(ANS - Rome) - Tomorrow, 15 November, the Salesian Family recalls the figure of Blessed Maddalena Morano, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians.

by Fr Pier Luigi Cameroni, SDB

Maddalena Caterina Morano (1847-1908) began her apprenticeship as a teacher when she was still young, and her whole life was to be spent in teaching, especially after her graduation as an elementary school teacher. Over a period of thirty years, she built up a rich experience in teaching and catechetics. Inspired by Don Bosco, in 1879 she became a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, thereby fulfilling a desire of consecration which dated back to her First Communion. She  asked the Lord for the grace "to stay alive until she reached a real level of holiness."

She was sent to Sicily in 1881, and there began a fruitful educational work among the girls and young women of the working classes. With "one eye on the ground and ten on Heaven," she opened schools, oratories, hostels, and workshops all over the island. Appointed Provincial, she assumed responsibility for the formation of the many new vocations who were attracted by her zeal and the community atmosphere that she created around her. Her widespread apostolate was appreciated and encouraged by the bishops who entrusted to her overall responsibiliity for catechetical ministry in the diocese.

Affected by a tumor, Sr. Maddalena Morano died on 26 March 1908 in Catania. Hers was a fully coherent life, lived always with the aim of "never blocking the action of Grace by giving in to personal selfishness."

Blessed Morano is an eminent model of authentic Salesian life, which began with personal contact with Don Bosco. She was the bearer of a special apostolic interiority, in the style of her union with God, the spirit of initiative and hard work and generosity of vision.

By her example she shows the Salesian Family the sources of our charism and encourages us to renew our ardour.

Published 14/11/2014