Relational style

Maria Domenica’s whole life was characterised by a true, authentic and simple relational style, typical of family life.
A teacher must have a mother’s heart, but must at the same time be firm on principles and universal values.
Those entrusted to her must see her as a strong reference point, welcoming and understanding. The wild waters of certain rivers must be dammed, otherwise their vitality might become, inevitably, destructive power.
Far-sighted intuition and steadiness, in a perfect balance, are therefore necessary in any meeting, any intervention.
This essential accompaniment in the teacher-pupil relationship can be applied to all interpersonal relationships. We are responsible for any creature we meet, independently from their age, gender or social role. Such creatures might have been entrusted to us by the providential love of our Father. Once we know this, how can our relationship with the others remain the same?
Maìn showed us the way in this also.
She had a profound and realistic sense of teaching, and she interacted with others simply and soberly, because she was profoundly free and unconditioned by external evaluations.
She firmly distrusted easy enthusiasm, ambiguous fervours and empty words.
She never trusted her message to lengthy speeches, nor did she demonstrate her feelings with excessive outbursts: she used only a few words, which were the most appropriate, and personalised gestures and well though-out interventions, which were appropriate to each situation created by life’s dynamics.
All those who met her for various reasons, bear testimony to her lovingness, which was expressed through attention and service. Even her far-away Daughters, those who had crossed an “immense sea” to bring the Word in foreign places could feel the motherly tenderness in her Letters that are a masterpiece of simplicity, truthfulness and great educational intuition.
“After all, it is all in our heads. A daughter who really loves Jesus goes on well with everyone” (L 49, 6 - The numbers refer to the classification of the letters in the volume: M. E. POSADA – A. COSTA – P. CAVAGLIÀ, La sapienza della vita. Lettere di Maria Domenica Mazzarello, SEI, Torino, 1994).
The Mother is well aware of the difficulties in every relationship, but she knows for certain that the key is that little word, “really”.
Those who base their lives on Christ are more likely to resist being overpowered by the inevitable projection mechanisms with reference to others.
Those who base their lives on Christ shall look at others with His eyes. Those who base their lives on Christ, finally, shall be able to see Him in every creature.