In both meetings – the former with the possibility, if necessary, of translation into Spanish, and the latter in English – Sister Maria Luisa Nicastro, Secretary General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, greeted the group. She shared the joy of the Institute at news of the Canonisation of Blessed Maria Troncatti, remembered as a woman of peace and reconciliation. Two contributions were then offered, both highly appreciated.
The first was by Sister Paola Cuccioli, FMA, Head of the Historical Archives at Nizza Monferrato, presenting the work of promoting the Cause of Venerable Teresa Valsè Pantellini (1878-1907) aimed at making this figure of holiness known; Sister Cuccioli shared the numerous prayer and other initiatives of the Cause in relation to the local Church and civil institutions in the territory.
The second was presented by Fr Francisco Javier Moreno López, SDB, who illustrated key aspects of his doctoral thesis entitled: "Eucharistic transformation in the lives of Teresa Cejudo Redondo, Alberto Marvelli and Attilio Giordani. A proposal of Christian life for the laity in the Salesian St James the Greater Province (Madrid)". After tracing the biographical profile of these three lay people belonging to the Salesian Family, he dealt with the centrality of the Eucharist in their spiritual and apostolic life. Fr Moreno López presented the proposal to revitalise Christian life and the Salesian charism for the laity, inspired by the testimony of Teresa Cejudo Redondo (1890-1936), a wife and mother engaged in various associations and groups, a martyr in the Spanish persecution; Alberto Marvelli (1918-1946), a layman, raised in the Salesian oratory and engaged in the social and political world; Attilio Giordani (1913-1972), a husband and father, leader at the oratory and a Salesian Cooperator. They responded to the times in which they lived with a deep Christian faith and a demanding commitment to the good of society, configuring their lives to Christ through immersion in the Eucharistic mystery. They also developed attitudes of a Eucharistic life that transforms the environment and challenges life: eyes capable of contemplation; a heart ready for sacrifice; a memory enlightened by gratitude; a welcoming face; lips that ask and offer forgiveness; a discreet and committed presence; decisive steps towards holiness.
In his address,Fr Cameronirecalled the conclusions of the Seminar held in 2023, urging listeners to be commited to animation as a true ecclesial ministry, taking care of the relevance of the figures of holiness as witnesses of hope and cultivating networks of presence and collaboration with civil and ecclesial institutions.
At the end of the digital meeting, the promoters of the Causes were given three specific commitments to carry out during this phase:
- continue to animate the prayer and sensitivity of "thanks", communicating the favours obtained through the intercession of the figures of holiness of the Salesian Family and dedicating skills, investment and energy to seek, collect and present to the Postulator General the materials of "cases" that may suggest the presence of a miracle, to proceed in the most appropriate ways and at the most appropriate times and to avoid missing out on healings of real interest in relation to Beatifications/Canonisations;
- continue to accompany the Cause of Mamma Margaret with special affection and commitment , universally loved in the Salesian world, her example of femininity and motherhood should be rediscovered and valued;
- and finally, be inspired by young Salesian past pupil Akash Bashir, whose super martyrio Cause is currently underway (with considerable echo in the Church at large)
