Rome, Italy - June 2024 - The patronal feast of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Castro Pretorio, Rome, was celebrated on Friday, June 7, 2024, with a full congregation. The solemn Mass was led by Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, the titular Cardinal of the Basilica, accompanied at the altar by numerous Salesians, including the entire General Council of the Congregation, except for the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, who was attending a Vatican engagement.
During his homily, Cardinal Versaldi, drawing from his farming background, explained the day's Gospel passage and the significance of the "yoke"—an agricultural tool carried by two animals together—to illustrate Jesus' promise that He will bear the greater burden. Following the Mass, the traditional procession of the statue of the Sacred Heart took place through the neighborhood streets, joined by about 600 people, including religious and lay individuals, many young people, and tourists.