Timor-Leste - Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, presides over celebrations in honor of Mary Help of Christians
Fatumaca, East Timor - May 2023 - May 24, the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, was a very special day for the Salesian Family of Baucau, Laga, Quelicai, Venilale and Fatumaca, which gathered at the Fatumaca Shrine to attend the celebrations presided over by Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, SDB, Archbishop of Dili. Numerous priests, students, faithful, and nuns were present for the occasion, including the FMA Provincial, Sister Alma Castagna. In his beautiful homily, Cardinal do Carmo da Silva reminded the faithful of Pope Francis' invitation to pray to the Mother of God in Marian shrines, to prepare for the first stage of the Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Then, quoting the prayer of St. Bernard, he recalled how Our Lady never abandons those who ask for her intercession. Finally, the Cardinal shared the meaning of being a "synodal Church," that is, being like a family that prays together, helps each other, walks together, showing solidarity, thinking of the needs of others. Like Mary, we need to open our eyes to see the needs of others and help them.