The worldwide pilgrimage of the statue of Our Lady began in 1947, with its message of peace and love. The first devotional trip to Italy was in 1959, with an event prepared by a great Peregrinatio Mariae which reached more than 100 locations on the peninsula over five months.
After the 38th World Youth Days held in Lisbon from 1 to 6 August, a new pilgrimage to Italy began for the pilgrim statue of Our Lady. First in the diocese of Rieti, then Florence and finally in Rome. "This is a historic moment for our parish community, for the diocese and for the Salesian Family" commented the parish priest, Fr Roberto Colameo. "It will be nice to welcome her, praying to her for the gift of peace. It's a moment of grace. And it will be nice to remember how much the Virgin accompanied Don Bosco's earthly life: starting with the dream of the two columns, with the Immaculate Fountain of Salvation, and the manifestation of the image of Mary in Spoleto. Two fundamental steps for devotion to Mary Help of Christians, the foundation of the Salesian charism."
During the time that Statute will be there, various prayer meetings are organised, including the Rosary and meditation on the mysteries of the Life, Passion and Resurrection of the Lord, with the eyes and heart of the One who was closest to her Son.
There will be adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic and Marian vigils, penitential celebrations, the Way of the Cross, and torches in the Basilica of St John Bosco from 30 September to 15 October, to join and experience the spirituality of the Sanctuary at Fatima, and recreate the same atmosphere of prayer that one breathes in Fatima.
