Canonical recognition of the relics of Sister Maria Troncatti – ECU

Macas (Ecuador). On 15 July 2025 in Macas, at the Vicarial Center of Pastoral Care of Río Blanco, the first session of the Tribunal responsible for the canonical recognition and conservative treatment of the relics of Blessed Maria Troncatti (1883-1969) was held, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, Missionary  in Ecuador, who will be canonized on 19 October 2025.

After examining the official document issued by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – which includes the Nulla Osta – the Vatican approved the canonical recognition of the remains of the Blessed and the execution of the procedures required for their preservation.

The event was attended by the Provincial of Sacred Heart Province (ECU), Sister Lupe Erazo Arce, and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Amazon Communities, as well as priests and deacons of the Apostolic Vicariate of Méndez.

The day began with the reading of a summary of the biography of Blessed Troncatti. Subsequently, Mons. Néstor Montesdeoca Becerra, SDB, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Méndez, presided at the opening session of the Tribunal, composed as follows:

• Fr. Daniel Tobar Galarza, Episcopal Delegate
• Fr. Luciano Bellini, SDB, Promotor of Justice
• Sr. Norma Reyes, FMA, Notary
• Paolo Fabián Castelo Chalpabay, Medical Expert
• Deacon Luciano Griggio, Technical Conservator
• Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, SDB, Postulator of the Causes of the Salesian Family
• Sr. Elena Tinitana, FMA, Witness
• Sr. Rosa Molina, FMA, Witness

During the ceremony, Sister Norma Reyes read the decree of appointment of the Officials of canonical recognition, signed by Mons. Montesdeoca.

Each of the members then took an oath before Msgr. Montesdeoca, undertaking to faithfully carry out their function and to maintain the due confidentiality of the office. Subsequently, all signed the official act of this first session.

In his intervention, Mons. Montesdeoca stressed the legacy of missionary holiness present in the Apostolic Vicariate of Méndez, also through the testimonies of Blessed Mercedes de Jesús Molina, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Institute of Santa Mariana di Gesù; of Father Carlo Crespi, SDB, and Father Luigi Bolla, SDB.

Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni then highlighted the ecclesial significance of this process, as an expression of God’s seal on the missionary and evangelizing work carried out in these lands. He also stressed the spiritual motherhood of Sister Maria Troncatti towards priests and her testimony as a “missionary of peace and reconciliation,” having herself lived as one reconciled.

In concluding, the Provincial Sister Lupe Erazo Arce, shared with all those present the message of the Mother General of the FMA Institute, Sister Chiara Cazzuola, in view of the Canonization of Sister Troncatti.

Subsequently, the Commission went to Sucúa, where the extraction of the relics was carried out from the altar dedicated to her in the chapel where her remains rest. These were brought to the place where Deacon Luciano Griggio, technical conservator, began the corresponding treatment for their preservation.

Photos: FMA ECU