(ANS - Turin) -There are a few hours left, before the visit of Pope Francis to the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, to pay homage to Don Bosco and meet the Salesians, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the young and those responsible for youth from all over Italy. Like a big magnet, Valdocco is attracting many people from all walks of life, sharing in the desire to see the Pope up close and listen to his words of hope and encouragement.

Gian Francesco Romano

The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, leaves Rome in the afternoon, accompanied by members of the General Council, along with his Secretary, and some recently appointed Provincials, who these days are in Italy for a short course.

All of them will gather tomorrow afternoon to welcome the Pope at the Basilica, along with about 1,200 other members of the Salesian Family: The Mother General of the FMA, Mother Yvonne Reungoat, with her Council; The Salesian Provincials of Europe; the religious and the laity belonging to various groups from all parts of the world; in addition to the volunteers who in recent weeks have served the pilgrims of the Holy Shroud.

But if the Basilica will be the place for the most intimate moment, where the Pope will make a private prayer at the foot of the casket of Don Bosco, it will be in the Square of Mary Help of Christians where the biggest celebration will take place. Divided among the various sectors of the square, there will be about 20,000 people, including representatives from the various Oratories of the Turin Diocese, Piedmont and Italy, the participants of the Forum of  Italian Oratories, and the many young people enrolled in the program of “Happening of the Oratories.

No doubt the Pope will encourage and enliven the many young people present, raising their enthusiasm and giving them motivation and encouragement to continue their work of education; just like what the Archbishop of Turin, Mgr. Nosiglia, did last night, when he addressed the young people gathered in Turin for the '"Happening of the Oratories and Young." The Archbishop said: "I ask of you that same thing that Don Bosco had solicited from his teens: Learn to believe in yourself and appreciate your ability fly high without fear (...). You can aspire to greater and wonderful things."

Posted on 20/06/2015