(ANS – Turin) – The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians is the jewel in the crown of Don Bosco’s original Oratory in Valdocco (Turin), Italy. Built between 1863 and 1868, it was literally a dream come true for Don Bosco. Begun as a worship space for the boys of the Oratory, it became the centre of the newly founded Salesian Congregation and today it is the pulsing spiritual heart of the worldwide Salesian Family. And last March, the Salesian Family Coordinators in the SUE Province (United States East and Canada) asked Fr Mike Pace SDB, Vice-Director, Museo Casa Don Bosco, if he would prepare a video tour of the Basilica. “This was a privileged invitation to make the Basilica and Don Bosco’s Madonna better known and loved,” Fr Pace comments. So a guided tour is now available– in English, and also with Italian and Korean subtitles, but soon in Spanish too – that explores various strands which are woven together to make the Basilica a magnificent tapestry of Salesian history, spirituality and Marian devotion.
Kokopo, Papua New Guinea - May 2021 - May was especially intense for the educational-pastoral community of Kokopo. The students of the “Don Bosco” Technical Secondary School, together with the parishioners of the Mary Help of Christians parish, carried out a long journey of prayer throughout the month of May. Numerous activities were devised during this month, including an art competition focussing on the Blessed Virgin Mary. A significant moment was one dedicated to the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, which brought together students, parishioners, families and the whole Salesian Family of Kokopo. The community paid homage to Mr. Christopher Lee, a missionary recently arrived from the United States.
Concepción, Paraguay - May 2021 - On the occasion of the feast of Mary Help of Christians, on the afternoon of Sunday 23 May, a caravan of vehicles traveled the streets of Concepción. The procession was accompanied by hundreds of faithful, who decorated their vehicles and their homes. The procession finally culminated with fireworks in front of the large statue of Mary Help of Christians.
Lubumbashi, D.R. Congo - May 2021 - On Saturday 22 May, students and teachers from the Salesian Institute "St. Francis de Sales" in Imara, Lubumbashi, celebrated the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. The commemorative day began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Jonas Yav, who reminded all the participants how important Mary is in the life of every Christian.
Aracaju, Brazil - May 2021 - Last Monday, May 24, a Mass was celebrated in honor of Mary Help of Christians at the Salesian Institute in Aracaju. The celebration was presided over by the Director of the Institute, Fr Arlan Braga. Few, due to the pandemic, were able to physically participate in the Mass. However, many faithful followed the celebrations "virtually", connecting to the Institute's YouTube channel.
(ANS - Lima) - On the occasion of the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians, last Monday, May 24, the ceremony for the recognition of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima as a Cultural Heritage Site of the Peruvian nation took place. The ceremony, held in the atrium of the temple, located in the Breña district, was attended by various civil and ecclesiastical authorities, including: Jorge Muñoz Wells, mayor of Lima; Leslie Carol Peña Urteaga, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Industries; Giancarlo Maria Curcio, ambassador of Italy to Peru; and Msgr. Juan José Salaverry Villarreal, auxiliary bishop of Lima.
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.”