Santiago (Chile). On 14 April 2023, a representation of the Educating Communities of Santiago, Los Andes, and Valparaíso, belonging to the St. Gabriel Archangel Province (CIL), representatives of other Communities in the Country, parishioners, and members of the Salesian Family, met at   Laura Vicuña Shrine in Renca, on the slopes of Cerro Colorado, to celebrate the 132nd birthday of the Chilean Blessed, which fell on 5 April.

To celebrate Laura’s birthday, a ‘gift’ was thought up. In the morning, with the support of the Cooperative Cultiva, all the participants, especially children and young people, had the opportunity to celebrate Laura’s life by reforesting the paths around the Sanctuary with more than 300 native trees. This experience was achieved by teamwork, in groups accompanied by expert volunteers in reforestation. With this initiative, the celebration of this birthday contributes to raising awareness of the effects of the climate crisis, through concrete actions.

The Eucharist was then celebrated, presided over by Fr. Carlos Ampuero, Salesian of Don Bosco of St. Gabriel Archangel Province (CIL) who, in the context of the Easter octave, invited the assembly to recognize God following the example of Laura. “Laura recognized the Lord! This means giving Him permission to enter our personal life, our society, our Church, so that He may mold us according to His heart.” At the end of the celebration, the traditional “happy birthday” song was sung and, in the name of all, the Provincial, Sr. Ximena Oyarzo Mansilla, blew out the candles on the cake, which was then shared.

At the end, as a sign of communion with the whole Institute which will soon celebrate the World Feast of Gratitude in Colombia, all those present prayed for Mother General, Sister Chiara Cazzuola, and for the intentions of peace, making the gesture of releasing two white doves.

Photos: Flickr CIL

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.