By Cl. April Jerome Quinto, SDB

Parañaque City, the Philippines, 24 January 2018 — Members of the Salesian Family—Parañaque District celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis of Sales and the monthly commemoration of Mary Help of Christians together in the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.

This gathering of the members of the Salesian Family in Parañaque District (20 kilometers south of the City of Manila) which began last year is slowly becoming a tradition. Aside from the devotees of Mary Help of Christians, Salesians from Sandor Community, Theologate, Don Bosco Center of Studies, Salesian Cooperators, Volunteers of Don Bosco, Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) members were present in the holy mass, presided over by Fr Paul Bicomong, SDB with Salesian priests from the near-by communities concelebrating. It was also timely that the pilgrim image of Maria Auxiliadora delos Cristianos de Marawi (Mary Help of Christians of Marawi, the Patroness of the Cathedral in Marawi which was besieged, vandalized and destroyed by ISIS inspired militants) was visiting the National Shrine.

It was a fitting opportunity for the members of the family of Don Bosco to come together and spend time in the Eucharist and in a hearty meal. After the mass, the members of the Salesian Family took supper together and enjoyed an evening of bonding in fun games, presentations and stories.

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