Salesians from India and Italy came to East Africa in 1980, and today it has grown to be a powerful presence across the region, making a difference in the lives of the young through education and other forms of ministry. Through their presence, many needy young people have found a life of dignity and respect. Later this year, their Province (Kenya, Tanzania, and Sudan and South Sudan) will be divided into two provinces; Kenya, which will include Sudan, and Tanzania. So, they have a lot to thank the Lord for through the Blessed Mother of whom Don Bosco, towards the end of his life, looking back to all he achieved during his lifetime, said, “Mary did it all.”
All the celebrations will be held at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Upper Hill, except the Pilgrimage to the Resurrection Garden on the third day of the Congress. From every Salesian institution across East Africa, groups of youth and faithful are already registered for the event. We are inviting and encouraging all faithful to participate in the program. Only group registration is welcome. Those interested in participating are encouraged to register through their parish. Those from other countries will be accommodated in various families and institutions around Nairobi. Around 1000 people are expected to participate in the celebrations.
Starting on the 28th, the celebration will have talks on various topics by experts, Lectio Divina, Group Discussions, Workshops, Pilgrimage, reconciliation service Holy Eucharist, Marian Serenade and much more. It will also give an opportunity to meet and mingle with people of different nationalities in East Africa and to pray together. Certainly, this event will be an extraordinary time of learning and coming to love our Blessing Mother and a moment of grace. The Congress is seen as an occasion for prayer, reflection, faith-formation and spreading of the devotion to Mother Mary. May our Mother Mary Help of Christians watch over you and your Families.
Fr. Sebastian Koladiyil, SDB
