September always brings with it a sense of new beginnings, and for the Association of Canossian Lay People, this month marks the start of the work of the newly elected International Coordination Team, appointed during the International Congress in July.
It is with great joy that we present the members who have answered this call, thanking them for their dedication and entrusting their service to the Lord.
Coordinator: Rosanna Imamura – Argentina-Paraguay (Second Term)
Born in Posadas, Argentina, Rosanna is an accountant and mother of three. She has been an active member of the Association of Canossian Lay People for many years. With enthusiasm and dedication, she completed her first term as President and now continues her service within the new International Coordination Team.
“It is a challenging role that requires time in a life already divided between being a mother, a professional, and a wife… yet the joy and fulfilment make every effort worthwhile.”
Also hailing from Posadas, Malvina shared her early steps in the Canossian lay journey with Rosanna. Today, at fifty, she has been a committed member of the Association for twenty-five years, living her lay promise with fidelity and serving her community.
“Strengthened in faith and renewed in the Charism through the Congress, I say my YES to serving as Treasurer within the International Coordination Team.”
Reginaldo is 52 years old, an accountant, and lives in Nova Odessa, São Paulo, with his wife Simone, also a Canossian Lay Person, and their two daughters. Having encountered the Canossians as a boy, he made his lay promises in 2004 and has since held coordinating roles at both parish and national levels. During the VII International Congress, he was invited to serve as Secretary of the Team.
“I am delighted to take on this new role as Secretary of the International Coordination Team and will do my utmost to contribute and advance the mission of Canossian Lay People.”
Animator: Father Cacimiro José Köche Rosa, FdCC – Brazil (First Term)
Born in 1964 in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, Father Cacimiro first encountered the Canossian Sisters in his parish and felt a priestly vocation from an early age. Ordained in 1997, he has ministered in various communities across Brazil and currently serves as parish priest at Santa Giuseppina Bakhita in Nova Odessa, São Paulo. He has been a national animator for Canossian Lay People in Brazil and actively participated in the preparation and conduct of the VII International Congress.
“Today we are called to continue the journey, forming new lay leaders ready to take on responsibility. May Mary, Mother of Charity at the Foot of the Cross, always guide and accompany us.”
Animator: Sister Ana María Duje, FdCC – Argentina-Paraguay (First Term)
Originally from Córdoba, Argentina, Ana María, 57, joined the Canossian Daughters of Charity in 1996 after studying music and law. She has devoted much of her ministry to education and currently lives in Jardín América, where she serves as community superior and supports the formation of Canossian Lay Groups.
“I have joyfully embraced the challenge of serving on the International Coordination Team, confident that the Lord and our Foundress will guide our steps.”
Looking Ahead
The new International Coordination Team brings together energy, expertise, and diverse stories: women and men who, each with their own experiences, have chosen to dedicate time and passion to the Canossian family. The challenge is significant, yet so too is the opportunity: to share projects, build bridges across cultures, and continue bearing witness in ever-new ways to a message that remains ever relevant, speaking to the world today while honouring the principles of Maddalena di Canossa.