CASA PER FERIE "MAZZARELLI"

via SANTA MARIA MAZZARELLO, 44 - 15075 Mornese (AL)
località MAZZARELLI
Tel. +39 0143 887860
E-mail: accoglienza.mornese@fmapiemonte.it
http://accoglienza.fmapiemonte.it/
Website: www.fmamornese.org/

The building stands here where it originally stood, bright and simple in its architectural shape. Commissioned by the FMA and built with the aid of the Former students of 57 nations, it was consecrated on 4 August 1972 by Mons. Giuseppe dell'Uomo, bishop of Acqui. It was the centenary year of the Istituto delle Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice which, for the occasion, saw Maria Mazzarello return to Mornese: the urn which held her body had temporarily left the Basilica of Maria Ausiliatrice to come here, among her Daughters and her people.

The statue of the Saint on the front of the temple welcomes pilgrims from all over the world and, placed there, it seems to remind everyone of what Mary said to her brothers at the window of Valponasca indicating the parish church: "Jesus is there".

The interior of the temple is sober and essential. The focus is on the Tabernacle: Jesus Eucharist was the center of her life.

On the wall, behind the Tabernacle, hangs a painting by Caffaro Rore which portrays the "Glory of Saint Maria Mazzarello". Held up by the angels, Maria Mazzarello is reaching out towards Mary Help of Christians who is coming to meet her with her Son.

Under the altar, a relic of the Saint (a vertebra). Some doctors, studying her bones arrived at the conclusion that she was a strong woman, a person who worked hard on the land. It is significant that this relic was placed under the altar as a reminder that the Eucharist is the center of the consecrated Salesian life.
Pius XI, in beatifying MM, when he was given the relic of the Blessed said: " Mazzarello, like Don Bosco, was humble, determined and strong... May the FMA be equally so..."

At the bottom, above the door, there is a light which never goes out, requested by Mother Ersilia Canta. It was placed there during the celebrations of the centenary of the foundation of the Institute. The sentence which is written above it was the theme of the centenary: "rebirth with Mary to progress and persevere".