Haledon (New Jersey). Anticipation, expectation, joy are just some of the emotions that filled the hearts of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of the Provincial Community of St. Joseph (SEC) in Haledon, New Jersey, and of Mary Help of Christians Community in North Haledon, on 24 November 2022. It was not for an image or a statue, but for the living presence of Don Bosco in his 10th successor, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
This special event took place precisely on Thanksgiving Day and to the FMA it was another sign of Mary’s maternal presence, since it was also the 24th of the month.
Fr. Ángel spent time serenely speaking with familiarity to the FMA of the Communities, to the young people of the Period of Assessment and Guidance, and to the Novices of Sacred Heart Community in Newton, who filled the Haledon Chapel. After singing “You Are All Beautiful, O Mary“, Fr. Ángel then shared news of the Salesian Family and exhorted the FMA to keep the flame of Love alive in their hearts, “refueling” it every day with the Eucharist and Adoration.
The Rector Major then personally greeted each of the sisters over the age of 85, speaking attentively with each of them and blessing them. He then also greeting those who were not yet 85 years old. Subsequently, in the community hall, a fraternal moment took place with simple refreshments, sharing, and spontaneous and group photos with this special guest, all done in an atmosphere of joy.
This was followed by Holy Mass in the Chapel and in his homily, Fr. Ángel underlined the importance of keeping alive love for young people and the testimony of life. He also reminded those present that they are Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the litmus test for being a true daughter is deep devotion to our Blessed Mother. Without this, one cannot define herself as a Salesian.
In concluding, Fr. Ángel blessed the Sisters and St. Joseph House, the heart of the SEC Province, and went to visit the new chapel of North Haledon, inaugurated on 19 August 2022, encouraging the FMA to invite young people, especially young adults, to pray with them.
“It was an unforgettable Thanksgiving Day to be really grateful for, a magnificent surprise from Mary, our Mother!” This is how Sr. Mary Terzo, an FMA of St. Joseph Community described this special day.
