On World Missions Sunday, Sunday 19^th October, Sr Maria Troncatti FMA, was Canonised to the Sainthood by Pope Leo XIV.

Speaking at an audience on Monday to those that had made pilgrimages to Rome for the Canonisations, he paid tribute to Sr Maria saying:

"We praise the Lord for Sister Maria Troncatti, a Salesian saint who dedicated her life to serving the indigenous peoples of Ecuador. Combining medical expertise with a passion for Christ, this generous missionary cared for the bodies and hearts of those she assisted with the love and strength she drew from faith and prayer. Her truly tireless work is an example for us of a charity that does not give up in the face of difficulties but rather transforms them into opportunities for free and total self-giving."

St Maria was a nurse during the first world war and worked with the Red Cross helping the ill and injured. St Maria was then sent on Mission to Ecuador to work with the Shaur tribe in the Amazon Rainforest. She was affectionately referred to as "Madrecita" because she acted as Mother in the 44 years she worked there.

In August 1969, St Maria was travelling with two other Sisters to Quito for the Sisters' Annual retreat. Sadly, while taking off, the plane she was travelling on crashed, and the crash resulted in the death of St Maria.

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