Provincia Madre Caterina Podestá
A “Fiery” August Month
It was a “fiery” August—not so much because of the scorching sum
mer heat, but above all because it was enriched by the breath of the Holy Spirit, poured out abundantly during the triennial feast of Our Lady of the Piano.
It was a time to be transformed from within by the Holy Spirit, just as it happened to the Virgin Mary.
Each evening, the Eucharistic Celebration was dedicated to a specific intention focused on the needs of the local people, accompanied by a special blessing.
On Tuesday, August 12th, the prayer intention was for Consecrated Life, with particular attention to the Religious Sisters who serve within the Sanctuary itself.
During the homily, the parish priest, Fr. Riccardo Pappagallo, expre
ssed gratitude for our presence and for the contribution we offer to the local Church. He prayed not only for us, but for the entire Institute, asking the Lord to grant us an abundance of vocations. He also acknowledged and honoured the contribution of many of our Sisters who, over the years, have dedicated their lives to the local population and offered their witness in this Sanctuary.
May Mary, the Virgin of the Piano, Mother of Hope, grant us the grace to live in joyful hope and to share it especially with those who need it most.
The Community of Our Lady of the Piano.
Province Mother Clara Podestá
“Horto – Mother Raffo School” – Septembre – Biblical Month
In Brazil, as recommended by the CNBB, September is celebrated as the Month of the Bible. Each year, a book is chosen and a motto is highlighted.
This year, 2025, the chosen book was Pablo’s Letter to the Romans. The motto, inspired by the theme of the Jubilee of Hope: «Hope is not defrauded, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit that was given to us» (Romans 5:5).
In our “Horto – Madre Raffo School,” we work with the older students on the introduction of the letter, including the senders, the recipients, the greeting, the gratitude and the general thesis of the letter, and the Conclusion, with the final greeting.
For the youngest students, several biblical scenes from the Gospels were prepared and presented.
There were moments to internalize the Word of God and extract practical lessons for our lives. “It’s like the rain that washes, it’s like the fire that destroys: Your Word is like that, don’t pass by me without letting go!”
Province Mother Clara Podestá
Gianellian Family on Jubilee Pilgrimage
To cele
brate the Jubilee of Hope, the Gianellian Family of Belém Novo made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Caravaggio in Farroupilha on September 6th.
It was a journey of great joy, prayer, and fellowship. There was an opportunity to receive the Jubilee indulgence.
We prayed for the entire Gianellian Family, that its members may grow ever more deeply in the spirit of vigilant evangelical charity that characterized Gianelli.
In the afternoon, at the old Shrine, we prayed the vocational rosary, asking for the vocations of committed lay people, religious, and priests to the Church. We included in our prayer Pope Leo XIV, who would have his first canonization the following day, coinciding with the 203rd anniversary of our country’s independence.
A first-degree relic of the then-Blessed Carlo Acutis was on display in the Sanctuary, and we invoked him for our youth.
It was a bitterly cold day, but we braved it with enthusiasm, like pilgrims of Hope! We returned tired, but happy for the experience.
Living flame of my hope, may this song rise to You. Eternal bosom, of infinite life, on the journey, I trust in You!
Religious Province “Sr. Ma. Crescencia”
Reports from Uruguary: “Huertos’ Jubilee”
As part of the celebrations for this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Pando school opened its doors early on September 5th to welcome young people from the various Our Lady of the Garden schools in Uruguay, who were accompanied by sisters and teachers. The delegations then moved to the sports field for all the planned activities.
The day was marked by an experience of faith, communion, joy, unity, mission in the city, sharing sports and cooperative games, challenges, a campfire, the experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, and Holy Mass.
We would like to share with you some testimonies from the young people present at this jubilee:
“It has renewed my hope and made me realize that we are not alone.”
“I have made friends with other students.”
“It has been very helpful to be a missionary; I have learned about other realities and have helped others.”
We thank God for this initiative and all those who made this opportunity for evangelization possible.
St. Mary’s Province
A Joyful Visit to St. Gianelli Convent and Social Service Center, Sangam Vihar
In the heart of Sangam Vihar, one of Asia’s largest urban slum settlements, the sisters of St. Gianelli Convent live out the Charism of St. Antonio Gianelli—to serve the poor with compassion and uplift the most neglected. At the St. Gianelli Social Service Center, they reach out to children and families through ‘Mary’s Meal’, tuition support, computer and sewing classes, and women’s empowerment initiatives. Each program is a step toward transforming lives through education, skills, and faith.
On 18th September, the community had the joy of welcoming Rev. Sr. Grace, our Provincial Superior. Her visit brought encouragement and renewed zeal to the mission. She spent time with the “
‘Mary’s Meal’ children and tuition students, urging them to remain focused on their studies and reminding them that education is the key to breaking barriers and building a brighter future.
A highlight of the day was the distribution of certificates to Basic Computer Course graduates. Sr. Grace warmly congratulated the students and underlined the value of skill development and lifelong learning.
Her presence was truly inspiring, strengthening both the sisters and the community they serve. The day stood as a living witness to the Gianellian mission: to nurture hope, empower lives, and sow seeds of transformation in the spirit of the Gospel.
St. Mary’s Province
St. Mary’s Province Day and Renewal of Vows
On 8th September, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Mary’s Province joyfully celebrated its Province Day. The celebration was preceded by a nine-day Novena of prayer and reflection, uniting the sisters in a spirit of communion and preparing their hearts for this special day.
At the heart of the Province Day, the sisters solemnly renewed their religious vows, once again committing themselves to Christ and to the charism of St. Antonio Gianelli. Inspired by Mary’s faithful “yes,” the renewal became a moment of grace and a witness of fidelity, rekindling zeal for mission and deepening the bonds of fraternity.
The day was also marked by another joyful occasion — the 45th Foundation Day of Divya Sadan, Sonkatch Community, and Navjeevan Health Center. With gratitude for God’s blessings over the past 45 years, the communities celebrated their journey of service, love, and dedication to the people.
The celebrations together radiated joy, togetherness, and thanksgiving. They reminded all of the richness of consecrated life and the mission entrusted to us, as we continue to walk with faith, hope, and love in the footsteps of Mary and our Founder.