Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
FMA
Asunción (Agenzia Fides) – On April 29, 2025, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), together with young people, lay people and the Salesian Family, celebrated the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the first nine FMA, who arrived in Paraguay with great zeal and apostolic spirit on April 30, 1900, to dedicate themselves to the education of children.
"The first nine missionaries who came to Paraguay were moved by the missionary zeal that Christ had awakened in Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, and felt the passion and fervent desire to transmit the faith..." said Father Néstor Ledesma, Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Province of the Assumption (PAR), in his homily at the solemn Eucharistic celebration. "These first sisters, as the light of Christ, not only showed the way, but were and are the powerful force that transforms hearts and leads people to God." The event, according to the statement issued by the FMA, took place in an atmosphere of festivity, joy, and gratitude, in which the legacy of education, faith, and hope was celebrated together. Several religious communities in Paraguay participated in the celebrations and expressed their solidarity and joy at this historic milestone. Delegates from communities of the FMA from across the country were also present. This anniversary was not only religious in nature, but was also celebrated at the municipal and national levels. The City Council of Asunción declared it of interest to the city and highlighted the educational and evangelizing commitment of the FMA, while the Chamber of Deputies emphasized the national and cultural interest and recognized the missionaries' contribution to the integral development of Paraguayan youth. Cardinal Adalberto Martínez Flores, Metropolitan Archbishop of Asunción, and Provincial Superior Ángeles Grassi also conveyed their congratulations on behalf of the Archdiocese and the Province of the Immaculate Conception (URU) of Uruguay. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 19/5/2025)
