(ANS - Turin)– Pope Francis was ushered in through the two wings of the crowd in jubilation, amidst the applause and cheers of the young, educators and people who daily animate the spiritual proceedings at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, Valdocco and the premises, long back also in the greater outskirts of Turin. After a visit to the Holy Shroud and having honored Our Lady of Consolata, Pope Francis finally arrived at the heart of Salesian spirituality.

By Gian Francesco Romano

After greeting the crowd waiting for him for hours at the square of Mary Help of Christians, the Pope was accompanied to the entrance of the Basilica for veneration of the relics of Don Bosco at the side altar dedicated to him. It was a moment of personal prayer so intense, made by a Jesuit Pope who never hid his devotion to Don Bosco, his style distinctively "Salesian".

Appealing, but replete with profound spiritual sense was the prayer song Ave Maria of Vavilov by tenor voice Marco Voleri Livorno, accompanied on the organ by Maestro Maurizio Palace.

On behalf of the Salesian Family - "a tree with many branches" - the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, in his address to the Pope thanked the Pope for his visit and renewed the commitment on behalf of everyone inspired by Don Bosco, to follow the teachings of the Pope, especially on "the special care of poor youth".

The Rector Major then presented some mementos to Pope Francis - others are to be delivered later, as the motorcycles made by the young students of the Vocational Training Centre at Bra. The pope responded with a speech, followed by the recitation of a prayer prepared specially for the occasion, concluding with the blessing of Mary Help of Christians.

Thus the highly awaited meeting with Pope Francis in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians culminated not in merriment.  As the Holy Father resurfaced on the square outside, the initial enthusiasm resumed and he continued to maintain his attention on the pilgrims, young people and the faithful in waiting.

Published on 21/06/2015