronti. Ti ricordo già dai miei primi anni di formazione quale FMA piena di spiritualità salesiana e mornesina e sopratutto in questi ultimi 6 anni del tuo servizio sei stata per me punto di riferimento, maestra. Grazie perché mi hai insegnato non solo a fare la segretaria ispettoriale, ma a farla secondo la nostra spiritualità. Mi hai insegnato non solo la tecnica ma anche metterci il contenuto e con stile. Sei stata sorella che ha camminato accanto, davanti o dietro assecondo le necessità. Grazie di cuore! La cosa bella di questo passaggio è che continuiamo ad essere sorelle ovunque ci troviamo. Ciao! Sr Maria Lucia Siragusa
Que belleza, tener Este hilo de oro de Historia del Instituto FMA… Gracias por la finezza y dedicacion de custodir…seguir cultivando con la oracion y El compromiso de pertenencia… Bendiciones. Sor Aida Roncal.
Grazie suor Piera, una Fma vera, genuina, buona
Ciao Sr Piera, ti ricordo con tanto affetto. Ho letto l’articolo e sono felice per tutti i riconoscimenti che hai avuto. sempre con Maria Ausiliatrice. Arrivederci. Anna Galletti
Mi trovo in perfetta sintonia con tutto quello che è stato detto della nostra cara Suor Piera e voglio aggiungere a mia volta un grazie sincero e fraterno per tutto quello che è stata e continua ad essere e dare nel nostro Istituto. L’assicurazione della preghiera perché il Signore continui ad accompagnarla col il suo amore.
Sono riconoscente per il lavoro così dedicato. Ogni volta che chiedevo delle informazioni Sr Piera era sempre disposta a dare subito la risposta alla domanda.
Sono riconoscente per tutto quello che ho ricevuto. Grazie di cuore
Cosa posso dire. Grazie per ciò che sei e per quello che fai.
Dio ti guidi sempre e dica al tuo cuore parole di gratitudine.
Benedizione
Sor Mayela Campos.