Hernando Salesian Cooperators Celebrate Mother Mary

By Melody Candiloro, Salesian Cooperator

(Hernando, FL – May 27) – The Dominic Savio Salesian Cooperator Center at Don Bosco's Children's Home in Hernando, FL, held its last meeting before summer break on Tuesday, May 19.

As always, the meeting began with a recitation of the Rosary, followed by Mass, which was celebrated by the SDB delegate, Fr. Jay Horan. We then had a beautiful ceremony out on the grounds of the Center as we crowned our Blessed Mother Mary.

The ceremony was organized and led by Salesian Cooperator Coordinator Pat Sobel. Also present with the Cooperators and volunteers was Jim Desmond, administrator for the Cooperator Provincial Council. Jim gave us an interesting report on the 150th anniversary celebration of the Salesian Cooperators in Rome, which he recently attended.

The meeting concluded with a social gathering and, of course, plenty of food.

Also, on Thursday, May 21, several Cooperators journeyed to St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa, FL, for veneration of the relics of St. Padre Pio. Hundreds breathlessly stood in line for veneration of five relics, which included Padre Pio's glove, a blood-stained sock, a lock of hair, a blood-stained bandage, scabs from his stigmata, and, in honor of Padre Pio's love for the Blessed Mother, a relic of the veil of Mary. Veneration was followed by Mass.

This was an exceptionally spiritual week for our Center.