XV MARIAN DAY OF SICILY ADMA,“LOVING MORE AS MARY LOVES”

On the 5th June 2022, on the Sunday of the feast of Pentecost, at the shrine of Gibilmanna (Cefalù), the 15th Marian Day of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) of Sicily was celebrated. Thanks to the solicitous and admirable organization, coordinated by the members of the Sicilian regional council with its president Mr. Salvo Di Maio, about two hundred people from about ten of the numerous ADMA groups, a living reality on the island, took part. Also present at the meeting was ADMA’s World Spiritual Animator, Fr. Alejandro Guevara Sdb, who led the catechesis together with three councillors from the primary ADMA of Valdocco with their families, sharing with their Sicilian friends the joy of their journey at Mary's school.

The Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Guevara together with Fr. Luigi Calapaj and Fr. Santo Muratore. Gratitude and the spirit of service were the key words in the homily by Fr. Guevara and the members of the Association who spoke giving testimonies.

The heart of the catechesis was a reminder of the four foundations of belonging to the association: a journey of sanctification and apostolate in the footsteps of Mary; formation as a way of life; mission as ‘Salesians’; heirs of Don Bosco: looking to those who came before and those who will follow.

In conclusion, the spiritual guide issued challenges to all those present and, in general, to all members, which can be summed up in the phrase ‘to love more as Mary loves’. It is only by imitating Mary more that it is possible to learn from her to accept the gift of the Holy Spirit and move closer to Jesus.

There was friendly and joyful family celebration in which the brotherhood and unity that has always characterised the ADMA was breathed in.

The ‘good bye’ among the participants expressed their longing to meet again. In fact, everyone already expressed their desire to participate in the World Congress of Mary Help of Christians in Fatima in 2024.