A radiant celebration filled with joy and gratitude brought together the Salesian Sisters and the wider Salesian Family on October 17 at the Mary Mazzarello Centre, Henderson, to honor the Canonization of St. Maria Troncatti, FMA. United with the global Salesian Family, the community gathered under the theme, “A Holiness that Generates Life with a Missionary Heart.”
At the Mary Mazzarello Development Centre RTC (MMDC), the day’s celebration became a living witness to the truth that holiness is not an unreachable ideal but a daily journey — a way of loving, serving, and offering oneself for others.
The Holy Mass, presided over by Fr. Raphael Galve, SDB, was the spiritual heart of the day. In his homily, Fr. Raphael reminded everyone that “holiness is possible; it is a choice we make every day.” He reflected on the call of every Christian to live a form of martyrdom — “red,” through the shedding of blood, or “white,” through the daily sacrifices of love, forgiveness, and service. “Every day,” he said, “we choose whether to live for ourselves or for God.”
Fr. Raphael shared a striking story of conversion that illustrated how faith must be lived, not only spoken. True faith, he said, is life itself — a love that is suffered, offered, and shared. He invited the faithful to embrace “white martyrdom,” the quiet surrender to God’s will in daily life.
Recalling the example of St. Maria Troncatti, the Salesian missionary nurse who left Italy in 1922 to serve among the poor and indigenous peoples of Ecuador’s Amazon region, Fr. Raphael highlighted her deep faith and tireless charity. “She gave everything,” he said, “even her life — but above all, she gave it day by day.” Her life, he noted, remains a shining example of missionary holiness — love in action.
In a heartfelt appeal, Fr. Raphael reminded all present that holiness begins not far away, but within the home. “Many of us do great service in school and church,” he said, “but what about our family? Real holiness begins in forgiveness, patience, and self-giving. When we look at the crucifix, we see love — and that love must become the language of our life.”
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the students of Mary Mazzarello Development Centre presented a moving dramatization of the life of St. Maria Troncatti — from her childhood in Italy, through her missionary service in the Ecuadorian forest, to her holy death in a plane crash in 1969. The performance beautifully captured her courage, compassion, and deep trust in God. Sr. Claudia Aragón concluded the presentation by recounting the miraculous healing attributed to St. Maria’s intercession — the miracle that opened the way for her canonization.
The day ended with a joyful fellowship meal, symbolizing the communion and gratitude of the Salesian Family. The spirit of St. Maria Troncatti — her simplicity, courage, and love — filled the hearts of all who gathered.
As the Church rejoices in this new saint, her life continues to echo the message of the Gospel: that holiness is not distant or extraordinary, but found in the faithful living of love — one day, one choice, and one heart at a time.
- Fr Robinson Parappilly
