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Delivering Intentions to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Jan 09, 2025 / Written by: Adrian Fonseca
A Pilgrimage to Don Bosco's Crown Achievement
As evening descended on Rome on January 9th, 2025, I approached the Basilica of the Sacred Heart near Rome's bustling Termini station. Even in the gathering darkness, the golden statue of the Sacred Heart stood above the church as a beacon of peace amid the urban rush—a fitting symbol of the sanctuary Don Bosco built as a haven for souls.
A Monument to Divine Providence
The basilica itself stands distinct from Rome's typical architectural landscape. While most Roman churches embrace the Romanesque style, this 19th-century masterpiece by architect Francesco Vespignani reflects the neoclassical movement of its era. Its unique design parallels the extraordinary circumstances of its construction—a project that Pope Leo XIII entrusted to Don Bosco in 1880 despite having no funds to offer the saint.
Upon entering the basilica, where a group of faithful were praying the rosary, I was immediately struck by its majestic interior. Through the gracious guidance of Mr. Miguel Angel Gutierrez of the TFP, I was directed to two particularly significant altars: the Altar of Mary Help of Christians, where Don Bosco celebrated his sole Mass in this church on May 16, 1887, and the altar dedicated to Saint John Bosco himself.
The Altar of Mary Help of Christians holds special significance in Salesian history. During his only Mass in the basilica, Don Bosco was overcome with emotion. He stopped fifteen times to weep as he finally understood the full meaning of his prophetic dream at age nine. This profound moment marked the culmination of his life's mission.
Intentions Entrusted to the Saint
It was at these sacred altars that I placed approximately 200 prayer intentions from faithful followers of the Saint John Bosco apostolate. The moment was particularly moving as I contemplated Don Bosco's tremendous love for souls and how fitting it was to present these intentions here, at this shrine so closely connected to Mary Help of Christians.
Many of the intentions carried deep needs and heartfelt requests for assistance - exactly the kind of spiritual aid that Don Bosco and Our Lady Help of Christians have always been eager to provide.
Among the basilica's artistic treasures, I was particularly struck by the altar dedicated to Saint Joseph. The painting there struck me as perhaps the finest representation of the foster father of Jesus I had ever encountered - a fitting tribute in a church that was originally meant to be dedicated to him before Providence directed otherwise.
Like my earlier visit to Santa Maria Maggiore that day, this pilgrimage also involved sacrificial suffering. Still nursing wounds from a morning fall that had left me bruised and bleeding, I presented these physical discomforts along with my intentions, trusting that such offerings would help sanctify the prayers I brought.
Peace in Entrustment
As I concluded my visit, I felt a profound sense of peace knowing that these intentions would remain in the care of Saint John Bosco and Our Lady Help of Christians. The experience created a deeper personal connection with Saint John Bosco than I had previously felt, inspiring a renewed commitment to spreading awareness of his miracles and prophecies.
To mark this special pilgrimage, I acquired a statue of Don Bosco with his mother, Mama Margaret. This statue will serve as a reminder of this grace-filled visit and possibly appear in future videos.
