(ANS – Rome) – Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime will spend his last Feast of Mary Help of Christians as Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco in the city that has been his home – apart from his many trips – in the last 10 years: Rome. The 10th Successor of Don Bosco will preside over the solemn festive Eucharist at 6 pm (UTC+2) at the Salesian Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Via Tuscolana, the church which the Holy Father Francis, on September 30, 2023, assigned him as his cardinalate.

In the Roman basilica, as in many churches around the world dedicated to the Help of Christians, the days of May 23 (eve) and 24 (feast) are full of appointments and celebrations.

Already on the eve of the feast, on the afternoon of Thursday 23rd, numerous families, children and young people who attend the work and the Salesian basilica are gathering to offer the traditional tribute of Flowers to Mary.

On the day of the anniversary, Friday 24th, six Masses are scheduled (7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 18), some of which are especially aimed at the different groups of students or devotees who make up the Educative and Pastoral Community of the work.

However, the highlight of the festival will be reached in the afternoon: after the concert by the Torrimpietra Band (16:30), the Cardinal Head of the Basilica, the Rector Major Ángel Fernández Artime, will preside over the solemn Eucharist, followed by the procession through the streets of the district.

The day of great celebration – Salesian and Marian, spiritual and popular – will end with a fireworks display.