(ANS – Turin) – The Bicentenary has been officially openedby the Rector Major, Fr  Ángel Fernández Artime. The day commenced with the populace at Castelnuovo and many other faithful who walked in procession with Our Lady of the Cincture as far as the main plaza at Colle Don Bosco, where celebrations were to be held. There were performances of magic, acrobatics, juggling, a band an historical display, all under the guidance of the Rector of the Basilica, Fr Egidio Deiana. This created the ideal setting for welcoming the great number of pilgrims who had gathered for the festivities.

Religious authorities in the person of Bishop Guido Fiandino, Auxiliary, Turin, and Bishop Francesco Guido Ravinale, Bishop of Asti, and civic authorities represented by the Prefect of Asti, Pierluigi Faloni, addressed the Rector Major, noting the importance of Don Bosco for society today and in the lives of individuals.

Fr Ángel then offered a general thanks for the welcome he had received and underscored how the coming year was to be a true and proper jubilee year for the entire Salesian Family and for everyone who draws inspiration from the witness of the Saint of Castelnuovo: only this way can we find the essential renewal to inspire action and work which will truly and fruitfully bring hope and peace.

As a sideline, journalists had a chance to meet and put questions to the 10th successor of Don Bosco with the Casetta or Cottage as the evocative background for this occasion. The matters touched on were wide-ranging and relevant issues for people today. Fr Ángel was able to strongly reinforce his view that Salesians remain in place where there are situations of need and suffering and they will not run away from them. He also said that the communications world is a universe that will always have the attention of Don Bosco's sons; he would like journalists to be involved in the ongoing and essential task of reporting what is good.

The culminating moment obviously was the concelebrated Mass in the Basilica at Colle Don Bosco filled with faithful and young people. Salesians priests from all over Italy concelebrated with the Rector Major. In his homily and final greetings he said: "A Don Bosco forged this way  - as father and teacher of youth – is a sign of God's Providence. God inspires every good proposal and never allows his Church to be lacking in men and women who make the Gospel and Mystery of the Incarnation relevant", yesterday, today and tomorrow. He urged his listeners to embark on a path that went from admiration to imitation.

At the conclusion of an intense day celebrating John Bosco's 199th birthday, the Mayor of Castelnuovo, Giorgio Musso, conferred honorary citizenship on the Rector Major inviting every son of Don Bosco to feel that they were fellow citizens.

Published 17/08/2014