(ANS - Lisbon) - Last Thursday, 30 January, the Church of Mary Help of Christians at the Salesian House of Oficinas de São José in Lisbon celebrated the 50th anniversary of its dedication. It was inaugurated on 30 January 1964 by the then Apostolic Nuncio in Portugal, Mons. Maximilien de Furstenberg.

The celebrations for the anniversary lasted for several days including 31 January, the Feast of St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesian Congregation.

At 6.30 p.m. on Thursday, Fr Simão Don Cruz, Rector of the Salesian community in Lisbon, presided at a solemn Mass.

The Mass on the Feast of St John Bosco was presided over by Bishop Joaquim Mendes, auxiliary bishop of Lisbon, in the presence of the entire educational community of the Salesian centre.

Patriarch Manuel Clemente of Lisbon joined in the celebrations and presided at the Eucharist on Saturday 1 February. An image of Mary Help of Christians was placed in the façade of the Church.

Yesterday, Sunday 2 February, the festivities came to an end with a solemn Mass on Sunday morning, celebrated by Fr Arthur Pereira, Provincial of the Salesians in Portugal, followed by the blessing of the new image of Mary Help of Christians.

Published 03/02/2014