Edmonton: Parish Celebrates Salesian Feasts

By Angie Cook

(Edmonton, AB – June 13) – It was a great honor for us, members of Mary Help of Christians (MHC) Group at St. Dominic Savio Parish, to coordinate May 28 and 29 weekend Masses in remembrance and praise of Mary Help of Christians and St. Dominic Savio. The parish opted to celebrate these two Salesian feasts that fall in May together to make greater Salesian impact on parishioners. That was exactly what happened. We are proud that our MHC group was instrumental in organizing both solemn liturgy and moments of fraternity after each Mass.

It was a very special occasion not only because it all happened on the Solemnity of the Ascension, but also because the celebrants were all Salesian priests who took time away from their parishes to be with us and gave thought provoking homilies on the importance of Jesus Christ’s legacy through the Holy Spirit. We must proclaim the Good News to all through our words and actions, never doubting that the Holy Spirit is with us always. We must remember that Mary Help of Christians, our Mother, is always here to support us, and that through St. Dominic Savio’s short but exemplary life, we can achieve a holy and virtuous life.

Following each Mass, the parishioners and guests were able to socialize in the parish hall and feasted on delicious chocolate cake and Timbits, as well as refreshments of tea, coffee, and juice. It feels great to have the Covid-19 restrictions finally lifted, and we can share hugs, handshakes, and laughter. It is also wonderful to see each other’s smiling faces after we celebrated Mass, where we proclaimed the Word of God and celebrated the Sacraments. Throughout the weekend, we were able to share and continue in our parish’s mission of being an intercultural community that grows together in faith, worships God together in truth, and serves each other in love.

Additionally, the MHC group hosted a “Summer Break” Potluck on Monday, June 6 that was attended by the members of our group and all four Salesian priests. Fr. Mario Villaraza (Director of the Edmonton community) shared Salesian wisdom and insights with the group. Among other things, he said that to be part of the Salesian Family is itself a special blessing from God. As members of both this Salesian parish and of the MHC group we feel blessed by God. The fellowship ended with our partaking in a variety of dishes we brought in, and we all had an enjoyable time together.

This could not have been such a success without the strong support from our pastor, Fr. Sagayaraj Devadoss, and the dedication and assistance from all our volunteers. We lived our vision statement of being together through social and cultural interactions and are holy Catholics, staunch Gospel Witnesses, and Stewards of the Lord.

May Mary Help of Christians, our Heavenly Mother, and St. Dominic Savio, our parish patron, intercede for us all. Alleluia!