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