“A heart open to the Lord’s visitation is never the same again.”
From Friday 6th to Tuesday 10th June, the San Giuseppe Community in Berisso, Argentina, was graced with a profoundly moving occasion: the Canonical Visit of Mother Melissa Dwyer, General Councillor of the Canossian Daughters of Charity. After months of spiritual preparation and fervent prayer, the community welcomed this long-awaited presence with heartfelt emotion and deep gratitude.
A Time of Grace Begins
The visit commenced with a communal prayer in the chapel, followed by a fraternal gathering with the Sisters. In an atmosphere of simplicity and faith, each Sister shared her hopes, desires, and reflections for this sacred time of encounter.
A Mission Lived Among the People
On the afternoon of the first day, Mother Melissa visited two emblematic sites of Canossian apostolate:
- The Oratory of St Magdalene of Canossa in the Barrio Obrero, where she encountered the most vulnerable members of the community, walking among the neighbourhood’s homes and engaging in moments of dialogue and play with children and volunteers from the soup kitchen.
- The Parish of Nuestra Señora de Luján, where she met with the youth group Acordes de Dios in a joyful and genuine encounter, enriched by heartfelt testimonies, honest questions, and faith-filled exchanges.
An Evening with Lay Educators
That evening, the community welcomed the leadership teams from Berisso’s two Canossian educational institutions: San Giuseppe and Nuestra Señora de Loreto. It was a moment of profound communion and gratitude for the dedicated daily efforts of the lay educators, whose commitment embodies the Canossian charism with unwavering faith and passion.
With her radiant joy and words full of hope, Mother Melissa encouraged each one to continue their educational mission with enthusiasm, leaving an indelible message in the hearts of all present.
The Beauty of Encountering Young People
On Monday morning, the Secondary School of San Giuseppe opened its doors to a festive welcome for Mother Melissa. Pupils and teachers celebrated with a vibrant performance of the traditional intercolectividades dance, reflecting Berisso’s rich multicultural heritage.
A dynamic exchange followed, with students posing thoughtful questions and sharing reflections. The Mother’s concluding message was one of hope: an invitation to cherish what one has, to commit wholeheartedly to study, and to always give the best of oneself.
In the afternoon, Mother Melissa visited the nursery and primary school, where she was warmly received by the youngest pupils, who sang to her with delight in three languages: “Magdalena hoy nos invita.”
Later, she shared a touching moment with students from the Teacher Training Programme, who presented a heartfelt video tribute to the city of Berisso and the history of their institution. Some offered deeply moving personal testimonies of gratitude and belonging.
With her hallmark simplicity and youthful spirit—so appealing to the younger generations—Mother Melissa spoke of her teaching experience in Malawi, leaving her audience with a vivid sense of a vocation lived in love and service.
A Welcome Filled with Affection
As the afternoon drew on, the visit continued to the Nuestra Señora de Loreto School, located in the city’s outskirts. There, too, the welcome was warm and joyful—filled with music, decorations, smiles, and song, creating a festive, family-like atmosphere.
The children presented a special gift to Mother Melissa, who was visibly moved and deeply appreciative of the educational work carried out in both institutions.
A Family of Charism in Celebration
Another significant moment was the gathering with the Canossian lay faithful—an active and vital part of the Canossian Family. In a spirit of fraternity, Mother Melissa shared words of encouragement, inviting everyone to deepen their Canossian spirituality with faithfulness, joy, and missionary creativity.
A Visit That Lives On in the Heart
The visit concluded with the celebration of Vespers and a communal supper—an emblem of a united, vibrant, and grateful community.
The days spent with Mother Melissa Dwyer will remain etched in the hearts of all: her smiling simplicity, fraternal spirit, and deep love for the Canossian Charism have inspired Sisters and Lay Members alike to renew their commitment to the mission of education and formation, in the spirit and fervour of St Magdalene of Canossa.
