Accompanied by Brother Hilario Seo, who was returning to the Province after three years as webmaster at the Generalate, Don Bosco’s casket landed on Monday 25 October at the international airport in Incheon. Following the completion of the necessary formalities it left there and arrived, on Friday 29, liturgical memorial of Blessed Michael Rua at the Provincial House in Seoul. In this house, those on practical training in the Province who were having a three day retreat had the privilege of having it all to themselves and encouraged by the Provincial Fr Stephanus Nam, took advantage of the “private visit” to reflect on Salesian spirituality.
On Monday 1 November there was the official start of the pilgrimage with a ceremony at which youngsters from the Don Bosco Youth Centre, played traditional Korean musical instruments they themselves had made. Then after a few words from Fr Marcello Baek, Rector of the Provincial House, the more than 300 people present, Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Sisters of Charity of Jesus and the faithful went to the chapel.
“Welcome to Korea, Don Bosco, Father of poor boys” – Fr Nam said in the name of all the Salesians in the Province. “Welcome, and thank you for being among us. Meet our youngsters, encourage them, and give to those who follow you your passion for the salvation of youth.”
For the occasion the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, had sent a message to the Provincial of South Korea. “I am very happy to know that Don Bosco’s casket has safely arrived in Seoul.” Fr Chávez encouraged the community to enjoy the presence of the Founder and promised that he would close to them in spirit during the pilgrimage of the casket.
The local media, especially the Christian media, showed a particular interest in the pilgrimage of the relics of Don Bosco. Replying to journalists Fr Nam pointed out: “Finally Don Bosco has come to East Asia that he dreamed about 125 years ago and I think that it is very significant that it is here in Seoul, near Pekin, the city of his dream. Even though in the long journey which commemorates the 200th anniversary of his birth cannot reach that city, in front of the casket let us pray that his dream will really come true; and may his presence encourage a missionary zeal in our Province.”
With its arrival in Seoul, after America South Cone and Inter-America, the casket is beginning its pilgrimage in the Region of East Asia-Oceania.
Published 03/11/2010
