We are sad to announce the death of Mother Antonia Colombo, Mother General of the FMA from 1997 - 2008, who died peacefully yesterday in Lombardy, Italy, following a long illness.

Mother Antonia was especially dedicated to promoting and enhancing the dignity of women, and placed herself at the heart of initiatives to foster education and active citizenship for women and girls around the world.

We treasure fond memories of her visit to Great Britain in the late 1990s, and thank God for her many years of service and dedication as a Salesian Sister.

Today, in a letter to the Congregation announcing the news, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, who succeeded her as Mother General, wrote: "Humanising culture and relationships in the light of the message of Jesus and the Salesian charism was not a slogan for Mother Antonia, but a precise commitment that identifies her mission as a Mother and formative guide ... Let us remember that verse of the liturgy which she had made her own and which always accompanied her: " May I know you intimately, O Christ! And, your companion in the passion, can rise again with you! ".

The funeral will be celebrated on 3 July at 12:00 at the Salesian Parish of Sant'Agostino in Milan. The Requiem Mass will be followed by burial at the cemetery of Nizza Monferrato.

We pray that she may rest in peace, reaping the rewards of 'the good and faithful servant'.

Read Mother Yvonne's letter in full.