What do you expect from this great event?
During the four days of the Congress, which we entitled "As Salesian Family, with Mary a believing woman, for young people", we will try to share the love we have for the Mother; and to receive the freshness of her love and her teaching as a teacher and model of faith, of listening, of meeting, of accompaniment and of holiness ... Because we too, with Mary, are called to give our generous yes.
Who is participating in this Congress?
We will come together as a Salesian Family to deepen and promote Marian devotion, proposing Mary as a model of Christian life. It is therefore an invitation to the whole Salesian Family, to the whole Church, to all those who love Mary.
How was the Congress prepared?
We participated with great dedication to each preparatory meeting over the course of two intense years. We have entrusted everything from the beginning to the secure help of the Mother and we can testify that we have counted on her maternal assistance. And we also animated through the congress website: http://mariaauxiliadora2019.com.ar/
How many will be participating and from which countries?
There were 1,200 participants registered from 36 countries on 4 continents: Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Who will be the speakers at the Congress?
We will have Roberto Carelli with us who will present: "Mary: the colors of faith"; Fr Gustavo Cavagnari will accompany us in deepening the theme: "Walking with the young on the steps of Our Lady of haste". And we also invited Sr. Linda Pocher, FMA, who will reflect on: "The sanctity of Mary and ours".
And let's not forget then that on Saturday 9 we will be able to participate in the pilgrimage on foot, which will start at 16.30 from the Plaza del Congresso and which will end in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, with a festive closing in the courtyard of the Salesian Pius IX house. The event will end on Sunday with the Mass presided over by the Rector Major.
What message would you like to send to the participants and those who will follow the Congress online?
The feast of the Help of Christians has begun! Maria has called us, the initiative is hers. Let us jump for joy because this time of waiting for grace, for action of the Holy Spirit, for renewing the colors of faith is beginning.
