Valdocco, Turin, Italy, 19 March 2025 -- On the evening of 18 March in the shade of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians at Valdocco, a simple encounter was held by ADMA Primaria (President Mr Renato Valera) and the interested members of GC29, animated by the Delegate for the SF, Fr Joan Lluis Playa, SDB and his team. The ADMA group of Valdocco with 200 members is also a worldwide point of reference for the whole 100,000-strong fourth group of the Salesian Family, founded by Don Bosco himself in 1869 in Valdocco.
Salesians from 5 different Salesian regions and 4 continents (Mexico, Poland, India, Vietnam, eSwatini, South Africa, DR Congo, Myanmar, West Africa, Philippines and Japan) accepted the invitation of ADMA leadership for this meeting. Most of the Salesians come from countries where ADMA (Association of Mary Help of Christians) is still in the initial stage of growth.
A lively interactive meeting was held in Italian, French and mainly in English with the help of many interpreters, both ADMA and SDB. After a brief introduction from the ADMA President, Mr Renato, about their history, present organization, tools of communication and animation and their Valdocco ADMA group experience, an hour-long questions and answers session followed.
The main interest of the Salesians present was on the HOW to start a new ADMA group in their specific cultural and religious environment, or HOW to face the challenges of aging membership, generation gap or involvement in the Salesian mission or HOW to accompany the ADMA aspirants in their initial formation before the promise according to the ADMA regulations (ed. 2003).
Since ADMA Valdocco is made up of many families, a mixture of 3 generations, the FAMILY topic emerged many times as the key to the future: there are no perfect families, each with its ups and downs, joining ADMA also means joining the large Salesian Family with many spiritual and communion benefits.
ADMA members were advised by the present Salesians to carry on their excellent digital visibility (website and monthly animation - formation newsletter ADMA ONLINE in 10 languages), Salesians also requested some visible signs (Mary Help of Christians badge etc). Salesians also requested more 'Mary graces' and faith experiences shared through the monthly ADMA Online.
Last but not least, the provincial of FIN province Fr Gerry Martin, hosting the next International Congress of Mary Help of Christians being prepared by ADMA in Manila, Philippines in 2028, Feb 8-11, briefed all present about their preparation and logistics issues.
We pray that the second largest SF lay group will grow especially in ADMA's not-yet-explored corners of the Salesian World.
6722_Celebrating the Ordination of our New Deacons in Fiji
6720_More than 1,200 young people participate in Lenten retre...
