(ANS – Mogofores) – On Sunday 23 October about a thousand pilgrims and devotees of Mary Help of Christians went to Mogofores, Anadia, for the 25th in the series of pilgrimages to the Marian shrine. Presiding at the celebrations which were organised by the National Delegate for the Salesian Family Fr Jerónimo Monteiro da Rocha, was the Salesian Provincial in Portugal Fr Artur Pereira. The motto chosen for this  25th annual pilgrimage in honour of Mary Help of Christians was the phrase of  Don Bosco “She has done everything.”

Helped in the organisation and welcome by the Salesians-Cooperators and a group who prepared the reflections, the Rector of the Salesians in Mogofores, Fr José Augusto Fernandes, greeted the pilgrims.

The programme began at 9.30 before the Madonna in the Church and then a short procession  to the Sports Hall of the Salesian Institute. There Fr Miguel Luciano spoke about the VI International Congress of  Mary Help of Christians held last August in Poland. After a moment of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, at midday Mass was said. This was broadcast live by Radio Salesiana.

In the afternoon, in the Sports Hall, Sr María Fernanda Afonso FMA spoke about her experience at the ADMA Congress in Poland. This was followed by several contributions in honour of Our Lady  by other pilgrims, and especially appreciated was that by the Choir of Saint Clare from Vila do Conde, which had also provided the music during the Mass.

The National Delegate for Youth Ministry  Fr José Aníbal Mendonça, spoke about the usual Sunday programme in the Sanctuary – in which various groups are involved – in anticipation of the pilgrimage to Portugal of the relics of Don Bosco planned for August 2012. Finally the Provincial thanked everyone and encouraged them in their devotion to Our Lady and their efforts in creating a vocational culture.

Then in the Sanctuary there was a moment of prayer, the Blessing of Mary Help of Christians and  a final farewell.

Published 28/10/2011