A musical expression of the bond between all the participants, the hymn refers to Don Bosco's "Dream at Nine Years of age" – which also provides inspiration to the theme of the entire International Congress, "I will give you a Teacher" – and thanks to the images of the video clip that accompanies it, guides listeners and spectators through the different Salesian works scattered throughout Portugal, which all rely on the protection of Mary Help of Christians.
Reflecting the essence of this important moment of union for the entire Salesian Family, the hymn serves as a source of motivation and guidance for all participants. This is why it has been translated into the official languages of the International Congress, thus promoting unity among all participants.
Our Lady, who often appeared in Don Bosco’s dreams, was the star of his apostolate and even in this hymn, Mary appears as his guide and teacher. Devotion to Mary, along with devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and to the Pope, was one of the three devotions that marked Don Bosco’s spiritual and apostolic life.
The International Congress of Mary Help of Christians is a meeting organised by the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), which aims to make known, deepen and spread devotion to Mary Help of Christians. Designed for all groups of the Salesian Family, this congress is usually held every four years and is a very important moment for all its members. Therefore, all groups of the Salesian Family are called to participate in this important moment of union and devotion, which will take place from 29 August to 1 September 2024 in Fatima, Portugal, in what will be the 9th edition of the congress.
As for the "Dream", in 1824 John Bosco, a nine-year-old boy at the time, had a dream that would mark him for the rest of his life. In his first prophetic dream, in which he is shown the field of his future apostolate, John hears the mysterious voice of the Lord saying to him, “I will give you a Teacher.” Then a stately-looking Lady appeared and encouraged him to work to correct the behaviour of the street kids.
The anthem of the congress is available here.
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