The Archetype was then delivered with the original Documents to be kept in the diocesan archives, and two copies (Transcript and Public Copy) delivered to Fr Gabriel Cruz, SDB, a member of the Salesian General Postulation, to be passed on to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome.
In the homily Bishop Mendoza Cruz, referring to the Sunday gospel of the vine and the branches, stressed how Mother Antonietta Böhm was a living and fruitful branch united to Christ, who bore fruit and accepted the prunings of life.
Sister Phyllis Neves, General Visitor and Councillor of the FMA, addressed a greeting message on behalf of the Superior General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Chiara Cazzuola.
An artistic event followed as a tribute to Sister Antonietta Böhm: "Semilla de amor" (Seed of Love), performed by former students of the Laura Vicuña Educational Centre, accompanied by the Effetà musical group.
Antonietta Böhm was born on 22 September 1907 in the town of Bottrop, Germany. In Essen she met the FMA, who arrived in Germany in 1922, and was fascinated by their serene and apostolic lifestyle. In 1926 she began her postulate in the house at Eschelbach and continued her novitiate in Italy at Nizza Monferrato. In 1928 she made her first profession and then remained in Italy for the study of music in Turin; in addition, she was assistant to university students in Pisa and novices in Casanova.
After her perpetual profession, which she made in Turin on 5 August 1934, she began her missionary life: first in Argentina (1934-1965), then in Peru (1965-1969) and in Mexico (1969-2008). She was a music teacher, nurse, vicar, local superior, provincial. Everywhere she showed herself to be a strong woman, available to listen and always confident in the help of God and Mary Help of Christians. She consolidated the existing works and opened new ones with a view to the future.
She spent the last 30 years of her life, since 1979, in the Villa Spem community in Coacalco as vicar and then superior. These were the fruitful years of the apostolate as a spiritual guide and of social commitment to the poor. In 1973, Mother Ersilia Crugnola had given her a statue of Mary Help of Christians as a gift and she had invited her to send her maternal blessing. At first, Sister Antonietta Böhm shielded herself and did not want to accept but, when a person who had been blessed was completely healed, her fear disappeared. Mother Antonietta said: "From the first blessing until now, Our Lady works day and night and so her mission extends through mail, fax, e-mail and arrives in different places in Mexico and in many other parts of the world."
Relying on Mary's help and blessing, extraordinary graces occurred. In 1985 she began the"Obra sabatina" which consisted of the distribution of food to the most needy and until the year 2000 she personally followed up the entire organisation. Then she calmly accepted the lack of strength and allowed herself to be treated, edifying the novices and all those who frequented the house. She died on 27 April 2008 in Coacalco, Mexico.
The testament she leaves is one of ardent love for Jesus, unlimited trust in Mary Help of Christians, welcoming kindness and generous and serene availability to the mission for the extension of the Kingdom of God in various cultures, in families and in people's hearts.
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