Mozambique – First pilgrimage of the Salesian Family in Mozambique

(ANS – Namaacha) – On August 20 and 21, the Salesian Family in Mozambique held its first pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Namaacha, the first Marian shrine in Africa. On the afternoon of August 20, participants arrived and were welcomed during the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Adolfo Sarmento, Superior of the Vice-Province of Mary Help of Christians, Mozambique. He welcomed representatives of the 9 groups of the Salesian Family that filled the Shrine: SDB, FMA, ADMA, Salesian Cooperators, Salesian Past Pupils, FMA Past Pupils, Canção Nova, MSMHC, VDV, and CDB. It was then followed by a torchlight procession and the presentation of the synod process. The evening was concluded with Eucharistic adoration. All priests were available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The concluding Eucharist on August 21 was presided over by Fr. Alfred Maravilla, general counselor for missions, on an animation visit to Mozambique. Based on the Sunday readings, he reminded the assembly that “the different groups inspired by Don Bosco’s charism form a single family that shares our Founder’s passion for evangelization. We work together so that more and more people have the opportunity to respond positively to God’s gift of salvation offered to all. The distinct identity of each group enriches the invitation we extend to all to open themselves to God’s saving grace.”

“As Salesian Family in Mozambique,” he urged participants, “let us continue to listen carefully to the Word of God to put it into practice. Let us promote love for the Eucharist and devotion to Our Lady, our mother and helper of Christians, especially in young people. Let us spread the practice of the Rosary in families, as invited by Our Lady when she appeared in Fatima. May our Salesian Family be a force of evangelization in the Church in Mozambique!”

Fr. Adolfo Sarmento concluded the celebration by thanking all the participants in this historic event for the Salesian Family. After the procession, he gave the final blessing to all the pilgrims.