Madrid, Spain - May 22, 2022 - The XXIX edition of the “Popular Run” of Mary Help of Christians took place on Sunday, May 22, gathering more than 300 runners of all ages who completed different circuits designed for different categories. The Run is an initiative that the Past Pupils of the Salesian home in Paseo de Extremadura in Madrid have been carrying out for 29 years and has established itself as the longest-running marathon in the entire district. It is a particularly popular tradition, characterized by a typically Salesian atmosphere, with children, families, entertainers, and friends of the Paseo work sharing a day of sport, cheerfulness, and genuine Salesian joy.
Bydgoszcz, Poland - May 2022 - The Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians is always a great feast for the whole Salesian Family, and this year, for the community of St. Mark's parish in Fordon, near Bydgoszcz, it was an extra special day. After the evening Eucharist presided over by Fr Tadeusz Itrych, PLN Provincial, which was attended by numerous faithful, the plaque defining the area located next to the church parking lot, where a statue of the Blessed Virgin Help of Christians has stood since 2016, as Mary Help of Christians Square was unveiled. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the city of Bydgoszcz. After singing together, led by the children of the Salesian School, all the guests gathered for a moment of conviviality and sharing.
Darkhan, Mongolia - May 2022 - Last May 24, Salesians in Mongolia paid homage to Mary Help of Christians by gathering at the "Mary Help of Christians" parish in Darkhan. This date is especially significant for the Salesians of Mongolia, not only because it marks one of the most important feasts in the Salesian calendar, but also because it recalls the beginnings of the Salesian mission in Darkhan. Seventeen years have passed since the day the Salesians arrived here, called to educate and evangelize, in a mission that had zero Christians. Yet today, after so much work and so many changes, the Salesian charism continues to grow.
Nairobi, Kenya - May 2022 - Last May 24, the "Don Bosco Upper Hill" center in Nairobi celebrated the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. The main moments of the celebrations were the Eucharist, presided over by Simon Asira Lipuku, Provincial of the East Africa Province, and the subsequent procession with the statue of Mary Help of Christians, during which the different groups of the Salesian Family animated the recitation of the Rosary. During the celebrations, also, the first three members of ADMA issued their promises. Another especially important moment of the celebration was the canonical establishment of the Association of Mary Help of Christians at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Upper Hill. Fr. Abel Njeru, SDB, former Rector and Parish Priest of the Shrine, was appointed as spiritual animator at the local level.
(ANS – Parañaque) – The century-year-old and venerated image of Mary Help of Christians at the National Shrine and Parish at Paranaque City was granted the Pontifical Coronation through His Holiness Pope Francis on May 24, 2022, through a Decree issued by the Congregation for the Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments last November 16, 2021, with Protocol Number 225/21.
Turin, Italy - May 24, 2022 - After two years of waiting, the customary celebrations in honor of Mary Help of Christians returned to Turin on May 24, bringing together many faithful. On this occasion, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, presided at Mass in the Salesian basilica of Valdocco, reminding those present and the many who followed the event linked via the web that Mary "is a solid support for our faith." This was followed, as per tradition, by a solemn procession through the streets of Turin in the presence of Archbishop Emeritus of Turin, Msgr. Cesare Nosiglia, who led the long procession.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Democratic Republic of Congo – Fr Owoudou on the situation in the eastern parts of the country: “No matter how dark the night may seem, dawn will inevitably come”
(ANS - Goma) - During his latest phase of the Extraordinary Visit to the "Mary Most Holy Assumption" Province of Central Africa (AFC), Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa Madagascar Region, conducted an interview with the magazine "JAMBO VIJANA," representing the youth engaged in the Salesian works of the Province's Eastern Delegation. Addressing the ongoing violence and conflicts in the region, Fr. Owoudou expressed hope, saying: "No matter the length of the night, dawn will inevitably come."
EDITORIAL
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“Speaking with the Heart”: A great Antidote for the Ills of today’s world
‘Revolutionize the world with your kindness, by speaking with your heart’, is the dream that Pope Francis envisions for humanity through his 57th World Communication Day message, that falls on this Ascension Sunday, 21st May 2023. ‘Speak with your heart in truth and charity’, and this is the best antidote that can cure the ills of today’s society.
EVENTS
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Italy – "Labs To Future": the final event of the "Labs To Learn" project in Valdocco
(ANS – Turin) – The final event of the "Labs to Learn" project was held on Tuesday, 5 March 2024, entitled "Labs To Future: The path – The results – The challenges" . The project was selected by the "Con i Bambini" social enterprise within the framework of the Foundation for the Fight against Child Educational Poverty and came into being with the intention of combating early school leaving and preventing educational poverty, increasing the number of young people with difficulties who fulfil their school obligation, access higher education and/or job placement, and opening the way for personal growth according to their inclinations and aspirations.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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Peru – Centenary of the High Altar of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima
(ANS – Lima) – The centenary of the consecration of the high altar in the Crypt of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima was celebrated on 19 March, on the feast of St Joseph and in homage to Fr José Calasanz Marqués, then Provincial of the Salesians in Peru and Bolivia – now recognised as Blessed by the Church – on account of his name.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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DREAMS THAT KEEP COMING TRUE!
THE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB
When reflecting on all this, I feel I have a little authority to say: “Dear Don Bosco, your Dream is still VERY ALIVE.”