In the previous extensive conservation and restoration of the entire Basilica, which had been organised into three lots in 2004-2008, the bell towers had not been included in the project. As a result, in April last year it was necessary, through the intervention of a crane, to secure the angels above the two bell towers, ultimately detaching the dangerous wings of the Archangel Gabriel placed on the bell tower on the right side and the flag, also dangerous, of the Archangel Michael, placed instead on the left looking at the facade of the Basilica.
The process then began for the design of the renovation and conservation of the bell towers, with their cupolas and the two statues above, together with the statue of Our Lady placed on the first cupola, the largest. And clearly also the concert of bells that from the current “No. 8” will become “No. 12” and distributed on both bell towers and no longer on only one as in the current situation.
The Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, and the Economer General, Br. Jean Paul Muller, SDB, encouraged this project which was approved by the General Council in the summer session in June 2023, held in Valdocco, Turin. The Economer General has created a working commission composed of the Provincial Economer of the Piedmont and Valle d 'Aosta Special Circumscription (ICP), the Rector of the Mary Help of Christians community, and the Rector of the Basilica.
"The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians” the Economer General writes “ is the central place of our attachment and devotion to the Help of Christians, who has always accompanied us and will accompany us in all the challenges throughout our history."
Last summer, major works and various inspections began immediately, and in these first months of 2024, after analysing the estimates of five companies, the company was chosen both for the structural works and for the bell tower system. All this is still a sign of Providence, that these works begin and should end in the bicentennial year of Don Bosco's dream at nine years of age.
"Soon a fundraiser will be organised" explains the Rector of the Basilica, Fr Michele Vivano “ certain that Mary Help of Christians continues to be our treasurer, as she was for Don Bosco, if we continue to be her devoted children."
