n. 12-2009 Associazione di Maria Ausiliatrice Primaria - Torino - Valdocco Monthly Message Mary prepares pure and welcoming hearts for Jesus at Christmas time 24th December 2009 Our Lady prepares us to experience the mystery of Christmas with the Church. Christmas is an event filled with graces, which began in the past, repeats itself in history and which we relive in our hearts, because Jesus is our joy, our salvation, the aim of our life, the One who forgives us: Jesus is our love!many people go through Christmas in a joyfully carefree way. We want to experience it with through joy which makes us feel the presence of God and of His love. Christmas is the feast of the family which gathers in prayer around the Nativity, and teaches the children through this wonderful tradition about the Gospel of Christmas and increases in love. It is wonderful to pray in front of the Nativity and therefore prepare ourselves for the main event in the history of Christianity: the incarnation of God who comes to us as a child. It is the feast of the family, since the Christmas icon is that of the Holy Family: Mary, Joseph and at the centre, Jesus. Let s pray in front of the Nativity and foster the Christmas atmosphere, which is made of peace, serenity, sincerity, reciprocal welcome, smiles and forgiveness. Let s foster the atmosphere which characterises the Holy Family in our own families! The Virgin Mary will lay Baby Jesus not in the manger but in our hearts, the real cradle for little Jesus. Christmas should be celebrated first of all in our hearts, which must be purified from sin through the sacrament of reconciliation, so that God may dwell in it. Mary makes our hearts pure and welcoming towards God and towards our neighbour, by donating the love of God which we have received and letting the light of grace shine through us. Unfortunately many people, even baptised ones, do not celebrate Christmas, because they feel they are far away from the Love of God. Mary prepares and shapes us so that our hearts may be pure and welcoming, so that we may transmit joy and love to the people we meet every day, starting from our family members. We thereby become Mary s outstretched hands, her hands filled with love towards our neighbour and all those who are lost in the swamps of evil, among fake lights and deceits, among those who no longer believe in La Sacra Famiglia pellegrina - Casa de Pellegrino 'Don Umberto Maria Pasquale' Balasar (Portogallo) God, in Christ and in salvation, who have lost faith, hope and love. This way, with Mary we ll be able to live with a new spirit, that spirit which allows us to say it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. Like Mary and with Mary we will totally conform to the will of God, in order to make of our life one good work. We will be transparent and will become the sign of this presence of God among men, and the praise which will be given for what we do will not be addressed to us but to Christ in us and God, through us, will be present in the world. And so Mary s path proves to be effective in arriving to Christ, and above all joyous and beautiful, full of tender maternity and support for all those who entrust themselves to her. Holy Christmas! Fr Pier Luigi Cameroni Spiritual Animator
Let us pray Mary Help of Christians Let s entrust the new year to the maternal protection of Mary Queen of Peace Holy Virgin We address you a plea as well as a confident prayer: Protect Peter s successor And the Church entrusted to Him Queen of peace, grant us the gift of harmony And of peace for all people and for the whole of humanity Obedient Virgin, Mother of Christ Who, with her humble yes At the Angel s annunciation, Have become Mother of the Omnipotent, Help all your children To go along with Our Heavenly Father s design For each of us And to cooperate in the universal project of redemption, Which Christ fulfilled by dying on the cross Virgin of Nazareth, Queen of the Family, make our Christian families forges of evangelical life, bless them with the gift of many vocation to the priestly life and to the consecrated life. Keep the unity of our families firm, Which is today threatened from all sides, And make them centres of harmony and serenity, Where patient dialogue May do away with problems and clashes. Protect above all those at a crossroad, Mother of forgiveness and reconciliation. Immaculate Virgin, Mother of the Church Increase the enthusiasm Of all members of our diocese: Of the parishes and ecclesiastical groups, Of the associations And of the new forms of evangelisation Inspired by God with his Holy Spirit. Help the workers which the Lord calls to his vineyard To have a strong will to generously persevere In their path by resisting temptations and flattery And through your maternal support, may become witnesses of Christ attracted by the splendour of His Love, source of Joy Clement Virgin, Mother of humanity Turn your eyes to the men and women Of our time, On the people and their rulers, On nations and continents, Console those who cry, those who suffer, Those who hurt because of human injustice, Support those who waver under their daily grind And look at the future with no hope. Encourage those who work To build a better world, Where justice may triumph and brotherhood may reign, where selfishness, violence and hatred will end, and any form of violence may be defeated by the pacifying force of Christ! Listening Virgin, Star of hope Mother of Mercy, Source through which Jesus came in the world, Our life and our joy, We thank You and we renew The offer of our life to You, Certain that you will never abandon us, Especially through the darkest times, Always accompany us: Now and at the moment of our death. Amen! (Benedict XVI - Viterbo, 6th September 2009) SPECIAL INTENTIONS FOR THE APOSTOLATE OF PRAYER JANUARY 2010 General: So that young people may know how to use modern means of social communication for their personal growth and to better prepare themselves to serve society. Missionary: So that every believer in Christ may become aware that the unity among Christians i san essential condition to make the proclamation of the Gospel more effective. For the bishops: So that in Christian communities and among the individual believers the desire to put together resources and commitment to cooperate in the new evangelisation of Italy and of Europe may grow. 2
Sparkles of light An exemplary program from an aspiring ADMA! I believe it is truly touching to report this writing by one of our aspiring members, who shares with u show she is going through the path of preparation to the promise. Starting from the beginning of this year, I intend to live with awareness and joy the path in ADMA as an aspiring member. Concretely: I receive the Eucharist daily in my community and in the Salesian parish. I say the Rosary every day I say a marian novena every 24 of the month I am meditating and imitating Mary s characteristics as they are presented in the ADMA promise I take part in the various events and meetings of the Salesian Family.. Together with my spiritual advisor, every month we read the monthly message of the ADMA online. I found the article Mary, the woman of perseverance on the last issue very touching. We often talk about the life and spirituality of Fr Rua, as my spiritual advisor is currently writing a biography about him. I read Don Bosco s biographies by Card. Salotti, Pietro Stella, Pietro Braido and others. I read the comment on the book published at Christmas by the Rector Fr Pascual Chávez. I regularly follow the news on the Salesian website (Martina) 3
Family Chronicle ADMA NORTH EAST OF BRAZIL As is tradition, at the same time Romaria of the Salesian Family, on the 17th of October the second annual meeting for the ADMA took place in the North East of Brasil, at the basilica of Mary help of Christians in Jaboatão. The groups from Aracaju, Recife-Sagrado Coração, Recife- Bongi, Jaboatão-Colônia, Jaboatão-cidade, Paudalho-Guadalajara and Petrolina were all represented, and the two novices Thiago and Bruno as well as the post novice Rafael were all present. All are working for the local ADMA. During the morning the topic of Mary Mother and Teacher of the Salesian Family was discussed through the biblical icon of Mary on her way to the temple in Jerusalem. (Lc. 2,41-52). Several interesting comments regarding the children s education followed. The afternoon was devote to sharing two aspects of the association: the home to home visit of Mary Help of Christian s image as well as the formation of the youth groups within ADMA. In this respect, it should be noted that the group from Jaboatão-Oratório elaborated an annual program and every 24th of the month has a moment devoted to the sharing of experiences. The inhabitants of Aracaju go on a pilgrimage on the month of May, while Guadalajara brings Mary help of Christians chapel to the different communities. ADMA Youth groups are present in Carpina, Petrolina and (in great numbers) in Guadalajara. A truly useful and enriching meeting for all! At the end of the meeting in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians of Jaboatão, the presentation of the diplomas of membership to the Primary ADMA took place in Turin, as well as 5 new Promises to ADMA in Fortaleza-Dom Lustosa, with the presence of Fr Francisco Demontier de Araújo Távora, headmaster of the Colégio Dom Lustosa, a great helper of the Association(Mons. Edvaldo do Amaral, spiritual promoter). ADMA CARPINA PE (BRASIL) FR RINALDI S SCHOOL For the past two years we have been accompanying this group with special care and attention. Today we thank God for the foundation of the Association of Mary Help of Christians in Don Rinaldi s school. The group works in the oratory during public holidays and together with the group Saint Terezinha, aims to support and promote vocations. On the 24 th of November a great feast took place to celebrate the feast of Mary Help of Christians, commemorating the 51 years since the arrival of the image of the Virgin from Italy, which is today located in the school s yard. New members of the youth groups were also welcomed on this occasion. The local Council which was set up on the 24 th of May is composed as follows: President: Ana Jaqueline da Silva Bastos; Vice-President: Luciene Pereira Cordeiro; Secretary: Maria Tereza de Jesus da Costa Treasurer: Flavia da Fonseca. The adult group includes 18 members, while the youth group includes 14 young people. (Seminarian Alexandre José da Silva, sdb). MURSKA SOBOTA (SLOVENIA) As is tradition, on Sunday 23d of October, the ADMA s castagnata (eating of chestnuts) took place in the ADMA of Murska Sobota, together with the communitiy of FMAs and with Sr. Bernarda Gerič. On this occasion the aim was to celebrate the restoration of Don Bosco s bust, which is located in the FMAs yard and which used to belong to the Salesian community of Martinišče, which was closed down after the first world war. It was also gave us the chance to welcome the new FMAs, among whom the new headmistress Sr. Simona Komar, who, in her opening speech invited all to always follow Don Bosco s footsteps by cultivating a welcoming look, an encouraging smile, and praying hands. A place of honour was reserved to the little chapel of Mary Help of Christians, which visits families bringing God s blessing. 4
PHILIPPINES- 27TH MEETING OF THE ASSOICIATION OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS The Association of Mary Help of Christians (AMHC or ADMA Phils.) celebrated its 27th National meeting on the 24th of October 2009 at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Better Living, Paranaque City. This year s topic was based on the book published for Christmas by the Rector for 2009: We commit ourselves to turn the Salesian Family into a vast movement of people for the salvation of the youth. The presidents and representatives of the various groups arrived carrying their banners. All the local Councils were well represented: groups coming from Cebu, Marinduque, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Manila An opening prayer guided by the Council of the Holy Family followed. The spiritual promoter of the FMAs, Sr. Asela Chavez, presented the book published for Christmas 2009 by the Rector and its importance for the path of every ADMA member. After the break the spiritual promoter SDB P. Nestor Impelido, introduced the theme Mary in the Salesian spirituality to the assembly, taking the Charter of communion and mission of the Salesian Family as a starting point. The Mass followed and was celebrated by Fr Andy Wong, SDB with Fr Nesty Impelido, SDB (Promoter-FIN) and P Godofredo Atienza, SDB (Promoter-FIS). The members of the new National Council renewed their promise after communion. After lunch the participants had an in depth look at the suggestions received by the local Council. The meeting ended with the presentation of the diplomas of membership and the blessing of Mary Help of Christians. The new National Council for the years 2009-2013 is composed as follows: President: Maria Junifer L. Maliglig (Auxilium); Vice President: Rheena May R. Lim (Immaculate Conception; Secretary: Felicitas E. Sugue (San Ildefonso Parish) ; Treasurer: Nona R. Santos (Auxilium); Counsellors: Formation (aspiring members) : Jazel M. Bobis (Sts. Peter & Paul) Formation (Juniors) : Andei Tica (St. Mary Mazarello) Formation(Seniors) : Chit G. delos Reyes (St. Jude Thaddeus); Activities: Leonora S. Austria (San Isidro Labrador) Social Communication: Edward S. Valeza (St. John the Baptist); FMA Promoter: Sr. Asela B. Chavez; Promoter SDB: Fr. Nestor C. Impelido. Participant during the ADMA Convention: Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB (ADMA SDB Delegate- SDB-FIN), Sr. Asela Chavez, FMA (FMA Delegate),Rheena Mae Lim (Vice-Pres), Chit Delos Reyes (Councilor-Formation of Seniors), Junifer Maliglig (President), Andei Tica (Councilor-Formation of Juniors), Jessica Calaguing and Jennifer Fuentiblanca (members) Distribution of Chapter Diplomas (with Junifer Maliglig (National President), Fr. Nestor Impelido (SDB (Delegate) and Sr. Asela Chavez (FMA Delegate) The new ADMA Officers made their renewal after the Holy Mass 5
ALCAMO (TP) 40TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE THE FUNDATION OF THE ADMA: For the opening of the social year 2009/2010, on the 26th of October the Association organised a pilgrimage towards Mary Help of Christians area. During this occasion all participants recited the Rosary and sang songs to Mary. The conclusion was marked by Mary help of Christians blessing, given by Fr Salvo Carmelo sdb, and with the presentation of flowers to the statue of our Lady. On the 40 th anniversary of the presence of the ADMA in the city of Alcamo, on the 17 th and 18 th of Novembers all members of the Association recited the Holy Rosary, with meditations written by the parish priest Fr Gianni Giummara. On the 19 th of November the Eucharistic celebration took place and was presided by Fr Edoardo Cutuli and with the participation of Sr Carmelina Cappello (Promoter for ADMA in Sicily). On such occasion the Association s members renewed their promise of membership and Fr Cameroni imparted Mary Help of Christians blessing. Each member then received the membership card to the association. To mark such occasion the Regional Committee donated a plaque to the ADMA Association of Alcamo, in memory of this day. Italian: French: Spanish: Portuguese English The paper can be read at the following site: www.donbosco-torino.it/ita/adma www.donbosco-torino.it/fra/adma www.donbosco-torino.it/spa/adma www.donbosco-torino.it/port/adma www.donbosco-torino.it/eng/adma For every comunication you can contact the following email adress: pcameroni@salesiani.it 6
LUBIANA SLOVENIA On Sunday the 29th of November, the Inspector dr. Aloysius Slavko Snoj invited Fr Pier Luigi Cameroni to meet the representatives of the Salesian Family and of the 5 ADMA groups present in Slovenia. It was a meeting characterised by great brotherhood, getting to know each other and sharing one s experiences as a member of the Association. A special thank you goes to Fr Tone Ciglar SDB and to Sr Gerič Bernarda FMA, for their great commitment in re-launching the ADMA in Slovenia after so many years of communist regime. In the afternoon Fr Pier Luigi took place in the solemn Eucharistic celebration in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians of Rakovnik and greeted all participants, the youth in particular. As a matter of fact, 220 young singers coming from all over Slovenia were present as part of the choir. They were accompanied by Mark Ušeničnik, and sang the "Missa Orbis Unus", written for the occasion by Miran Juvan. GELA (CL) ENTRUSTING CHILDREN AND FAMILIS TO OUR LADY On the 3d of December 2009, all ADMA members from the parish of S Domenico Savio in Gela were delighted, as the celebration of the act of entrusting families and children to Mary took place. This was the second meeting: each year the number of couples taking part keeps growing. Thirty children were presented this year. Mary s presence could be distinctly felt, and it couldn t have been otherwise, as our prayers and song were like an invisible thread which joined us together for the whole day. At form 4.30 pm we went to church and prayed the Holy Rosary, the Vespers, the Eucharistic Adoration followed by catechism. At 5.30 pm families started arriving and taking place in the seats which had been reserved for them. At 6 pm the Mass began and was celebrated by the parish priest Fr Don Angelo Grasso. What can be said of the children? They were marvellous! The older ones were very attentive while the little ones slept in their parents arms. It should be noted that families had been invited to discuss themes concerning Marian spirituality as well as the importance of a Christian education for children. In the first part of 7
the meeting I explained the importance of this loving gesture of entrusting one s children to Mary, and how important it is to pray the Holy Virgin in order to get to Jesus. I reminded all participants of next year s meeting, inviting them to keep brining their children until the age of 18. The ADMA from Gela aims to be close to families with the loving care of Mary. Fr Angelo blessed the children, parents and the whole assembly. A special prayer was then addressed to Mary, to ask her to follow the children as they grow, keeping their hearts pure and simple, open to forgiveness and to the love for Jesus and Mary. AS a conclusion, I express my best wishes from our world and national Promoter of Spiritual activities Fr pier Luigi Cameroni, of a happy feast of the Immaculate Conception! (Luigina Ciaramella ADMA s regional president in Sicliy) CALENDAR FRO SPIRITUAL PROMOTERS 2010 1-6th January Pilgrimage for ADMA families 21-24th January Rome: day of spirituality of the Salesian Family 26th February -5th March Sicily: religious exercises SD 6-7th March Turin: retreat for Salesian Cooperators 17-18th March Poland: Congress preparation 19-21st March Turin: religious exercises Primary ADMA 15-16th March England. London ADMA 22-24th May Turin: Feast of Mary help of Christians 28-30th May Rome: World Council for the Salesian family 26 27th June Spain Madrid: National ADMA Coordination 18-24th July Loreto: Religious exercises for Salesians ILE 24-31st July Week for the ADMA youth 1-14th August religious exercises fro ADMA families and youth 18-22d August Portugal: ADMA pilgrimage to Fatima and Balasar 30th August- 6th September Central America and Venezuela: Inspectorial ADMA Councils 11-19th September: week for the missions for the ADMA youth 19-25th October ADMA Congress East Asia (Every 24th of the month Torino-Valdocco) La redazione dell Adma online augura a tutti di trascorrere un sereno Santo Natale 8