(ANS – Rome) – As many people in different countries have already testified, the pilgrimage of the relic of Don Bosco has the power to attract Christians and people of good will, to revitalize the Salesian charism and to encourage religious communities. The most recent testimony came from the Holy Land, from Sister Anna Nava, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), in a letter to Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major of the Salesians.

“We thank you and your Council for giving us such happiness, with the visit of the relic of Don Bosco. You could not have given us a better gift, something that belongs to us very closely as members of the Salesian Family. What a joy to have Don Bosco here! Finally he has come to the Holy Land!” So says Sister Anna, who is Director of the FMA community in Nazareth.

She commented that the presence of the relic of the right hand of Don Bosco – the hand he used in blessing people – was a grace for all of us and has left “a sure sign of peace in the Middle East.”

“This is a troubled land,” Sister Anna adds, “but it is a unique land, and the Prince of Peace still dwells here. It is true that we are living in a time of fear, but He gives us the courage to go on believing firmly that He is present, and this gives us new enthusiasm for His land, which we consider ours in every way.”

She concludes her letter by promising her prayers and those of her sisters for all the Salesians in the world. These prayers will be offered in a particular way during next Sunday’s Eucharist which will be celebrated in the presence of the relic in the Basilica of the Annunciation.

Published 13/09/2013