by Father Briston Britto for BISMumbai

Don Bosco learnt a great deal of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary from Mamma Margaret. This laid a solid foundation to all his works. In fact he would proudly boast that “the Madonna did it all." Having inherited this devotion from Don Bosco, the Salesians continue to honour Mary with the same fervour and filial trust. Although addressed by various titles, Mary remains a powerful intercessor for the Salesians as Help of Christians.

On the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, 07 October 2020 the 1st statue of the Madonna of Don Bosco, of Mary Help of Christians was blessed and installed at the Rasquinha Don Bosco Technical Centre [RDBTC], Chakan. Present on the occasion were the instructors of the institute and the neighbouring nuns of the order of St Ann of Luzern. A rosary service thanking the Blessed Virgin Mary for all the graces received and for the benefactor who donated this statue, followed.

The installation of the statue of Mary Help of Christians at RDBTC recalls the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto on 07 October 1871 marked at the Oratory, where Don Bosco wanted this historical fact put before the eyes of the faithful to remind them that at a dangerous time in history, that Pius V had requested to recite the Rosary, imploring Mary’s protection and aid in repelling the enemy forces. RDBTC Chakan commemorated this event, as in the midst of the present pandemic, Mary Help of Christians assures through her intercession, peace in the world and deliverance form COVID-19.