Between October 11 and 13, commemorative events were held in Balazar, Portugal, in honor of the feast of Blessed Alexandrina da Costa, Salesian Cooperator, marking the 70th anniversary of her death on October 13, 1955.

On Sunday the 12th, the Eucharist was celebrated in the new Eucharistic Sanctuary, presided over by Archbishop José Cordeiro, Metropolitan Archbishop of Braga. Present were Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, accompanied by Borja Pérez, World Councillor for the Iberian Region, and Rosa Mateus, Coordinator of the Province of Saint Anthony. As part of the celebration, they also visited Alexandrina’s birthplace, the parish where her remains rest, and the Balazar House of Spirituality. They also shared a fraternal gathering with the local Salesian Cooperators center and other pilgrim cooperators from various nationalities.

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