1. Lu Monferrato, 8.01.1854 – Nizza, 17.08.1914
Rome, 14.08. 2014
Dear Sisters,
This month of August 2014 has a deep meaning for our Institute, especially
for the Missionary Ambit. Next August 17th, we will celebrate the
CENTENARY of Sr. ANGELA VALLESE’s death. How can we forget to
remember and deepen our knowledge of the life of this great
missionary of the first hour: a tender and at the same time strong
character, humble and courageous, simple and daring, like Mother
Mazzarello’s and Don Bosco’s hearts?
Sr. Angela left for America on November 14th, 1877, as a leader of the first missionary
expedition. Behind this audacious and enterprising great woman there was a great Saint!
It is good to reflect on the relation between Mother Mazzarello and Sr. Angela Vallese,
especially on the Saint’s loving accompaniment. Some parts of the letter of December 8th,
1878 are an evidence of this motherly and filial relation.
«My Very Dear Sr. Angiolina,
It has already been a year since we last saw each other. How time passes! We really must
make good use of it to gain much merit and so be ready when the Lord calls. I am happy
that the Sisters there are good and work hard. It is up to us to help them to grow always in
virtue, first of all by example, because what is taught by example remains deeply impressed
on the heart and does much more good, and then by words. Always encourage them to be
humble and obedient, to love work, to act with the right intention and always to be open and
sincere with everyone. Always keep them cheerful, always correct them with charity but
never overlook any defect. A defect that is corrected immediately is nothing, but if it is
allowed to take root, it is very difficult to uproot…».
In the centenary of the death of this great and heroic missionary sister of the first hour, may
the Lord stir up in the heart of every FMA a renewed missionary commitment, according to
the “Da mihi animas cetera tolle” and the invitation “To you I entrust them”, so that our
Institute may meet the expectations of young people, especially of the poorest ones.
To liven this anniversary and involve all the communities, the Missionary Ambit offers a
triduum to prepare ourselves to celebrate this special date. We would like this to be a
missionary re-launch in all our realities.
Let us keep united in reciprocal prayer and together let us ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit
for our next General Chapter, so that we can be, with the young, an evangelizing home!
My sisterly love and a big embrace to each of you,
Sr. Alaide Deretti
Counsellor for the Missions ad/inter gentes