Italy – Visit of the Rector Major to the Basilica of Don Bosco in Rome

29 May 2024

(ANS – Rome) – Rome-Ljubljana-Rome in less than 48 hours: barely two days after the celebration of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, Friday, 24 May, at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Via Tuscolana, and after his lightning visit to Slovenia the following day for the centenary of the church of Mary Help of Christians in Raknovik Ljubljana, the Rector Major returned to the southeast quadrant of Rome to celebrate the Eucharist on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity with the community of the Parish Basilica of St John Bosco in Rome, and thus conclude a special "triduum" under the sign of Our Lady of Don Bosco.

"Mary is a privileged place where the Most Holy Trinity is manifested", the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco began in the homily, thus illuminating the link between the two feasts.

During the celebration, which saw the participation of a large number of faithful, Card. Fernández Artime sought to underline the deep devotion that the Salesian Family has for Mary Help of Christians, and stressed the meaning of her motherhood, for which no one is left without her help or consolation. For this reason, he also pointed to Mary as a model for educators and parents, and consequently called every family to the responsibility of educating their children in the faith.

At the end of the Mass, the procession of the statue of Mary Help of Christians took place through the streets of the district surrounding the Basilica, which then ended with the return to the church and a festive fireworks display.

"The procession was a moment of great devotion and recollection, during which the faithful prayed to Mary for peace, the family and the young people" commented young Salesian in formation John Rook. "The whole celebration saw great participation by the Salesian community and the faithful of the Basilica of St John Bosco, who took the opportunity to gather around the Rector Major making him feel gratitude and support for his new ministry."

Ultimately, concludes the young Salesian, the visit of the Rector Major "was a moment of joy and sharing, which strengthened the bonds of fraternity and faith within the community."

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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