In the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, the city of Macas recently became the epicenter of a global expression of faith, and gratitude. On April 26, the Santuario Nacional de la Purísima de Macas hosted a Solemne Eucaristía en Macas, marking the World Feast of Gratitude. The event served as a spiritual homecoming for the Istituto Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians), drawing together a diverse assembly of religious leaders, educators, and youth from across the continent.
The celebration was centered on the leadership and service of Madre Chiara Cazzuola, the Superior General of the FMA Institute. More than a formal ecclesiastical event, the gathering was framed as a recognition of the collective effort of the sisters, lay collaborators, and educators who drive the institute’s educational and evangelizing mission worldwide. The atmosphere was described by attendees as one of profound family spirit, characterized by spontaneous gestures of affection and a shared sense of purpose.
Presiding over the liturgy was P. Marcelo Farfán, Inspector of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Ecuador, who was joined by Mons. Néstor Montesdeoca Becerra, SDB, the Bishop of the Vicariato Apostólico de Méndez. Their presence, alongside Salesians from various Amazonian missions and diocesan priests, underscored the deep interconnectedness of the Salesian family in the region.
A Moment of Spiritual Renewal
During his homily, P. Marcelo Farfán described the timing of the celebration as a kairós—a Greek term referring to a qualitative, opportune moment of grace and renewal. He suggested that the Institute is currently navigating a propitious era, one illuminated by the enduring legacy and sanctity of Sor María Troncatti, a pivotal figure in the history of the Salesian mission in Ecuador.
Farfán emphasized that the authority exercised by Madre Chiara Cazzuola is not merely administrative but is a mission designed to accompany and inspire the sisters in their own pursuit of holiness. He argued that the role of leadership within the institute is to act as a catalyst for the spiritual growth of those serving in the field, ensuring that the mission remains grounded in humility and service.
Drawing from the Gospel of the Quality Shepherd, the Inspector explored the imagery of Jesus as both the “Pastor and the Door.” He issued a poignant warning to the assembly regarding the dangers of professionalizing ministry. Farfán noted that one of the most frequent risks in pastoral work is the tendency to work for people without truly loving them, urging the community to move beyond mere service to a relationship of deep, authentic humanity.
The Legacy of the Amazonian Mission
The celebration leaned heavily into the local history of the Ecuadorian Amazon, evoking the figure of Sor María Troncatti as the living embodiment of the “Good Shepherd” style. Farfán recalled her work at the Hospital Pío XII, describing her as a “door open to all” who provided sanctuary, consolation, and hope to those suffering in the remote jungle.
This tradition of service is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a broader missionary lineage in the region. The homily highlighted other significant figures who shaped the spiritual landscape of the Amazon, including the Venerable P. Carlos Crespi and the Servant of God P. Luis Bolla. Together, these figures represent a legacy of holiness born from a passion for the Gospel and a commitment to the marginalized.
The presence of the youth—specifically members of the National Congress of the Salesian Youth Movement—added a layer of vitality to the proceedings. Their spontaneity and closeness to the clergy and sisters were seen as a visible manifestation of the Salesian charism, which prioritizes the dignity and joy of young people, particularly the most vulnerable.
Key Participants and Delegations
The event saw a wide array of high-ranking officials and community representatives, reflecting the global reach of the institute:
- Madre Chiara Cazzuola: Superior General of the FMA Institute.
- Sor Marta Riccioli: General Councilor Visitor.
- Sor Lupe Erazo: Inspector for ECU.
- Regional Leadership: Various Inspectors from across the Americas and Community Directors from the Inspectoría Sagrado Corazón.
- Youth Groups: Representatives from the Salesian Family and the National Youth Movement.
The liturgy concluded not with a formal dismissal, but with a festive atmosphere of communion. The community expressed their gratitude to Madre Chiara through songs and applause, renewing their commitment to follow the path laid out by Don Bosco and Madre Mazzarello—a path defined by missionary zeal and a relentless focus on the needs of the youth.
For those seeking visual documentation of the event, the community has shared reflections via the Flickr FMA and official video channels.
The Salesian community in Ecuador continues to integrate the teachings of the Solemne Eucaristía en Macas into their daily educational practices. The next phase of this spiritual renewal involves the ongoing implementation of the Institute’s global guidelines under Madre Chiara’s leadership, with a particular focus on expanding educational access in the Amazonian territories.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the role of faith-based education in remote regions in the comments below.
