Very meaningful twinning: Carmelite contemplative sisters and Salesians

By Our Own Correspondent

Florence, Italy, 9 July 2017 -- Since the times of the first EAO missionary Bishop Luis Versiglia, missionary and martyr, the sisters of the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Florence (Firenze) are praying for China province Salesians. Since the times of first missionaries who reached Macau and Shiu Chow Vicariate until now, there is un-interrupted chain of prayers and letter exchange.

On the eve of the Holy Martyrs of China Memorial (July 9: St. August Zhao and 119 Companions) the SDB Councilor for the Missions with two other members of the General Council visited the Firenze Monastery of Saint Theresa (Discalced Carmelites). 'Thank you, Sister for the 100 years of prayer and sacrifice for our China province Salesians!' - this was the main message exchanged with Mother Superior Maria Chiara and the three Salesians.

The Carmelite Sisters keep on praying for us, also thanks to one recent visit of Hong Kong Salesians (AustraLasia 3865 (I) and also thanks to the correspondence with senior Salesian priest now based in Taiwan. Also the monthly magazine 'Maria Ausiliatrice' published at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin gives the Sister insight in the Salesian Family. However they don't know yet about the Salesian Bulletin!

The Councilor for the Missions presented to Sister Superior the 148th missionary expedition list with a request for their prayers and the EAO Regional does care about the sending of the Salesian Bulletin to the Florence Carmelite Monastery. At present there are 17 Sisters and one novice in the St. Theresa Monastery.

Indeed a beautiful tradition of prayers for the missions, sometimes forgotten in our busy times. Thanks to Carmelite Sisters for their prayers!

• Monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Sisters in Firenze


• Related article: Australasia 3865 (I) St. Versiglia in Union of prayer with the Carmelite in Florence

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