Asunción, Paraguay – A day filled with emotion, faith, and joyous celebration unfolded at the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Asunción, Paraguay, on April 29th, as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco (FMA) of the Paraguayan Province commemorated the 125th anniversary of the arrival of their first nine missionaries to the country. The event, which brought together young people, lay collaborators, and the Salesian Family, honored the profound spirit of the pioneering FMA sisters who arrived on April 30, 1900, with an unwavering commitment to the education of children.
A solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Father Néstor Ledesma, Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Assumption of Mary Province of Paraguay, was concelebrated by numerous Salesian priests and members of other religious congregations. In his homily, Father Ledesma eloquently highlighted the enduring legacy of the first missionaries:
"Fueled by the missionary zeal that Christ instilled in Saint Don Bosco and Saint Mary Mazzarello, the first nine missionaries who arrived in Paraguay felt a burning desire to share their faith. This was an expression of their genuine intimacy with Him, seeking to be a true and authentic light that illuminates the path and leads to salvation. Like the light of Christ, these first sisters were not only guides showing the way but also a powerful force transforming hearts and drawing people closer to God."
He further emphasized the continued impact of the FMA sisters: "Today, 125 years later, each and every Salesian Sister is a sacrament revealing the presence of the Risen Christ. Sister Chiara Lubich said, 'Memory becomes strength for hope.' These words remind us that God is present in our personal history as well. This memory opens the way to the future even in the midst of darkness; it is a light, a star that guides us. Today, we must open our hearts to hope, remembering the entire history of the Salesian Sisters, because His love is eternal and always new. May the good God grant all Salesian Sisters the joy of full communion with Him, so that today and forever they may be a light of hope, faith, and love."
Representing the Salesian Family, Father Ledesma presented a commemorative plaque to the current Provincial Superior, Sister Cecilia Camacho, as a token of gratitude for the past 125 years of educational, pastoral, and charismatic mission in Paraguay.
Representatives from various religious congregations in Paraguay joined in the significant commemoration, extending their congratulations and solidarity. Delegates from FMA communities across the nation also participated in the event, fostering a deep sense of communion.
The Municipal Council of Asunción declared the event of municipal interest, underscoring the FMA's dedication to education and evangelization within the city. Similarly, the Chamber of Deputies recognized their contributions to the integral development of Paraguayan youth, declaring the anniversary of national and cultural interest.
During the commemoration, heartfelt congratulatory messages were received from His Eminence Cardinal Adalberto Martínez Flores, Archbishop of Asunción, and Sister Ángeles Graci, Provincial Superior of the Immaculate Conception Province of Uruguay.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, the courtyard of the sanctuary came alive with an art and music festival featuring diverse groups and artists from various educational communities. A highlight of the celebration was the participation of the National Symphony Orchestra of Asunción, which further elevated the festive atmosphere.
The 125th-anniversary celebration culminated in an atmosphere of festivity, joy, and profound gratitude, as the Salesian Family and the wider community came together to honor the enduring legacy of education, faith, and hope embodied by the FMA in Paraguay.
The Eucharistic Celebration and the subsequent festival were broadcast live on the FMA Paraguay Facebook page, allowing a wider audience to share in the momentous occasion.
The Enduring Footprints of the Salesian Sisters in Paraguay
On April 30, 1900, nine courageous Salesian Sisters, imbued with the missionary spirit of Saint Don Bosco and the educational passion of Saint Mary Mazzarello, embarked on their mission to the distant land of Paraguay. At the time, Paraguay faced significant social and economic challenges, with a pressing need for education and evangelization. Despite the difficult circumstances, these pioneering sisters, driven by their unwavering love and spirit of service, initiated educational endeavors that would profoundly impact the development of Paraguayan society.
In their early years, the FMA sisters focused their efforts in Asunción, establishing schools and dedicating themselves to providing educational opportunities for impoverished and marginalized children. Their tireless dedication soon bore fruit, as the schools they founded grew into vital educational institutions within the local community, instilling dreams and hope in countless young lives. Beyond education, the FMA sisters actively engaged in various pastoral activities for young people, nurturing their faith and fostering sound values.
Over time, the FMA expanded their reach throughout Paraguay, establishing and operating a diverse range of educational and social welfare facilities, including schools, youth centers, and vocational training centers. Their multifaceted contributions have significantly enriched Paraguayan society, particularly in the areas of women's education and the advancement of their social standing, alongside their consistent service to the poor and marginalized.
Today, 125 years since their arrival, the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in Paraguay continue to actively serve in education, pastoral care, and social welfare, carrying forward the spirit of Saint Don Bosco and Saint Mary Mazzarello. Their unwavering dedication shines a bright light on Paraguayan society, offering hope and courage to numerous individuals. This 125th-anniversary celebration served as a poignant moment to reflect on the past with gratitude and to reaffirm their commitment to an even brighter future. The remarkable journey of the Salesian Sisters in Paraguay is a testament to their enduring impact and a promise of continued service for generations to come.
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