The closing ceremony of the VIII World Congress of Mary Help of Christians, carried out in an atmosphere of Salesian celebration in the basilica built by the Salesian architect Fr Ernesto Vespignani, saw the presence of several Provincials, Superiors and leaders of the Salesian Family groups, and Fr Eusebio Muñoz, Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family, and Fr Pier Luigi Cameroni, World Head of the Association of Mary Help of Christians.
Renato Valera, President of the Primary ADMA of Turin, expressed: “The meeting was an experience of the two columns of the Salesian charism - Jesus Eucharist and Mary Help of Christians. I am excited at the idea of where the next meeting will be held, above all for the Love for Mary that is lived in those places.”
Then, at 10:00 am, the Rector Major presented himself to the Shrine to offer the closing words and present the path for the coming years. "The Salesian missionary dimension unites us from the very heart of Don Bosco and the history of this nation speaks to us of his love in bringing the Gospel. First of all, we need to be aware of being a missionary church," he said.
Fr Á.F. Artime also recalled the work of Salesian missionaries in every corner of the world and, above all, the commitment to bring Mary Help of Christians across the globe, even the most difficult ones, such as in Meruri, Brazil.
He then delivered some key elements for personal work and above all for the Salesian mission of every child of Mary Help of Christians. "Maria knows us, knows our dreams and knows our plans. She takes us by the hand and leads us little by little towards Jesus," he said. He then invited all the participants in the Congress to live their spiritual life in depth and to ask themselves at all times: “'What do you want from me, oh Lord?' This is a question that everyone must ask themselves to deepen the life and mission in this world."
The Rector Major concluded by stating that "Mary is our mother and tells us as in the Gospel: 'Do what God tells you!'”, and announced the seat of Congress IX. From the top of the Basilica, he gave his blessing and greeted everyone with gratitude.
