A Testimony of Holiness and Mission

In his introduction, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime described Saint Maria Troncatti as a “missionary among the poor, mother to the little ones, sister to the suffering, and tireless artisan of peace and reconciliation.” He emphasised how Sister Maria's life was a living Gospel, capable of bringing the light of Christ from the mountains of Corteno, her native village, to the forests of Ecuador. More than with words, Sister Maria proclaimed her faith through her actions: caring for the sick, healing physical and spiritual wounds, and building bridges of peace with love and dedication.

The Message of the Gospel in the Life of Sister Maria

During his homily, the Cardinal offered a profound reflection on the words of the Gospel of Matthew: ‘Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me’ (Mt 25:40). This passage from the Gospel, said the Cardinal, is perfectly embodied in the life of Saint Maria Troncatti. She fed the hungry, cared for the sick, welcomed strangers and clothed the naked. She was not a missionary out of duty, but out of love; not a catechist by profession, but out of compassion; not a nurse by mandate, but by choice, because she saw the face of Christ in every person.

A Concrete and Relevant Holiness

The Cardinal described the holiness of Sister Maria as concrete and everyday, made up of small gestures of love and compassion. She did not perform spectacular miracles, but she transformed mistrust into brotherhood, fear into trust, and violence into friendship.

A significant moment of the celebration was dedicated to the theme of peace, before the gesture of peace. The Postulator General offered a brief reflection, emphasising how Saint Maria Troncatti was a ‘woman of peace’, always committed to dialogue, uniting, resolving conflicts and building relationships of peace and harmony. He also urged all those present to carry out this task entrusted to each one: to be bearers of peace, following the example of the Saint, as they greeted each other with the sign of peace.

A Celebration of Gratitude and Hope

Before the conclusion of the celebration, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, addressed words of thanks to all those present for their participation, prayers and support. As a special sign, she handed the Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime with the relic of Saint Maria Troncatti. With it, the Cardinal imparted the final blessing to the entire assembly.

The solemn Mass of thanksgiving was an opportunity to renew the faith and mission of the Salesian Family. Not only the FMA sisters took part in the celebration, but also young people and representatives of the Salesian Youth Movement, who added joy and vitality to the event.

The celebration ended in an atmosphere of joy and hope, with a strong invitation to everyone to follow the example of Saint Maria Troncatti: to live the Gospel with passion, to build bridges of peace, and to serve with an open heart and hard-working hands.

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