(ANS – Balazar) – October 11 to 13, events were held in Balazar, Portugal, to commemorate the feast of Blessed Alexandrina da Costa, a Salesian Cooperator, on the 70th anniversary of her death which occurred on October 13, 1955.

On Sunday 12th, the Eucharist was celebrated in the new Eucharistic Sanctuary, presided over by Archbishop José Cordeiro, Metropolitan Archbishop of Braga. Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, accompanied by Borja Pérez, World Councillor of the Iberian Region, and Rosa Mateus, Coordinator of the Province of St Anthony, were present. As part of the festivities, they were also able to visit Alexandrina’s birthplace, the parish where her remains lie and the Balazar House of Spirituality, as well as holding a fraternal meeting with the local center of Salesian Cooperators in Balazar and other Salesian Cooperators pilgrims from various nationalities.

Alexandrina da Costa, a Salesian Cooperator, embodies how the Salesian style flourishes in all circumstances. The Salesian Cooperators Project of Apostolic Life invites them to live their vocation and mission in the concrete circumstances according to their capacity and possibilities: young or old, healthy or sick. Alexandrina, from her bed of pain, was a radical witness to the Gospel. Her constant prayer, her union with Christ in the Eucharist and her silent offering made her fragility a fruitful place. In her, the Salesian charism was powerfully expressed. Her life confirms that every condition can be a space for mission, if it is lived with faith and authenticity.