Hudson Valley Salesians Turn Dreams into Reality

By Fr. Dennis Donovan, SDB

(Stony Point, NY – March 14) – Three years ago, the Marian Shrine’s administrative team created a strategic plan to place its work on a solid footing with service to the province, archdiocese, and local clergy around the Hudson Valley. It started with the creation of a new mission statement to offer people of all ages, especially young people, opportunities to deepen their relationship with God. We emphasize devotion to Mary Help of Christians and the pastoral style of St. John Bosco and his oratory in our apostolic endeavors. Since then, we have realized the mission every day.

The retreat center serves the province and the archdiocese of New York. The shrine thrives as a place of pilgrimage for the worship of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and devotion to Mary Help of Christians. Our outreach to youth and young adults in the Hudson Valley region serves hundreds in local parish and school settings. Special events include Bible study, religious exhibits, fine arts programs, etc. New retreat themes include social justice and awareness of the needs of the poor.

What is being accomplished here is amazing! Four of the 12 Salesians in residence hold leadership roles. The remaining nine offer support as preachers, confessors, speakers, and hosts who offer hospitality to retreatants and other guests. Much support comes through the help of our senior Salesians, who, although considered by many to be “retired,” remain active through the service they provide while they enjoy superior physical and medical care.

The Hudson Valley Salesian Cooperators are involved in many daily operations. A new group of ADMA is in formation. Additionally, the manual Hearts Present and Joyful is used for the ongoing formation of the laity.

The projects are financially viable through diverse sources of income. Our primary sources are the Don Bosco Bookstore and reservations at the Don Bosco Retreat Center. The Salesian community sustains the operations through the Salesians’ personal income, stipends, and aid for senior care. Annual appeals and a fundraising gala sustain special events and devotions that the Salesians have become known for. Income from the Mary Help of Christians Chapel collections, candle donations, and religious services cover the budget. The former Blue Gate Residence (which later served as the center for the Korean Apostolate) has been transformed into Emmaus, a house for private retreats, which has become popular with secular clergy and religious.

Yet we recognize there are some needs for continued growth. Additional personnel would support the increasing demand for quality retreat programs and confessors available for them. While the “retired” Salesians are great confessors during the daytime hours, they are generally not able to function at night and are not able to offer the daily Masses at the shrine.

The retreat center has the most activity volume and includes programs for youth and young adults and groups from area parishes, schools, and provincial and archdiocesan ministries. The shrine chapel serves a steady clientele that attends daily/ weekly Masses, confessions, and devotions, like the Stations of the Cross and Rosary. Occasionally a pilgrimage of 1,000 to 4,000 people will take place for a day, especially in the summer.

Strategic planning continues every two weeks and gives the administrative team opportunities for new ideas. Our application to the USCCB to be designated a “National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians” is in process. This designation would allow us to further promote the work. Since schools and parishes in New Jersey are reluctant to participate in our programs due to transportation costs, we would like to find ways to collaborate with a transportation company that would provide economical bus service from various parts of the Garden State.

The rear of the Becchi House has been cleaned out to make room for a high-tech exhibit space about the history of the Salesians, beginning with the Dream of Don Bosco at Becchi and culminating with the Salesian expansion throughout the world up to Stony Point.

We’ve identified and overcome challenges that have stifled our ability to reach more young adults. In collaboration with the Archdiocese of New York, we will create a young adult leadership program for 21-30-year-olds who could potentially begin young adult ministry in their parishes under Salesian mentoring.

The potential is great. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the blessings of Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco’s dream will continue to develop on this sacred ground called the Marian Shrine!