"Together with Mary" came about from the proposal of the World Council to compose a prayer to the Help of Christians who can accompany the Association in the three years towards the celebration of the 150th anniversary of its birth. This idea was then followed up by choosing the date of 8 December to live in communion with the entire Salesian Movement this prayer to Mary in a "Marian Circle" of global dimensions.

Three reasons for choosing the date:

First reason: the birth of the Oratory was established with the Hail Mary said by Don Bosco and Bartholomew Garelli on that 8 December 182 years ago.

All the members of the Association and Salesian Family, in different ways and at different times, have had an Oratory experience. In a sense, they were "generated" in the dream at 9 years of age and "born" in the Oratory. The Salesian Family is therefore grateful for this oratory experience, not only as a physical place, but as an educational criterion.

Second reason: 8 December to emphasise the presence of Mary in the Church, in the life of Don Bosco. A Salesian Cooperator, every member of the Salesian Family who does not leave room for the presence of Mary in their life is not an authentic witness of the Salesian charism and does not fully live their Salesian vocation.

And finally, the third reason: 8 December is closely linked to the Angel's annunciation to Mary.

She responds with "here I am" to the Lord's call and would faithfully live this choice of hers. That here I am is intimately connected to the"here I am" publicly manifested through the Apostolic Promise by those who join the Association of Salesian Cooperators. The renewal made on 8 December enthusiastically encourages us to faithfully confirm our commitment to live our Baptism as lay people in the world, in a Salesian style.

There was extensive participation from various parts of the world, overcoming the difficulties due to the time zone difference.

"It was a beautiful experience of fraternal communion lived in a climate of solidarity from preparation to fulfilment. The invitation is to follow the initiatives that the World Council of the Association of Salesian Cooperators proposes on this path towards the celebration of the 150-year jubilee that will take place in 2026", comments Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators.

The event remains accessible and visible to everyone on YouTube.

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