Spiritual exercises in Mornese – Province SPA

Madrid (Spain). From 12 to 20 February 2026, the Animators and Council of the Spanish Province of Mary Help of Christians (SPA) lived the Spiritual Exercises in Mornese (AL). They were days of encounter, prayer, and profound communion in the land where the Charism was born through the hand of Mary Domenica Mazzarello. It was an opportunity to rediscover one’s roots and renew one’s heart for the mission. The Exercises were led by Daniela Cannavina, a Capuchin nun of Mother Rubatto.

Subsequently, on 20-21 February, the Animators’ Meeting was held. Following the Exercises, this time of joint work also became an opportunity to continue strengthening leadership and commitment to education and pastoral care. The Provincial Council and the Animators concluded these days with a visit to Milan.

Sister Menchu García, Councilor for Formation, recounts her experience:

“Pleasant places were measured out for me; fair to me indeed is my inheritance.” (Ps 15) This was the general sentiment that we kept in our hearts upon returning from this experience of Spiritual Exercises in Mornese.

While being able to dedicate a week a year to have this pause from such a busy life is already a grace and a privilege that many people cannot afford; doing it in Mornese adds a ‘plus’ to our experience of faith and a true charge of ‘Salesian Spirit.’

These exercises were much more than a few days of retreat. Led by Sister Daniela Cannavina, they allowed us to experience a double calling.

On the one hand, like Nicodemus, we experienced a profound encounter with God, feeling the need to be reborn by the breath of the Spirit. This journey led us to Bethany to learn the art of seeing with new eyes, living as sisters; to seek the Lord in the Galilee of daily mission, and to disembark in Judea as vigilant sentinels.

A second calling was to strengthen our Salesian Charism from this land characterized by simplicity, faith, and generous dedication. Walking its streets, contemplating its landscapes, and pausing in the places where Mother Mazzarello lived, where she dreamed, “I entrust them to you,” allowed us to connect in a special way with the Salesian charism and the transforming power of a life given out of love.

I’m reminded of the song “La terra mi chiama” by the famous Cuban singer Gloria Estefan, when in one of her verses she says, “You cannot forget the land where you were born, because there are your roots and what you leave behind. From my beautiful land, from my holy land, the land pushes you with roots and strength. The land calls you when you are not there.” The atmosphere of silence, prayer, and fraternity also helped us greatly.

And since gratitude is the “memory of the heart,” we sincerely thank all those who made this experience possible. Those who prepared it with dedication, those who accompanied the moments of reflection and prayer, and those who oversaw every detail to ensure these days were truly a time of grace. Their generous dedication was a living reflection of the family spirit that characterizes this house.

Returning to Mornese doesn’t mean leaving behind what we’ve experienced, but carrying it within us. The experience of having been able to stay in Mother Mazzarello’s land is an invitation to live with greater authenticity, trust, and hope, drawing inspiration from her example of joy, humility, strength, and love.

Thank you for reminding us that holiness is born in everyday life and flourishes when the heart opens fully to God. For this reason, any place we live can be Galilee and Mornese for us.

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