(ANS - Rome) - The Salesian Family of Argentina is preparing to welcome the VIII International Congress of Mary Help of Christians, an event promoted by the Association of Mary Help of Christians, which this year celebrates the 150th anniversary of its foundation. The Congress will take place in Buenos Aires from 7 to 10 November and shall include the presence of the Rector Major and other provincials and leaders of the Salesian Family groups.
The name basilica derives from the Greek βασιλική (phonetically basilikè), a word meaning "royal" or "regal", an ellipse of the complete expression basilikè oikìa, which means "royal house".
The Pope is the only person who has the power to grant the title of basilica to a temple.
(ANS - Quito) - Before the month dedicated to the patron saint of the Salesians ended, on Thursday, May 30, 2019, Msgr. Alfredo Espinoza Mateus, SDB, archbishop of Quito and Primate of Ecuador, presided the Eucharist during which the parish of Mary Help of Christians in Quito was consecrated as a Diocesan Shrine. Hundreds of parishioners and members of the Salesian Family took part in the celebration.
Mexico City, Mexico - May 2019 - On 24 May Fr Francisco Javier Altamirano, SDB, Director of the Salesian community of "Santa Julia", presided over the Mass in honor of Mary Help of Christians in the national shrine parish of Mexico City. The Mass, concelebrated by Fr Juan Carlos Guerrero Romero and Fr Joaquín Gómez Fregoso, was attended by professors, teachers and directors of the educational community of the Salesian University and schools of Santa Julia.
Mendoza, Argentina - May 2019 - During the month of May, the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians of Rodeo del Medio received hundreds of pilgrims from various cities, schools and communities. The statue of Mary Help of Christians was paraded around the neighborhoods and in places where people were born and raised under her protection. On May 26 the whole community celebrated the patronal feast with the procession through the streets, under the motto "With Mary Help of Christians we walk in unity, holiness and life". The archbishop of Mendoza, Msgr. Marcelo Colombo presided over the final Eucharist.
Lubumbashi, D.R. Congo - June 2019 - At the Salesian Province of Central Africa (AFC), the Salesian Family met for the traditional Marian pilgrimage on June 2. Before leaving, the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) prayed the Rosary at the Mwapusukeni College together with many pilgrims. Once the procession began, the faithful arrived in the "Marian City of Don Bosco", the place where the Salesians have planned to build a university and a church dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. The event culminated with the Eucharist presided by Fr Albert Kabuge, AFC Provincial, and concelebrated by 15 Salesians, during which a special mention was made for the 150th anniversary of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA). On this occasion, for the first time in the AFC Province, ADMA members, young and adult, made their promise.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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RMG – Interview with Fr Francisco Lezama, Provincial of Uruguay(ANS – Rome) – Fr Francisco Lezama was born in the city of Montevideo on 11 September 1979. He got to know the Salesians in the Salesian work of Las Piedras, where he took part in youth groups and parish activities.
EDITORIAL
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Myanmar – Tragedy of Innocent Children in the midst of Armed Conflicts(ANS – Naypyidaw) - Myanmar finds itself immersed in profound grief and anguish as innocent lives, particularly those of children, continue to be mercilessly lost in the enduring armed conflicts. Families are left devastated by the tragic loss of their loved ones while the relentless violence shows no signs of abating. This week, a heartfelt plea from Myanmar reached our community, shedding light on the heart-wrenching death of a young girl Juliet in a military airstrike, prompting a unified call for prayers and action.
EVENTS
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Spain – 2024 Pastoral and Theological Updating(ANS – Santiago de Compostela) – The two Provinces of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Spain, Saint James the Greater (SSM) and Mary Help of Christians (SMX), are organising their Theological and Pastoral Updating meetings this year for the second part of July. This is an event that has become traditional, organised by the Formation Delegates of both Provinces, and aimed mainly at cultivating spirituality and ongoing formation among Salesians throughout the country.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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Solomon Islands – Salesian presence in the country(ANS – Honiara) – The presence of Don Bosco has reached every continent in the world. We can say that only Antarctica is missing, and even in the islands of Oceania the Salesian charism, which is well adapted to the different cultures and traditions, is spreading.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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WHEN AN EDUCATOR TOUCHES HIS CHILDREN’S HEART— OR THE ART OF BEING LIKE DON BOSCOTHE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime
The art of being like Don Bosco: “Remember that education is a matter of the heart, of which God alone is the master, and that we can achieve nothing unless God teaches us the art and hands us the key” (The Biographical Memoirs of Saint John Bosco, XVI, 376).