From July 4 to 16, the first International Ongoing Formation meeting was held in Codogno.
This is the first in a series of four meetings that will take place in November 2026 in Argentina, in May 2027 in Denver, United States, and in August 2027 in Brazil.
These formation sessions bring together sisters of various ages and cultures from all the Provinces and the Region.
Nineteen sisters participated in the Codogno session, while three other sisters coordinated the event. During this time, the sisters were able to take part in the various initiatives organized for “Cabrinian July.”
On July 4, some sisters traveled to Grumello for a missionary witness, while on the 5th they attended the solemn Mass presided over by the parish priest, Fr. Francesco Giovanni Pigola, followed by a concert by Maestro Caffei.
The parish priest’s words in his homily were particularly meaningful. Commenting on the Gospel of the day, he emphasized: “What do we find in God’s heart? Meekness and humility. Not the strength that crushes, but the love that lifts up. Not the power that dominates, but the service that liberates. Not the arrogance that humiliates, but the humility that builds up. [...] Jesus proposes a completely different path. Gospel meekness is not weakness; it is the strength of those who do not need to assert themselves in order to exist; it is the freedom of those who know how to love without dominating.”
On July 7, a formation meeting on the theme “The Word of God” began in Codogno. Following a welcome address by the MSC Superior General, Sr. Maria Eliane, Father Stefano Chiapasso offered a reflection on the Word of God. The day featured moments of sharing in small groups and in plenary sessions.
That evening, marking the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization, the sisters attended Holy Mass in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano. The celebration was presided over by the pastor of Codogno, Monsignor Gabriele Bernardelli, and concelebrated by Father Enzo Raimondi, pastor of Sant’Angelo.
Days 8 and 9 of the formation focused on the themes “Following Jesus in Consecrated Life” and “Fraternal Life in Community,” with Sr. Marcela Sàenz, ACI, as the speaker.
On July 10, Sr. Terezinha Merandi, MSC, led the day’s session on the theme “The Spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Charism,” while July 11 was a day of spiritual retreat, with guidance on prayer provided by Father Mario Belotti, S.M.M.
During those days, the sisters took part in many activities as part of the Cabrinian July celebrations: on July 10, the Migrants’ Walk in Sant’Angelo, on July 12, the arrival at the Birthplace in Sant’Angelo of the “Cammino del Cuore” (Path of the Heart) dedicated to Mother Cabrini; on July 13, a time of witness featuring the MSC sisters; on July 15, the historic Flight of the Doves at the Birthplace and Holy Mass in Piazza XV Luglio, presided over by Bishop Luca Raimondi, Auxiliary Bishop of Milan.
Some photos from the formation sessions.
Here are some photos from the July Cabrinian activities, in which the sisters in ongoing formation also participated.
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