By Fr. Drans Nolasco, SDB

Paranaque City: The Salesian Family of the FIN Province held a Marian Rally today, October 24, 2015 at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, from 2:00pm to 5:30pm. The Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) was the main organizer of this Marian event. The different branches of the Salesian Family, students of Don Bosco/FMA schools and training centers, young people of Don Bosco/FMA youth centers and parishes, and lay-mission partners of Salesian Family local settings were well represented. The event was open to the public as well.

This Marian event aimed at deepening the devotion to Mary Help of Christians in the hearts of those who belong to the Salesian environment after the example of St. John Bosco; and inspiring everyone to be active in propagating the devotion to people they encounter.

The Theme was Life of Don Bosco, highlighting his devotion to Mary after the Strenna 2015: “Like Don Bosco, with the Young, for the Young” Fr. Nestor Impelido, SDB, the ADMA Adviser, gave the Welcome Remarks.

Sr. Maria Asela B. Chavez, FMA, Cl. Keith Amodia, SDB and Ms. Angie Ebriega led the assembly in the praying of the Holy Rosary.

The Laura Vicuña Club of San Ildefonso Parish, Makati City led the Opening Prayer by interpreting the song “Mary’s Song of Love”.

The Holy Rosary was divided into Five Moments in the life of St. John Bosco with our Blessed Mother.

• 1st Moment : Casa Biglione:The Spring of Life
• 2nd Moment : Becchi: The Mark of His First Steps
• 3rd Moment : The Seminary in Chieri: A Leap of Faith
• 4th Moment : The Convitto Ecclesiastico: The Beginning of his Ministry
• 5th Moment : The Pinardi Shed: The Light of the Mission

Every after the praying of the Ten Hail Marys in each of these moments, there was either an inspirational number by young people or a personal witnessing by an individual or a group.

Auxilium Choir of the St. Dominic Savio Parish sung “At the Beginning” for the 1st Moment. The Jimenez Family of the ADMA San Juan Nepomuceno Chapter, Pasay City gave a Marian Witnessing during the 2nd Moment. For the 3rd Moment, Sr. Mylene Sanchez, FMA and Sr. Leila Montero, FMA gave their vocation stories. In the 4th Moment, Mr. Stephen Borja gave his personal witnessing as a youth minister. And for the 5th Moment, Fr. Remo Bati, SDB. shared his ministry to the Filipino Migrants in Italy.

After the praying of the Holy Rosary, the Hulag Dancers of Mary Help of Christians College, Canlubang, Laguna, and the Youth from Don Bosco Youth Center, St. John Bosco Parish, Tondo gave their respective Marian presentation, to the delight of all.

The offering of flowers by all those present followed. This was accompanied by the singing of Marian songs by the pre-novitiate and the post-novitiate communities of Canlubang.

The Eucharistic Celebration followed right after the Flower Offerings. Fr. John Tamayo, SDB. a Filipino Missionary to Thailand, was the Main Celebrant. Fr. Paul Bicomong, the FIN Provincial concelebrated together with the other priests present.

Free snacks were served right after the Mass.

VIVA MARIA!!!