Madrid (Spain) On 16 May 2020 the online retreat took place ‘Connected with Maìn’  organized by the Vocational Animation Commission of the Spanish Province ‘Mary Help of Christians’ (SPA) with the aim of studying the figure of Mother Mazzarello in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Institute.

At the online meeting there were present more than 70 people, educators, animators, FMA, volunteers, among whom a young woman from Columbia.  It began by listening to the words of the ‘Good Morning’ by the Provincial, Sr. Chary Garcìa, who then left space for personal reflection.  The lockdown experience that we are living because of pandemic Covid-19, suggested the idea of beginning with the experience of the ‘second Valponasca’ of Mary Domenica Mazzarello of 1864 when, taking the advice of Fr. Pestarino, Mary Domenica went to live at the Valponasca for more than a month.  At 19:00 (7 PM) each of the 13 groups was able to share their reflections.  For the conclusion, a word cloud was formed to represent the summaries of each group.  Then there were brief testimonies of some participants.  We report some of them:

This retreat meant a re-connection with my foundations, with my way of thinking, seeing, and  facing life.  All this was nourished by the spirit of Maìn who was present in me since my infancy.  I am very grateful to have been able to share this time with you. (Aurora Dánvila | La Roda)

The retreat was very enriching because, in addition to reminding us of the values of our dear Maìn, it allowed me to dedicate time to myself and to the persons with whom I share the charism that is breathed in our School, transmitting to me peace and the strength to continue my journey with the young with whom I walk. (Yurena Díaz | Las Palmas Mª Auxiliadora)

It was a special day.  First of all, thanks to everyone.  I feel fortunate and grateful.  Still again, Maìn impassions me and redirects my thoughts and my hopes.  She encourages me in these difficult times to fight harder and to face the challenges that bring me closer to my dream and always in a happy community environment. THANK YOU.  (Esperanza Garrido | Villaamil – Madrid)

I have not yet been able to visit the Land of Mother Mazzarello, but today I was pleased to have Maìn at home through the experience of my group companions.  They allowed me to hear the voice of our Foundress in my heart.  I thank Mother Mazzarello for this delightful experience of the Salesian Family who have made this afternoon extraordinary.  (Marian Adrio | El Plantío Madrid)

Thank you for the retreat that filled me with interior peace and joy to be able to share time in community so well.  For me, this online retreat threw a ray of light on days of confinement.  It served to re-affirm my faith, the meaning of vocation, the joy and union of hearts with other people.  It allowed me to reflect with a group of marvelous people, impassioned by the person of Maìn.  It was a very gratifying retreat.  Thank you for having made it fantastic.  (Alejandro Novillo | Villaamil – Madrid)

Sometimes the Lord uses that email which the Pastoral Coordinator sends us and to which at another time, I give no importance, but suddenly you click, accept…and you find a gift!  On this occasion, the gift was that, in the midst of the storm, we found a time for a ‘second Valponasca’ to look (at ourselves) and take a breath to face the challenges before us.  Now is the time ‘to pray and continue to do all that is possible.’  Yet again, thank you everyone…till the next one! (Salva di più | Torrent -Alicante)

When Maìn calls, the response is always generous.  This is the confirmation.  The first emotion was to see so many of us on three screens because one was not enough. Then the gift of having two hours to reflect, stop, and learn from this great woman who called us.  For me, the time of group sharing was especially enriching, where once again I rediscover the miracle of meeting people I do not know and after two hours, they are already in my heart because we shared the same dreams, the desire to grow, and a commitment to follow the example of this first Salesian Sister who says so much in her humility and simplicity.  Thank you to those who thought of this and made it possible.  If it can be repeated, we will all become more expert in communication.  (Francis Sotomayor | Valdepeñas)

For me, the retreat was a time of internalization, reflection, confrontation, and group sharing.  Even though my group was only three people, it was an experience of family, simple and profound.  The spirituality of Maìn united us and this is important for being a space of welcome for others.  I thank you for the opportunity to be a member of this great Salesian Family. (Cristina de La Puente | El Plantío – Madrid)

Gruppo giovani incontro online "Connessi con Main" - SPA

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.