By Luis Chacon

On September 24th, a memorable day unfolded at the parish of Santa Isabel, located in Los Angeles. The faithful of this community experienced a moment of deep inspiration and devotion with the enthronement of the image of Mary Help of Christians in their church. This solemn celebration was presided over by Father Héctor Franco, a Salesian of Don Bosco, and marked a significant milestone in the history of this parish community.

The day began with a brief procession that carried the image of the Help of Christians from its place of veneration to the parish. Father Jim Nieblas, a Salesian of Don Bosco and director of the Salesian community in Los Angeles, provided guidance and leadership for this emotional procession. Parishioners, filled with excitement and faith, joined the procession with white napkins, a symbolic gesture of welcome to the Mother of Christians.

The celebration culminated with a crowded Mass attended by more than 400 people. Father Héctor Franco, in his role presiding over the Eucharist, not only preached about the Sunday readings but also shared the profound roots of Saint John Bosco’s devotion to Mary Help of Christians. He emphasized the numerous miracles that the Virgin Help of Christians had interceded for Don Bosco and how she continues to intercede for all of us today.

The parish of Santa Isabel, being a relatively new community in the Salesian province, now rejoices in having the image of Mary Help of Christians in its church. Father Jim recalled that during the visit of Father Ángel Fernández, the Rector Major of the Salesians, there had been an expressed desire to have the image of the Virgin Help of Christians in the church of Santa Isabel. With this enthronement, the Salesian community enthusiastically responded to the call of Father Ángel Fernández, the worldwide Rector Major of the Salesian congregation.

This enthronement ceremony not only strengthened the connection of the parish of Santa Isabel with the Salesian Congregation but also renewed the devotion of the faithful to Mary Help of Christians. Her presence in the parish will serve as a constant source of inspiration, comfort, and protection for all those who seek her help in times of need.

In summary, the day of the enthronement of the image of Mary Help of Christians at the parish of Santa Isabel was a memorable and touching event. This parish community is filled with joy and gratitude for now having the Virgin Help of Christians as an intercessor in their lives and looks forward to continuing to grow in faith and devotion under her loving protection.

May the Virgin Mary Help of Christians continue to guide and protect the parish of Santa Isabel and all of us on our journey of faith.