Greetings for a Happy Anniversary to all FMA
Greetings for a Happy Anniversary to all FMA
August 5th is a Marian feast and the date on which we as FMA celebrate our anniversary. It was on August 5, 1872 that, with the first professions, the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians was born. The idea had come to Don Bosco, and Mother Mazzarello, a strong and enterprising woman, in love with God and his mission of salvation, full of passion for the apostolate among young people, said Yes, together with a group of her friends, with whom she had spent her youth and with whom she had always cultivated the love of Jesus.
Since then many young people have chosen to follow the path of Salesian holiness, continuing to give themselves by becoming part of the FMA Institute.
Today we all celebrate, even those who, in different parts of the world, celebrate their profession on other dates. Today we celebrate the gift of the charism, the gift of two great saints who opened the road for many others, known or less well known. We celebrate the gift of the many young who in the past 138 years have filled our houses, our playgrounds, our schools, and our life.
We also celebrate because we are happy that we have given our lives to God in the service of the least and the poorest.
We celebrate because, as Mother Mazzarello said: “a heart that celebrates is a heart that really loves the Lord”. And we entrust to the Lord all the FMA of the world especially those making first profession or perpetual vows, those who celebrate 25, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80 years of fidelity!
What is our wish?
That we may be joyful and loving in the service of the least and the poorest. Our Institute began thanks to the courage of a group of friends who were fascinated by the holiness of Don Bosco. So let us continue to ask for the gift of courage and of sisterly friendship.