(ANS – Turin) – As every year, the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, Turin, is joyfully preparing to host a series of events and initiatives for the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, honoring Don Bosco’s Madonna while reaching out to members of the Salesian Family throughout the world.

In 2026, the Feast will coincide with the Solemnity of Pentecost, recalling that Mary was also present in the Upper Room with the Apostles (cf. Acts 1:14). The liturgical solemnity will therefore be celebrated the following day, Monday, May 25, 2026.

This year’s program, as explained by the Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Michele Vivano, will include several special features. The celebrations will begin on Saturday, May 23, at 3:00 p.m. with a floral tribute — made possible through the collaboration of the Turin Fire Department — to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, located on the two bell domes, and to Our Lady on the central dome.

Also on the same day, beginning at 8:15 p.m., the Basilica’s virtual tour will officially be launched.

In addition to the traditional celebrations attended by civil and military authorities, an initiative successfully introduced last year will return: a “night marathon” of prayer — 12 hours with Mary, invoking the Holy Spirit and praying for the gift of peace. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. with First Vespers presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, and will conclude on the morning of May 24 with the first Sunday Mass.

The celebration program will also include the participation of the Auxiliary Bishop of Turin, Bishop Alessandro Giraudo, who will preside over the first vigil Mass at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. The Archbishop of Turin, Cardinal Roberto Repole, will celebrate the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 24, in the presence of civil and military authorities.

Sunday, May 24, will also feature another highly anticipated event: the Mass for young people of the Salesian Youth Movement, which will be presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard. At the conclusion of the Mass, Don Bosco’s Successor, together with Cardinal Roberto Repole, will lead the traditional procession through the streets of Valdocco.

Additional information is available on the two posters at the bottom of the page.