FEAST OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

Dear Salesian Family,

A blessed feast of Mary Help of Christians to you all!

This year, the Salesian Family was invited to participate in the “global novena,” using a prayer resource that included a dream of Don Bosco, a commentary by the Rector Major, a personal testimony and a brief prayer. It was available as a Youtube video and in printed form. I was happy to see the SDB communities that I visited these days using this novena, joining in prayer with the vast movement of people around the globe to honor Mary, the Mother of the Church and Help of Christians. Like Don Bosco, we have filial trust in the Mary, knowing she will lead us to Jesus and guide us in the mission.

This year, the novena and celebration of Mary Help of Christians take on special meaning as we recall the 150th anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica in Turin. “Hic domus mea, inde gloria mea.” “This is my house, from here goes forth my glory.” The construction of the Basilica was a tremendous endeavor for Don Bosco, marked by great difficulties and miracles. This anniversary can inspire us to face the difficulties of our mission with renewed confidence in Mary, knowing that if we trust in Mary Help of Christians, we will see what miracles are!

Let us offer a special prayer for the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the living memorial of gratitude to the Blessed Mother, and for the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) whose principle aim is to encourage the worship of the Blessed Sacrament and the devotion to Mary Help of Christians.

Fr. Tim Zak