Letter from the Director
May 25, 2025
Dear Friends of Mary Help,
Mary is a magnet!
That may be a weird statement to make when referring to the Mother of God, but on May 24, the whole Salesian world celebrated the solemnity of Mary Help of Christians! From the basilica in Turin that bears her name to the smallest mission in a far-flung corner of the globe, we members of the Salesian Family honored Don Bosco’s Madonna!
We certainly contributed to the festivities here at Mary Help of Christians Center. A full church responded joyfully in prayer and song. Congregants came from many places – not only parishioners, but also past-pupils from Salesian schools and centers in other countries, from New York, from northern Florida and the local area. We had about 30 parishioners – young and some “not-so-young” dress as saints who sat at places of honor during Mass and participated in the Rosary procession afterwards. Mother Cabrini, Padre Pio, St. Francis, the Holy Family (I didn’t know that Joseph and Mary also had three daughters!) were just some of God’s special friends who joined us! The Cooperators who were present also renewed their promises after the homily.
Following Mass, we prayed the Rosary in procession and ended with the crowning of Mary Help of Christians at the top of the main building (I’m glad that I wasn’t the one who had to ascend on the lift!). Of course, what would a Salesian celebration be without food? Thanks to the Knights of Columbus, the Korean Catholic Community and the Mama Margaret Guild, we were treated to supper and a time to get together.
All in all, it was a grand feast! Mary certainly knows how to draw people together. It was a marvelous gathering and opportunity to honor the patroness of the Salesian family as well as our own local community and ministries. Thanks to Deacon Ed Anctil for organizing this event and to all the members of the parish and center who assisted him.
Mary Help of Christians, pray for us!
Fr. John J. Serio SDB
Director