Stony Point: Bearing Witness at the National Shrine

(Stony Point, NY – January 31) – On Thursday, January 30, over 450 people journeyed to witness the inauguration Mass of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. Cardinal Timothy Dolan celebrated the Mass. Cardinal Dolan spoke about St. John Bosco, our patron saint, Mary Help of Christians, a mother to all, and hope in this Jubilee Year. Bishop John S. Bonnici and many Salesian priests concelebrated.

Stony Point director, Fr. Manny Gallo, SDB, recognized the community’s former deceased director, Fr. Dennis Donovan, SDB, who began the process of designating the Marian Shrine as a national shrine, one of only 72 in the United States. Cardinal Dolan pointed out that the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians is the first of six to be recognized this year.

During the presentation of the gifts at the Mass, special symbolic items were presented by Fr. Manny and members of the community to the Cardinal. These included a Bible, rosary beads, a candle, and altar flowers. The evening instilled the message of hope and fervor to all who attended.