Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Arequipa (Agenzia Fides) – The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) have started the celebrations for the centennial anniversary of their presence in Peru. Sunday, May 16, Archbishop Javier Del Rio Alba, Archbishop of Arequipa, celebrated a Mass at the School of Santa Rosa de Viterbo, during which he stressed the important work of religious in the city and in the Province of Arequipa. "It 's important to give a Catholic education to children, so they can grow up with values, so that later in their lives, these are reflected in their actions," said the Archbishop in addressing students, faculty, and administrative staff of St. Rose of Viterbo School, whose management is entrusted to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.
The Bishop congratulated the sisters because under the inspiration of the founder, Blessed Sister Mary of the Passion, they carry out their pastoral work in the most distant and remote areas, such as in the districts of Mariano Melgar and Huanca. "The generations of girls who are now the pride of the Church and are working successfully in various fields of society, reflect the tireless work you have carried out," concluded the Pastor of Arequipa.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) arrived in Peru at the request of Archbishop Francisco Mariano Holguin Maldonado, of the Franciscan Order. "We are consecrated sisters who have chosen to follow Christ through the missionary journey proposed by Sister Mary of the Passion, our founder," said Sister Mary Remei Pelach Feliu, superior of the community. "Like our founder, we pledge to live in community and dedicate ourselves to prayer and service to the universal mission." The FMM are 6,966 (in America they are 773) of 80 nationalities, present in 76 countries (12 in Latin America). (CE) (Agenzia Fides 28/05/2010)
