(ANS – Sucúa) – On the morning of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the first session of the Tribunal responsible for the canonical recognition and preservation of the relics of Blessed Maria Troncatti (1883–1969) took place at the Vicariate Pastoral Center of Rio Blanco in Macas. Sr. Troncatti, a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians and missionary in Ecuador, is set to be canonized on October 19, 2025.

The ceremony was attended by Sr. Lupe Erazo, Provincial of the “Sacred Heart” Province of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) in Ecuador, several religious sisters from the Amazonian communities, and priests and deacons from the Apostolic Vicariate of Méndez.

The day began with a reading of a brief biography of Blessed Maria Troncatti by Angéllica Almeida, Director of the Salesian Historical Archive. Bishop Néstor Montesdeoca Becerra, SDB, of the Apostolic Vicariate of Méndez, presided over the opening session of the Tribunal.

After reviewing the official rescript issued by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints — which included the Nihil Obstat (Latin for “nothing stands in the way”) — the Vatican formally approved the canonical recognition of the Blessed’s remains and authorized the necessary procedures for their conservation.

During the session, Sr. Norma Reyes, FMA, read the decree of appointment for the officials involved in the recognition process, signed by Bishop Montesdeoca. The Tribunal was composed of:

Fr. Daniel Tobar Galarza, Episcopal Delegate Fr. Luciano Bellini, SDB, Promoter of Justice Sr. Norma Reyes, FMA, Notary Dr. Paolo Fabián Castelo Chalpabay, Medical Expert Deacon Luciano Griggio, Conservation Technician Sr. Elena Tinitana, FMA, Witness Sr. Rosa Molina, FMA, Witness Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, SDB, Postulator of the Cause

Each member took an oath before Bishop Montesdeoca, committing to faithfully fulfill their duties and to maintain strict confidentiality. The official minutes of this first session were then signed by all.

In his address, Bishop Montesdeoca highlighted the legacy of missionary holiness in the Vicariate of Méndez, mentioning figures such as Blessed Mercedes de Jesús Molina, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Mariana de Jesús, and Salesians Fr. Carlos Crespi and Fr. Luigi Bolla.

Fr. Cameroni emphasized the ecclesial significance of the process, describing it as a divine seal upon the missionary and evangelizing work carried out in these lands. He also praised Sister Maria Troncatti’s spiritual motherhood toward priests and her witness as a true “missionary of peace and reconciliation,” having lived reconciliation in her own life.

Sister Lupe Erazo Arce, Provincial, shared with those present a message from the Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, as part of the spiritual preparation for the canonization.

Following the session, the Commission traveled to Sucúa, where the urn containing the Blessed’s relics was opened. The relics were then taken to a designated area for preservation treatment, a process carried out over two days by Deacon Luciano Griggio, a specialized technician.

On Friday, July 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. local time, a concluding Eucharistic celebration for the canonical recognition of the relics was held, with the participation of the local community and faithful. The celebration was also broadcast on the “Salesianas Ecuador” YouTube channel.