(ANS - Brindisi) -  The pilgrimage of the relic of Don Bosco to southern Italy ends today, after many celebrations and a great participation by the local people and by ecclesiastical and civil authorities.

On 2 October, the relic came to Santeramo in Colle, where the entire community of the town had been waiting for weeks. Upon arrival, Don Bosco was joyfully welcomed by the Salesian community, and then, in a long procession, the presence of the saint of youth was celebrated by many children and young people from schools all over the town.

After an official welcome from the religious and civil authorities and some students, the relic was taken to the Salesian Oratory, where various groups took turns in venerating it. In the evening, Bishop Paciello presided over Mass in the presence of more than 3000 people.

On Saturday 5 October, the relic reached Brindisi. At 9.00 a.m.it was brought to the playground of the Salesian School, while the band played the traditional ‘Giù dai colli’("Down from the hills..." a much loved Salesian hymn to Don Bosco).

Subsequently, in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Archbishop Dominic Caliandro of Brindisi-Ostuni gave a talk on Don Bosco in which he said: "If someone has had a grace, a moment when he felt God was near, he will never forget that moment. He will draw upon it until his death. We can do the same for Don Bosco. God led him and enlightened him, as an educator and pastor, to welcome young people. Don Bosco was the first in the Church to have a real approach to young people. He welcomed them and he understood them. His presence with us here today is saying to us: 'Open your eyes, and open for young people the way that illumines their path through life.'”

Published 10/10/2013