Crescens Lemos sdb MUMBAI, MAY 26, 2009: To describe Mumbai as a ‘Marian City’ would certainly not be a misnomer. And among the different Marian pilgrim centres that this metropolis is famous for, the Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna at Matunga 
is easily one of the most popular. Over the past two days, thousands of people were seen streaming to this seat of devotion, to celebrate the feast of Mary Help of Christians. Although traditionally celebrated on May 24, this year the feast was shifted to May 25 – and both the days saw a large number of devotees coming to place their prayers and petitions into the hands of Our Lady. The solemn festive Mass was held at 6.30 pm on the Shrine grounds. The 
principal celebrant for the occasion was Fr. Michael Fernandes, Provincial, and he was assisted at the altar by Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial and Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rector of the Shrine. About 25 other Salesian priests joined the concelebration. Addressing the faithful during the homily, Fr. Michael focused on the simple devotional practices that were promoted by Don Bosco. Fr. Michael urged the people to keep these practices alive in their own families. “Absence of family prayer and other popular devotions has led to a loss of unity and peace in our families”, said Fr. Michael. He reminded the faithful of the old adage: “a family that prays together, stays together.” The feast day celebrations concluded with the traditional procession.
is easily one of the most popular. Over the past two days, thousands of people were seen streaming to this seat of devotion, to celebrate the feast of Mary Help of Christians. Although traditionally celebrated on May 24, this year the feast was shifted to May 25 – and both the days saw a large number of devotees coming to place their prayers and petitions into the hands of Our Lady. The solemn festive Mass was held at 6.30 pm on the Shrine grounds. The 
principal celebrant for the occasion was Fr. Michael Fernandes, Provincial, and he was assisted at the altar by Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Vice Provincial and Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rector of the Shrine. About 25 other Salesian priests joined the concelebration. Addressing the faithful during the homily, Fr. Michael focused on the simple devotional practices that were promoted by Don Bosco. Fr. Michael urged the people to keep these practices alive in their own families. “Absence of family prayer and other popular devotions has led to a loss of unity and peace in our families”, said Fr. Michael. He reminded the faithful of the old adage: “a family that prays together, stays together.” The feast day celebrations concluded with the traditional procession.