By TLS SC

       Fatumaca, Timor-Leste, 27 May 2023 -- It was a great time for the Salesian Family in Baucau, Laga, Quelicai, Venilale and Fatumaca as they came together to celebrate the feast day of Mary Help of Christians at Fatumaca Shrine on 24 May 2023. Our Salesian prelate, Cardinal Virgílio, graced the event and presided over the Eucharistic celebration after the procession. Seventeen priests, several sisters, including the FMA Provincial, Sr. Alma Castagna, FMA, students and thousands of faithful attended the procession and Mass afterward.

       In his homily, Cardinal Virgílio reminded the faithful of the invitation from Pope Francis asking them to pray for the successful meeting of the bishops from all over the world in the Synod of Bishops. Pope Francis requested every parish in the world to make a pilgrimage to any Marian shrine to pray for this special intention. As we came together, the Archbishop of Dili invited the faithful to thank God because of the maternal presence of Mary in their daily life. After thanking God and Our Lady, as a pilgrim church, her children on the journey, let us continue to evoke the intercession of Mary to protect us and to guide us along the journey. Even Mary was already assumed into heaven, she continuously showered her children with the heavenly graces. As St. Bernard’s prayer, Our Lady never left unaided anyone who asked her intercessions.

       dded to his reflection, Cardinal Virgílio shared the meaning of a synodal church. It means to take care of each other. As a family that stays together, prays together, helps each other, walks together, showing solidarity, not thinking about oneself only, but others. Let us open our eyes to see others and to help them. Synodality invites us to reflect and to cooperate in the mission of the church in the world. Just like Mary, let us open our eyes in order for us to see the needs of others, we are able also to name it, bring it forward and present it to God, so that others may also feel the joy and happiness in their life.

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