(ANS - Machala) - Mass was celebrated in honour of Don Bosco at Machala on Saturday, 31 January. This marked the official opening of the pilgrimage of the relic of Don Bosco and the image of Mary Help of Christians to the Salesian Houses in the city. Bishop Ángel Sánchez Polivio of Machala presided at the Eucharist and the Vice-Provincial, Fr Robert Garcia, concelebrated. Many parishioners and members of the Salesian Family attended.

On the morning of Saturday 31 January, the indoor sports championship was inaugurated at the school stadium and competitions started between the various teams.

On the morning of Sunday 1 February, the relic of Don Bosco and the image of Mary Help of Christians arrived in the Divino Niño Temple in the Voluntad de Dios neighbourhood.  In the afternoon they were brought to the El Bosque district where they were welcomed by the children of the youth groups with songs and cheers.  Catechists from the parish and the Oratory accompanied the relic and the picture in procession, as well as members of the Salesian Family of Machala.

On Monday 2 February, the two sacred objects were brought to the city of Zaruma.  They were taken to the St John Bosco Educational Unit where they received a warm welcome from students, teachers and administrators.

Published 04/02/2015