Jaffna (Sri Lanka). On 18 April 2023, the ADMA Sri Lanka group met in the parish church of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, to pray the Rosary in praise and thanksgiving to God for the anniversary of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), founded on 18 April 1869.
Invited by Sr. Alice Mathew, Animator of Blessed Maria Troncatti Community, of the Indian Province of St. Thomas the Apostle (INM), fifteen members of ADMA, plus Sr. Mary Varghese and Sr. Nilojana Christopher, gathered joyfully, meditating on Don Bosco’s words, “Be devoted to Mary Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are”, and on the maternal presence, guidance, and support of Mary Help of Christians experienced in one’s own life.
The Rosary prayed for the Salesian Family, in particular for the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and for ADMA and its members, was followed by Holy Mass, celebrated by the parish priest, Fr. Ranjith Anandakumar. The introduction invited us to live with the mind and heart of Mary, to be leaven in society and in the family, sharing the values of the Help of Christians and her attitude during the wedding at Cana.
The Holy Mass was an occasion to reflect on the Image of Mary Help of Christians and on the symbols of the Ears, Mouth, Eyes, Scepter, and Jesus. It was a moment of intense prayer and the guided meditation inspired the participants to make use of their own communicative organs to use them for a good purpose.
At the end, the ADMA members promised Mary to follow her example in bringing new life and being generative presences. To share the joy of this day, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians offered a moment of fraternity in the family spirit, sharing the joy of belonging to the Salesian Family.
