(ANS – Fatima) – The 9th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians will be held in Fatima, Portugal, from August 29 to September 1, 2024. The theme chosen for this edition of the congress, “I will give you a Teacher,” is a clear reference to the Dream at Nine Years of Age, whose Bicentennial the Salesian Family is celebrating this year.

The goal of this congress, which will bring together participants from an impressive variety of countries at Fatima, is to know, deepen, and spread devotion to Mary Help of Christians. Aimed at all the groups of the Salesian Family, the congress, organized by the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), is usually held every four years and is a very important moment for all. Therefore, all the groups of the Salesian Family are called to participate in this importantmoment of union and devotion.

This year, in addition to the participants, who exceed 1,200, 132 support teams were registered, including 207 religious, 78 of whom are priests. These numbers reinforce the spiritual and community character of the congress.

The 9th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians includes a very varied program, with conferences, testimonies, moments of prayer, liturgical celebrations, guided tours of the sacred places around the Marian sanctuary, and participation in the Via Crucis. These will be organized by language groups in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, English, and French.

Confirmed speakers include theologians, priests, and lay people engaged in Marian spirituality and the Salesian mission.

In addition, TV Canção Nova and the Salesians have established a partnership to cover and broadcast some moments of the congress. In particular, the opening Eucharist will be broadcast on Canção Nova on August 29 at 19.00, the closing Eucharist on September 1 at 10.30, and some daily services.

More information, including the full program of the event, is available on the website: https://mariaauxiliadora2024.pt/it/