A Little MI Village, A Shared Dream, A New Institute - 1954

Fr. Faccenda, in the early years.

"The care of the MI in Bologna was entrusted to me (11.1945).  It seemed like a joke! I had to begin my work with a little group of people: some old ladies, a few teenagers, and kids.... I understood the importance of the Marian and missionary charism of the Militia of the Immaculata. I understood that it could bring a renewal to the Church if presented with authenticity, without compromise, mistrust, false piety, or fanaticism.... 

In a short time the MI began to spread all over the region (Emilia Romagna); it became the animating force of parishes, schools, and families. Young people and elderly accepted it...

The field of my apostolate was immense and the work was hard, because people were suffering from the consequences of World War II: errors, divisions, hatred, and racism.  Yet, I worked with hope because the Blessed Virgin Mary was my guide and comfort, always present with her maternal love.

... A group of young women emerged in the 1950s.  They, not content with offering only a portion of their time and lives to the cause of Mary, asked to be allowed to consecrate themselves in a more permanent way.  They desired to give themselves to God for the salvation of all men, and in such a way as to recreate another Niepokalanow (City of the Immaculate)...

I confess that I did not believe in my ability to become the guide of a new Institute.  For this reason I suggested to some of the young women to enter other Congregations, while I presented objections to those who were still faithful to the idea of the new Institute.  But, it was impossible to resist God's will for a long time.  So little by little I said "yes" to Him and accepted to become the humble instrument of His plan of salvation.

In December 1950 we began having meetings in preparation for the foundation of the Institute.  However, I did not want to make any decision without the blessing of obedience...

This answer arrived on October 11, 1954, which at that time was the Solemnity of the Divine Maternity of Mary.  On that day, the Institute was born."   - Fr. Luigi Faccenda