EAO Region, 27 May 2021 -- From Valdocco to Samoa, from Marian shrines to family feasts, from thanksgiving with flowers to a hope-filled plea for the end of the pandemic, from large outdoor processions to the strictly digital celebrations - such were the May 24 images shared among the Salesian Family members of our region this year. What can we learn from each other?

       Many Salesian communities followed the "official ANS" novena together on their larger screens (including in language translation like Vietnamese, Korean or Thai); some produced their own home-made novena (ADMA in Japan or CDB in the Phillipines). For some the novena time was preparation for their promise (ASC or ADMA) or even their first profession (like 120 new Salesians of Don bosco in South Asia) and for many other Salesian Family members it was the celebration of their country's main patron (province of AUL, CIN, FIS and MYM).

       The Gospel story we are given on this feast day presents Mary as our careful mother who knows our needs: "...there is no wine". Yes, the mother of the Church and Help of Christians brings our needs to Her Son also today: on 24 May we offer our prayers for peace, democracy and the suffering people of Myanmar; we are again united with the universal Church in our prayers for China's catholic community; we raise our plea through her intercession for new Salesian vocations in Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Laos,Mongolia and in other vocationally challenged territories.

       The celebrations, different kinds of fiestas will all be over in one week's time. But Mary is present amidst the needs and challenges of her sons and daughters...let us call upon her often with our whole heart...

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