International Congress of Mary Help of Christians

(ANS – Buenos Aires – October 30) – Fr. Alejandro Gomez, pastor of Mary Help of Christians Parish in Cordoba, Argentina, was appointed by the Council of Provincials of Argentina as coordinator general of the organization of the 8th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians, which was held November 7-10 in Buenos Aires. Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, father and center of unity of the Salesian Family,  also participated in this grand world event, together with many other members of the various groups of the Salesian Family.

Before the event, he gave this interview.

What do you expect from this great event?

During the four days of the Congress, which we titled “As Salesian Family, with Mary a believing woman, for young people,” we’ll try to share the love we have for our Mother; and to receive the freshness of her love and her teaching as a teacher and model of faith, of listening, of meeting, of accompaniment, and of holiness – because we, too, are called with Mary to give our generous yes.

Who is participating in this Congress?

We will come together as a Salesian Family to deepen and promote Marian devotion, proposing Mary as a model of Christian life. So it’s an invitation to the whole Salesian Family, to the whole Church, to all those who love Mary.

How was the Congress prepared?

We participated with great dedication in each preparatory meeting over the course of two intense years. We’ve entrusted everything from the beginning to the secure help of our Mother and can testify that we’ve counted on her maternal assistance. And we also animated through the Congress website: http://mariaauxiliadora2019.com.ar/

How many will be participating and from which countries?

There were 1,200 participants registered from 36 countries on five continents: Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Who will speak at the Congress?

We’ll have Roberto Carelli with us, who will present “Mary: the colors of faith”; Fr. Gustavo Cavagnari will accompany us in deepening the theme: “Walking with the young in the hurried steps of Our Lady.” And we also invited Sr. Linda Pocher, FMA, who will reflect on “Mary’s holiness and ours.”

And let’s not forget that on Saturday the 9th we’ll be able to participate in the pilgrimage on foot, which will start at 4:30 in the afternoon from the Plaza del Congresso and will end in the basilica of Mary Help of Christians, with a festive closing in the courtyard of the Salesian house of Pius IX. The event will end on Sunday with Mass presided over by the Rector Major.

What message would you like to send to the participants and those who will follow the Congress online?

The feast of the Help of Christians has begun! Mary has called us; the initiative is hers. Let’s jump for joy because this time of waiting for grace, for action of the Holy Spirit, for renewing the depths of our faith is beginning.