A Token of Gratitude to Our Animators

My dear Sr. Edna Mary, Sr. Maire O’Byrne and Sr. Josephine Rani,

With great pleasure, joy and love we have been waiting to thank you. We highly esteem and much appreciate your marvelous communication skills, amazing sisterliness and wonderful Silesian spirituality. In short your life is a feast to our eyes. We entrust ourselves and our mission to your prayers, while requesting the same for us.

The whole group around THE well

My dear Sisters,

As we walked towards the source of our origin

Thinking sanctity a frightening mountain

Ha! We found the glorious holy fountain

In the simple and humble land where it all begin.

The window has been the spring board,

And the well has been the footboard,

And for the chosen, it is a notice board

Thus you joyously , humbly serve as signboard.

The window infuses self-confidence to peer out,

And with audacity and faith to say out,

“Do  whatever He tells you”, to  shout out,

Mary and Rosary our devotion you cry out.

The window widens your horizon

You become sensitive to listen

To the end of the world you hasten

The loving Father’s kingdom to widen.

The well promotes this determination

With joy and cheerfulness to the destination

With humility and courage, a good combination

To free the world from condemnation.

The window and the well are one

To blend the divine  and the human into one

East or west, North or South we are one

To make known  the  Holy One.

For this, Dear Mother Mazzarello ,you live

In these zealous and  patient hearts you live

In these untiring and loving service you live

Dear sisters,  you are the living Mazzarello.

With much love and deep gratitude,

Sr. Anne Augustine, INK, Bangalore, India.

Visit to Nizza

This morning had a different beginning for us as we started with breakfast at 7:3o am. As this was our last day of Project Mornese and we were going to spend it in Nizza Monferrato . The bus had arrived from Rome and we were on our way at 8:15 through the winding hills of Mornese and on to Lerma and Ovada.

Nizza - Old Monastery and Chapel (Our Lady of Graces) bought by Don Bosco

On the way we prayed a very reflective morning prayer entitled “Seeds of New Life” as our theme for today is “Letting G ” after the example of St. Mary Mazzarello.

Sr. Máire told us about Nizza and the great sacrifice it was for St. Mary Mazzarello to move away from her beloved Mornese after spending 42 years of her 44 years there. Don Bosco had bought Nizza as he had seen the need to move the Mother House from Mornese for the following reasons if the young Institute was to survive and flourish:

1. 1Mornese was isolated and difficult to reach.
2. 2 Air was strong , young Sisters were dying.
3. 3 Nizza was near Turin and more central for a Mother house.

Maria Mazzarello's room

In February 1879 the Mother house was transferred to Nizza and remained there until 1929.

It was from here that Sr. Mary Mazzarello wrote a lot of her letters. From here Sisters were moving further afield. Her own Sister left for Sicily.

Sr. Mary Mazzarello went with the third group of Missionaries to Marseilles. While in France, she visited the Sisters in St. Syr.

Sr. Mary Mazzarello health was failing and she developed pleurisy. She had three wishes and God granted all her wishes.

1.    Sr. Mary Mazzarello lived to celebrate her birthday on May 9^th.

2.    Fr. Cagliero returned from America and she was able to speak to him.

3.    She died on a Saturday, which was also the anniversary of Don Pesterino.

Chapel of Our Lady Help of Christians at Nizza

At last we crossed the river Bilbo and soon the bus was speeding up the long avenue to the house. Beautiful Lime trees are growing on both sides of the avenue to the house.

The Sisters were waiting and gave us a very warm welcome. We were treated to a welcome morning snack.

Afterwards we were invited to take a tour of this special house.  We began in the Chapel which goes back to the fifteen hundreds.

This was the chapel Mother Mazzarello, Sisters and girls prayed in. Each year the local people come here on the 23^rd and 24^th of May to honor Mary Help of Christians and they call the house “La Madonna”.  We had Mass here at 11:30.

Welcome to lunch at Nizza

Next we climbed the stone stairs that St. Mary Mazzarello often climbed and visited her bed room. This was a very special moment for all of us as we were very aware we were standing on holy ground. Here we had a special moment of prayer and we renewed our Vows.  It was here St Mary Mazzarello breathed her last before uniting with the God she loved.

We were warmly treated to a delicious lunch. Hospitality was exemplary. During lunch we were enjoying seeing the many children at recess.

We then visited the Memorabilia of St. Mary Mazzarello time and were amazed at what we saw.

Soon it was time to say good bye to the Sisters at Nizza and get on the bus. Our next stop was St. Joseph’s house for the elderly. M. Marinella and other Sisters were waiting to welcome us. M. Marinella spoke to us in the Community room and we visited the chapel. We were treated to beautiful refreshments and left very satisfied with our visit.

Group photo with Mother Marinella at Nizza

We finally visited the Sisters Cemetery and saw the graves of our Sisters. We prayed for all those buried there.

Visit to the Cemetary

We made our way to the bus and headed for Mornese after a very full and blessed day.

Desert Day (Rekindle the fire of Love)

For our Morning Reflection, we were asked to "Be still and acknowledge the movements of the Spirit within. Sit with Jesus - Listen and discern act...”

Re-enkindle the fire

Sr. Edna Mary spoke on the "Eye of our Mind and Soul and its importance in our life. We each received a red paper flame, which we wrote our name and placed by the fire built up with twigs and sticks from the Valponasca and stones from the Roverno.

The day was passed in silence and recollection. Some sisters stayed at the Collegio, while others went to Mazzarelli and two went to the Valponasca. At 5.15pm we gathered for our Evaluation on our time spent at "Mornese". The SUA Province gave their Presentation on Vocations and on statistics of houses and number of sisters and presented their work in the university residence in Illinois. This was followed by Holy Mass at 6.30pm prepared by Philippine Sisters." Fr. Anthuvan spoke of how the Spirit of Mornese needs our whole self both heart and soul. This was followed by our evening meal at 7.30pm.

by Sr. Esther Murphy GBR

Ha! Window of Valponasca

The Valponasca window

What did you  do dear Window? 

I stood static and remained heavenward

The little girl of Mornese came to me

‘There’, I showed her the abode of the Lord,

The Lord who abides forever in her heart.

She frequented me in all  the seasons

Thus for her siblings, she herself a window.

Then, what did you do dear window?

The young and the old often approached

Their childish ways  were not reproached

I was open and happily  welcoming

The family folk kept coming

Then what did  you do dear window?

I watch Mary growing in wisdom

A  hard worker and a friend of all

Charity reigns supreme in her

A dream began to shape her. 

by Sr.  Anne Augustine  INK- Bangalore, India.

A Day for Mother Mary

The bright sunrays peep into our rooms and we woke up with high spirit to make the maximum use of the last days of our project Mornese 2012. 

Mass in the Chapel of Mary Help of Christians at the Collegio

The morning prayer was at 7.30 on “Mary , Mother and Inspiration” by Sr. Maire O’Byrne our animator, which filled our eyes with tears and  our hearts with pride and our thoughts with hope, for we know that she will continue to accompany us  and our recipients in the days to come.

The Angelus set the right tone the day by contemplating the foreseeing love of God to begin the day. We see Mary as an outstanding  woman who mirrored this love in  her everyday relating with others. The refrain of the morning prayer “Guide us on the journey, show to us the way, Be our home of resting, comfort when we stray , Guide us with your wisdom  and your blessing share” is a good package for our life and mission as we prepare to leave Mornese to our communities.

In the morning session Sr. Maire O’Byrne  presented “Mary in the life and teaching of Mother Mazzarello’s  life” shows  that Mary’s name is very  much connected to  Mother Mazzarello and her family. The members of her family including she , were  named after Our Blessed Mother Mary. She lived in the shadow of the church of Mary Help of Christians. When the dogma of Immaculate Conception was   proclaimed as a dogma of faith ,  Fr. Pesterino infused devotion in his parishners  in Immaculate Conception.  Mary Mazzarello became an ardent follower and later she joined the ‘Pious Union of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.  When she was stricken with typhoid in 1861 the image of Auxilium Christianorum was her refuge . It is thought that she contracted typhoid on 15^th Aug., the day of Our Blessed Mother and she recovered from it also on 7^th Oct., the day dedicated to her.

As superior of the Institute she told the sisters that Mary is the real  Superior of the house and  she left the keys of the house at the feet of Our Lady. She conducted recreation and held good night at the grotto of May. She led pilgrimages to Gavi,  Lerma, Rochetta etc. the shrines of  Our Lady. Her letters her conversations  and recommendations have Mary as her theme. Her suggestions to prepare for the feasts of Our Lady also exhorts that she is a real devotee of  Mother Mary.

St. Mary Dominica’s discipleship, her commitment, Spirit of renewal, Christ centeredness, Asceticism, Interconnectedness, her wholeness in the practice of the vows, everyday effort to become better and holy, her awareness of the presence of Mary in the daily living of the Institute , the missionary ardour  preparation  of sisters and sending them in the first and second missionary  expedition were highlighted. For the expedition she sent  her greetings to the sisters.

The  spirit of Mother Mazzarello  today invites us to launch  into the deep.

Shortly after the class Sr. Godaluppe  highlighted  the miracles by the Servant of God Sr. Maria Romero at Costa Rica. The origin of the miraculous water and the miraculous cure of the crippled boy . She distributed water and oil from  Costa Rica.

After a short break we had Holy Mass animated meaningfully by  the sisters of Timore  ESTE Province. The entrance dance was of the culture of Timore in which all took part holding  the names of the first missionaries and pioneers  to various nations.T he Statue of Our Lady , the lighted candles, Globe, walking stick And a pair of shoes, water, wine  etc were offered with a touching commentary. The celebrant Fr. Maria Arul Anthuvan Tharsis  Sdb commented on the critical life sitations of Our Lady, St. Mary Mazzasrello and Servant of God Mother Tresa of Kolkatta.

A scene in the new Maria Mazzarello film

After lunch sisters dispersed for their own personal work. At 3.00 p.m. Sr. Marie, Sr. Edna, Sr.  Rani and Fr. Andhuvan led us to the cemetery at Mornese. Sr. Marie showed us the tomb of our sisters and the small chapel belongs to the FMA. We visited other tombs, began the Rosary but due to the sporadic rain came back saying the Rosary in groups.

After Supper we had the recent film on Mary Mazzarello named ‘Main’ .We thanked  God for the good day and dispersed.

by Sr. Anne  Augustine INK Province, India 

Grazie

The three Animators and Fr Anthuvan

My dear Sr. Edna,

Sr. Edna, you are a wonderful Enthusiasm

An unfathomed fountain of knowledge

 And the seat of salesian virtues

They flow and flow unceasingly

The gentleness of Morenese is your own

The spirit of hard work is your capital

Joy and cheerfulness in good measure

To lead us all onward and double M.M.

Determination as your keyword

You spend yourself lavishly for a cause

Without giving ear to evil tongue

Setting an example on this mountain

To tell the whole world in unison

”This is the house of the love of God”

Much love and deep gratitude,

Sr. Anne Augustine, INK, Bangalore, India.

My dear Sr. Maire,

The historian has come alive

In the person of Sr. Maire

You have the “pass word” of Mornesian history

It is like” the ghost we evoked”

You have “saved” the map of Mornese

The little stick and the little feet

Trotted along the labyrinthine ways

To “enter ”consternation in us

You "corrected and edited” our fore knowledge

Inserted a lot and deleted none

You impersonate patience of M.M.

“Enter” sufficient humour in everything

“Cut and pasted” courage and hard work in us

Printed in bold Madona and Holy Eucharist

“Add the contact" is renewed

Nothing in the "spam"

Everything is "send" to us.

With much love and deep  gratitude

Sr. Anne Augustine,INK, Bangalore,India.

My dear Sr. Josephine,

The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed

Growing and let growing

There are two yellow leaves and one green leaf

Mother Mazzarello is in  your life and dream

Giving her in enthusiasm is your stream

You make M.M. familiar and known

No stone is unturned in your sojourn

May you be obsessed by her

And make your home “a house of the love of God”

With much love and deep gratitude,

Sr. Anne Augustine, INK, Bangalore, India.

Dear Rev. Fr. Anthuvan,

The Lord and the Master of the blessing

Called you to be  always a blessing

To those who desperately seek a blessing

You are chosen and given to us as a blessing.

He is wise and just in His calling

To enable you to listen to the daily calling

The youth in and around is calling

To be an answer to their calling

May you be blessed for answering our call

May you be sensitive to every call

To justify all that He asks of you by His call

May you be found prepared and worthy to answer the final call.

With deep gratitude,

 Sr. Anne Augustine, INK, Bangalore, India.

Feast of Gratitude

Sisters, Claudio and his wife

Today Sunday we joined with the parishioners in celebrating mass in the parish church at 11.30 am.

What a surprise to find Claudio and his wife waiting for us after mass. They wanted to thank the sisters for their assistance on Friday. Before leaving they had a photograph with them. Incidentally, it was the same Claudio who made the beautiful Nativity Scene in the crypt of the Parish Church.

Returning from mass we were joined by the community for dinner. The afternoon was spent rehearsing for our multicultural evening.

Fr Anthuvan celebrated mass for us in the house at 5.30pm and afterwards the community once again joined us for our evening meal.

The opening dance to thank the Mornese Community

Later we assembled in the hall to express our thanks to the community for all the kindness, generosity, goodness and sisterly love they showed to us during our stay here at the Collegio. The variety show which followed gave a flavour of the many cultures and talents of those who formed our group. There were dances, a sketch and songs all expressing our thanks to the wonderful community who made us feel so much at home from the moment we arrived.

We presented the community with some gifts provided by the different provinces taking part in the project.

The community then expressed their thanks to us in word and song and our night together ended with our joint singing of “O Qual Sorte”. In this way a truly Salesian evening came to an end. 

Community

The theme for today is Community.

Washing at Roverno

Our day began with reflective prayer entitled: “Building Community Communion”. The morning session was facilitated by Sr. Máire O’Byrne which was extremely informative, encouraging and uplifting. It focused on Community in the light of the Constitutions.

Today in the world the biggest problem is the break down in community. At present, in many areas, our communities are smaller in number, older and maybe not in as much direct contact with the young.

Article 36 of the Constitutions reminds us that the Blessed Trinity is the foundation of our Community.  Our first ministry is who we are. Giving witness by our way of life and how we live with each other.

Sr. Máire reminded us that no community is perfect not even the first community in Mornese. In the first community of Mornese some of the sisters were older than Sr. Mary Mazzarello, some were friends, some pupils and lay teachers. Petronilla was a friend and supporter of Mary Mazzarello. Felicina was her blood sister and soul friend. She was also the first novice mistress and opened many new houses. Assunta was contemplative though illiterate. Enrichetta was known as Mother Assistant and was vicar general for several years.

Community moments are very important to build any community like Liturgical feasts, celebrated with joy and happiness. “Where there is true charity the heart asks nothing more”

Mount Tobico

According to our constitutions (50), these three aspects are fundamental for community living: Respect, Esteem, and Understanding for each other.

During the Mass we prayed for all our communities remembering each sister and her ministry.

At two o’clock most of the group set off in glorious sunshine for the Roverno River. This was where Sr. Mary Mazzarello, the Sisters and the girls along with the villagers went to do the big wash in the river. This was also a social event for all, where they worked, prayed, cooked polenta and had fun while the clothes dried on the bushes.

Here too we had a threefold ritual to celebrate community.

v  We washed each other’s hands for the hurts we caused others in community.

v  We dropped a symbol in the river as a sign of letting go of the hurts we received in community.

v  We shared a snack with those present to build community.

We united in spirit with the group who could not walk to Roverno and were gathered at the Well in the Collegio and with our provinces.

While returning home from the Roverno a local man drove past on a tractor. As the last group walked along they found that the  tractor was now in the ditch and the man collapsed on the driver’s seat. Sr. Edna Mary went to the nearest house to look for help.  The man there informed the family and phoned for an ambulance. In the meantime the Sisters tried to assist the man by raising his head and placing him in a comfortable position. At this point he was unconscious.

After about twenty minutes his wife arrived with a medical kit. She asked if any Sister could give him an injection while she gave him some insulin. Sr. Mary Alexander gave him the injection and he regained a little consciousness. Soon the ambulance arrived and more family members and he was taken to hospital with what turned out to be a very severe allergic reaction to a bee sting.

The well at the Collegio

The wife and family of Claudio were very grateful for the assistance of the Sisters, which saved his life. We consider this as an intervention of our dear Mother Mary Mazzarello and we implore her to restore Claudio to full health if it be God’s will.

At seven o’clock we gathered for a presentation by Sr. Rena from the Canadian province. Sister told us there are 28 Sisters in her province, all of whom multitask.Sr. Rena told us all about a new house they opened eleven months ago in Cornwall, Ontario.

This was another very prayerful and meaningful day for all of us on Project Mornese.

Casa Immacolate

Casa Immacolata during Maria Mazzarello's time

The day began in the company of the Holy Spirit. Morning Prayer set tone to our day as we began to explore the life of our Main at Casa Immacolata. She was indeed ‘a soul led by the Spirit’.

The input session broadened our understanding regarding the House of the Immaculate. From 1851, though Angela Maccagno had in her mind to found an Association, the official foundation of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate took place on December 9, 1855. Fr. Giuseppe Frassinetti’s influence on the DMI was both juridical and spiritual. The DMI committed themselves to the spread of religion among the girls and women, assistance of women who were ill and alone, being with them even in the last moments of their life. It is in obedience to this rule that Maria Domenica contracted typhoid while caring for her sick relatives. The house of the Immaculate was built by Fr. Pestarino to use it for himself during the winter when he had to begin confessions early in the mornings. He also had a secret plan to give it to the DMI. The daughters were made aware of this plan and for this reason some of them had contributed to the costs.

Casa Immacolata with Presbytery (left) and Parish Church (right)

The Eucharist in the Collegio Chapel: Sisters of Kolkatta (INC) province animated the liturgy. At the entrance procession we had to tie a friendship band on the wrist of our friend (the sister whose name we had picked the previous evening) promising her of our prayers. During the Liturgy of the Word the Bible was enthroned by garlanding and performing Aarathi to the Bible.

Visit to the House of the Immaculate: Then came the much awaited moment, our visit to the Casa Immacolata, now owned by Mrs. Chiara. As Mrs. Chiara was taking us round the house, who do you think we saw? We had the great fortune of meeting the grand niece of Mother Mazzarello, Maria, granddaughter of Main’s  youngest brother Nicola, who is now 94 years old.  One could only imagine our joy! We rallied round her for photographs. Her only words for us were ‘many blessings from our Saint’. She was very surprised to hear from us that we belonged to the different parts of the world…

The grandniece of St Maria Mazzarello in front of her house

Then Mrs. Chiara took us right into the Casa Immacolata. She showed us the room of Maria Domenica. As we went up the steps she also said that they were the original steps, where our Main might have climbed up and down. From there she brought us to the hall to show us various documents that she has acquired and preserved. We saw Fr. Pestarino’s handwriting to show that Maria Domenica was admitted for Holy Communion once in 1850, thrice in 1851, five times in 1852 and forever from 1853 onwards. Mrs. Chiara showed us the documents for the entire lineage of the ownership of the House of the Immaculate. After Fr. Pestarino’s death, according to his will  the house was left to Don Rua in 1874 (we know - that Fr. Pestarino became a Salesian and remained in Mornese to continue his mission). Fr. Rua sold it to Angela Maccagno in 1876. After Angela Maccagno’s death, Catherine Mazzarello took care of the house and school from 1890. In 1921, Fr. Luigi inherited the house form his aunt Catherine Mazzarello. In 1922 he sold it to Bodrato. In 1938 Dr. Bocca (physician) who is the grandfather of Mrs. Chiara bought it from Bodrato. It passed from her grandfather to her father and she inherited it from her father.

The Daughters of the Immaculate had moved to the House of the Immaculate in 1867 and remained there until 23^rd May 1972. INDEED IT IS THE FIRST NOVITIATE OF OUR CONGREGATION! MARIA DOMENICA WAS THE FIRST NOVICE MISTRESS THERE, WHILE BEING ALSO A NOVICE!

by Sr. Cecilia C.

Mother Mazzarello Spiritual Friendship and Educational Intuition

Symbol of Friendship on the Friendship Day

Another grace- filled day unfolded before us. We journeyed onwards exploring and deepening Mother Mazzarello's spiritual friendship and educational intuition.

Our Morning Prayer, the wonderful input given by Sr. Máire O'Byrne, the well prepared Eucharistic celebration by the Shilong province, our wandering rosary through the relevant spots marking St. Mary Mazzarello's opening up to a gift of new life, our evening prayer and recreation... indeed everything converged clearly bringing forth the message of how friendship anchored in God can lead one to deeply appreciate and reverence the uniqueness of every person, such as in the case of Mother Mazzarello and Petronilla. In their difference, they beautifully complemented each other, contributing to each one's growth and maturity not for self-serving purposes, but in view of a common mission, that is, for the good of the young, which God gradually unveiled to Mother Mazzarello.

Grapes in a vineyard at the Valponasca

Venturing deeply into this particular stage of life of Mother Mazzarello, we likewise find resonances in our lives individually and as a community, leading us to look deeply into the quality of our relationships.

Understanding more deeply how spiritual friendship can help us make our communities houses of the love of God and thus authentic bearers of his love to the young and to all that we encounter, we are greatly challenged to truly anchor our lives in God that we may build authentic and life-giving relationships.

by Sr Ludette fma.

Turin & Valdoco slideshow

Windows and Wells

The window at the Valponasca

Our day opened with an up-lifting Morning Prayer and reflection on “Windows and Wells”.

We are called to keep an open mind to the Spirit who calls us to remain connected, allowing the Light of that same Spirit to shine through us, down to the bottom of our ‘well’. We need to allow it to up-root life’s obstacles that can inhibit the air of God’s life getting in and through us. 

Our evening reflection spoke of ‘Discernment’, of Trasna, our crossing place.  We are called to acknowledge the sacredness in our Sisters and to seek out the goodness in each one. We need to keep in mind that the road is there, but I must make the path.

The well at the Valponasca

We ended the day with a most enjoyable recreation and a great laugh with games called Animal Animation and Bomb the City.

Valponasca

On the way to the Valponasca

Our day began with a very reflective prayer entitled: “Finding the treasure within”. It was in this spirit that we set out to spend the day at the Valponasca.

It was here at the Valponasca that Maria’s formation as an adolescent and young woman took place, as Sr. Máire explained in her presentation. “The time she lived here was spent in prayer and work. This was perhaps the richest period of her life, the basis on which she built a strong personality, open to God and others” (On Life’s Pathways with Main).

Mass at the Valponasca

Mass was celebrated by Fr. Anthuvan SDB our chaplain. Afterwards we enjoyed a beautiful lunch, or should I say a feast, which was prepared lovingly by Sr. Ines, the cook and delivered by Sr. Rosanna to the Valponasca. We ate heartily, enjoying every morsel.

After lunch and time for photos we entered into a time of prayer and reflection pondering on:

• ·         How the location /setting of the Valponasca spoke to us.
• ·         Some aspects of Main’s life as lived at the Valponasca.
• ·         What we would like to take away with us from this place as an inspiration for our life and our community.

We were invited to express this in symbolic form later.

Group photo under the Valponasca window

We reassembled at 4pm. to pray together and share on how this special place with its prayer window, sloping hills covered in vineyards, its silence and peace, spoke to our hearts and our lives.

It was evident from the sharing within the group, that Maria’s life had deeply touched us and called us to live our Salesian vocation with renewed determination and love.

Some of us returned home by the well, where Maria had drawn water before setting out for daily mass.

Before supper the sisters from the Philippine province (FIL)  gave a presentation on the wonderful work being carried out there.

Another blessed and grace filled day came to an end.

Mass with the Mornese people

Mass in the Parish Church

Morning we had a prepared reflection sheet which we prayed privately in our own time taken from St. Columba and Thomas Merton.

As the Parish bells tolled out over the hills of Mornese reminding the people it was time to gather for Sunday Eucharist. We too filed into the Parish Church remembering it was here St. Mary Mazzarello had attended Sunday Mass with her family.

The altar was beautifully decorated. Fr. Pier Lugi Martini PP welcomed Fr. Anthuvan Tharsis SDB and all of us from different parts of the world. Fr. Anthuvran concelebrated Mass with the P.P. and read the Gospel in English’s. Rosily Theckanath read the second reading in English; A lady led the choir and there was congregational singing. All were in good singing voice. We sang a hymn after Communion. At the end of Mass Fr. Pier thanked Fr. Anthuvan and wished us every blessing and happiness for our stay in Mornese. The people were very welcoming.

Mass in the Collegio Chapel

In the afternoon there was time for Reflection, prayer, reading and sharing. We had Eucharist in English at 5:30pm in the College.
Another fruitful day.