Guaratinguetá (Brazil) The distancing due to the Covid-19 pandemic does not stop the proposals of the Educating Community of Our Lady of Carmel of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Guaratinguetá, of St. Catherine of Siena Province of Sao Paulo (BSP), to live fully the Marian month and the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. During the month of May, various celebrations and initiatives were offered by the Institute of Our Lady of Carmel – the first house of the FMA opened in Brazil in 1892 – that provided the opportunity for the people to participate in the main Marian moments from their homes.
Using the Social Networks, each day during the month of May a brief audio message was delivered entitled ‘Flowers for Mary’ with a reflection by an FMA and a commitment proposal under the care of the Province Pastoral Team. In addition, to interact with students and families and invite them to review their knowledge of Mary, a weekly ‘Marian challenge’ was launched on the social networks, prepared by the Province Youth Ministry.
On May 13, the Feast of Mother Mazzarello, the FMA of the Community of Guaratinguetá participated in a Live Show led by Sr. Celine Couto by connecting online as guests.
To prepare for the feast of Mary Help of Christians, the Educating Community united for the Extraordinary Novena to Mary Help of Christians transmitted by the ANS Agency of the Salesians of Don Bosco, while the younger ones had a Novena prepared just for them.
A strong moment that touched families and educators in a special way was the ‘online crowning’ of the statue of Mary Help of Christians by the students and the last year students of the Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary schools who symbolically passed the Rosary through a video, until an FMA crowned Mary.
On May 23, 2020, the Holy Mass was transmitted from the Chapel of the Institute, presided over by the Chaplain of the FMA Community, Fr. Sidnei Lino, of the Archdiocese of Aparecida, who saw only the participation of the resident Community, but that was followed from home through the social networks by over a thousand people.
After Mass, the statue of the Help of Christians, placed on a car, passed through the streets of the city, in the neighborhoods inhabited by families and people who attend the Works of the FMA, as a sign of blessing for the population and for their homes. This event was also broadcast by social media, with a large public participation.
The Institute of Our Lady of Carmel of Guaratinguetá also participated in the evening of songs in homage to Mary Help of Christians organized by the Brazil Salesian Network by sending a song performed by a student of the Secondary School.
Thanks to the animation and to the means of communication, in spite of the physical distance, the families and the people belonging to the Educating Community were able to experience a Month of May united by their faith in Mary.
