Bratislava (Slovakia) St. John Bosco Province (SLK) celebrates the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the first Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Trnava, Slovakia (June 16, 1940). In the days following the feast of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, Co-Founder of the Institute, the Provincial of Slovakia, Sister Monika Skalová, visited all the communities to celebrate this event with the sisters. The communities exchanged gifts virtually, because of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, documenting this moment through a video.
On June 13, 2020, invited by Catholic Radio ‘Lumen’, Sister Miroslava Tarajová, Sister Anna Chrkavá, and Sister Eva Pullmannová from the community of Nitra, spoke about the 80 years of history of the FMA in Slovakia and their current presence.
The first FMA arrived in Slovakia on June 16, 1940 in Trnava, where the first community was formed. In 1944 a community was born in Nitra, where the FMA opened the school for girls and the oratory, and in 1947 a community in Dolný Kubín, where they dedicated themselves to catechesis in schools and oratories, also offering music and sewing courses.
In 1950, as happened for the religious of the other Congregations, the FMA are brought to concentration camps. Subsequently during the totalitarian regime, they live and continue formation in a hidden way in apartments. Following the fall of the regime, they gradually return to live in communities and open new houses, resuming to wear the religious habit.
On 13 May 2000, after being Delegation and then a Preprovince, the Slovak Province of St. John Bosco (SLK) was erected. Today the FMA of the SLK Province live and work in 16 Communities, mainly engaged in Youth Ministry.
In a video with the main historical stages of the Province, Sister Monika Skalová, on behalf of all the FMA, expresses gratitude to Mother General, Sister Yvonne Reungoat, for the 80 years of their presence in Slovakia.
Among the initiatives for the anniversary, an exhibition of paintings and candles created by Sister Andrea Miklovičová and Sister Lenka Pukajová was created, initially virtually, via social channels. Now it is possible to admire the works in Bratislava and book some of them through the dedicated Blog.
The FMAs of the Slovak Province continue the 80th anniversary initiatives which can be followed through the Institutional Facebook Page.
Grazie! Auguri! Fedeltà! Continuate a portare avanti la bellezza del carisma con la stessa gioa e pasione delle prime sorelle. Ringraziamo di cuore!!!