(Mozambique). The Pope’s visit to Mozambique was welcomed by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians as a moment of grace in preparation for the Provincial Chapter which will take place from 25 to 28 September. The visit was preceded by formation meetings, debates on the situation in which the country finds itself, spiritual preparation with the penitential celebration lived with all the Christian communities, and the preparation of the liturgy in which many FMA were involved in the singing and in the dance.
Of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, 33 sisters and 3 aspirants were present at the encounters with the Pope. Sister Carla Baietta, one of the first F.M.A. in Mozambique, 102 years old, had the joy of participating in the encounter of consecrated persons with the Pope who greeted her personally. Sister Petra Esteban Valcabado, 86, also experienced this moment of joy. Sr Giustina Zanato, for her jubilee of 50 years of religious life, received as a gift from the Apostolic Nuncio Fr. Piergiorgio Bertoldi the opportunity to participate in the private Mass with Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature.
At the time of the farewell of the Holy Father with the employees of the Nunciature, Sister Carla also had the joy of living another privileged experience with the presence of the Holy Father.
The highlight of the Pope’s visit was the Eucharistic celebration lived with great emotion and faith due to the message of hope brought by the Holy Father.
Very important was the collaboration of the local authorities to make the visit significant, with the availability of young volunteers, with the Catholic doctors who contributed to the encounters with the Pope. The presence of the Pope was a privileged time for the renewal of the faith of every FMA and that of the Mozambican people.
The signs, the images spoke of peace in his presence. His message at the time of the Eucharist was warmly welcomed as a prophecy and led the nation’s leaders to reflect.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, everyone returned to their homes happy and as the Holy Father said, “I know that you have all washed … I hope with holy water!” Many walked for very long without feeling tired because they came back filled with peace and hope.
