XVIITH MARIAN DAY – ADMA SICILY

On Sunday, 28th April 2024 at the FMA Madre Mazzarello Institute in Palermo, the XVIIth ADMA Sicily Marian Day took place. More than 260 people arrived from 11 centres of the region, who were welcomed by the provincial council led by president, Salvatore Di Maio.

“We are children of a dreamer and for this reason, we are called to dream big,” said the young Salesian Fr. Stefano Cortesiano, who gave us a beautiful reflection on the theme ‘a dream that makes a differnce’. Inspired by Don Bosco's dream at nine, Fr. Stefano explained how the dream is a message that the Lord gives us, it is the link between the visible and the invisible, it is that star that invites us to walk.

The second speech was given by Fr. Salvatore Nicosia, spiritual animator of the ADMA of Floridia, who emphasised how today it is difficult to dream because of the wounds that life inflicts on us, but that at the same time wounds enrich our lives and can transform pain into dreams.

There were also some testimonies, starting with the presentation of a large group of very young people who recounted their experience of belonging to and actively participating in ADMA initiatives. Rosario and Pina from Floridia (SR) shared their experience of taking part in the Salesian spirituality days for the first time, while Salvatrice and Giorgio from Ragusa, who are deeply in love with Mary, told us how they had long wanted to spread Marian devotion in their parish, and how one day by chance they found a certificate of membership of Primary ADMA dating back to 1966 in the oratory, but no trace of associates. Mary probably chose them to revive a local association that had died out over time, and now, with God's grace and Mary's help, they will take their first steps with the support of the regional council. Lastly, Francesco and Deborah from the ADMA of Arese (Mi) and responsible for the Lombardy-Emilia province expressed how they live their devotion in total entrustment to Mary.

This was followed by the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Stefano Cortesano in the institute's chapel and Eucharistic Adoration presided over by Fr. Paolo Cicala.

It was a beautiful day characterised by an atmosphere of family, friendship, welcome and above all love for Mary and Jesus in the Eucharist.