Chile – The Vicar of the Rector Major: "Our Lady of difficult times, your help is our salvation"

25 May 2023

(ANS - Santiago) - A true feast of blue and pink was experienced at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Santiago, Chile, where on May 24 the Salesian Family of the Metropolitan Region gave thanks for the love and protection of Mary Help of Christians. The solemn Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, and concelebrated by, among others, Fr. Carlo Lira; the auxiliary bishops of Santiago, Msgr. Alberto Lorenzelli, SDB, Msgr. Cristián Castro, Msgr. Álvaro Chordi; Salesian Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, and many Salesians.

During the homily, Fr. Martoglio expressed his joy and satisfaction to be present at that celebration and brought greetings from the Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime.

"This is a day of great solemnity in personal life, in the Salesian Family and in the Church," said the Vicar of the Rector Major.

He then elaborated on three points from the readings and the Gospel proclaimed.

The first is Mary's presence in daily life. "Our Lady is always by our side. Do not turn away from God's presence. Mary's help is our salvation. Alone we can do nothing, we must trust in God's presence," he added.

The second is our dignity as children of God. On the theme, he stressed, "Your dignity is that of being a family, heirs of God through His mercy. This is your grace: living as a child of God leads to heaven, remember that!"

Finally, he recalled the words of Don Bosco, who used to tell his brothers and young people every day, "If we are here, it is because the Virgin Mary brought us here. This is our devotion."

Along with the offerings of bread and wine, a stole, the constitutions of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, a picture of Mother Mazzarello, the holy chrism, and the oil of the sick were presented at the altar.

At the end of the celebration, the rector of the shrine, Fr. Bernardo García, presented the Mary Help of Christians medal to the bishops present and extended a fraternal greeting to Bishop Cristián Castro on the anniversary of his priestly ordination.

Finally, Fr. Martoglio knelt before the statue of Mary to ask for her intercession for the Church, in Chile and throughout the world.

The faithful present at the Eucharist returned to their homes with a medal, a prayer to Mary Help of Christians, and hearts filled with gratitude.

More than 200 people joined the celebration spiritually by attending through the live streaming of the Eucharist, also leaving comments such as, "May Mary Help of Christians be our protection at all times."

A recording of the Mass can be viewed on the YouTube channel of the Salesians of Chile.

Source: Communication Salesians of Chile 

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