(ANS - Tirana)– Between 2012 and 2014 the relic of Don Bosco travelled the five continents on a visit to the Salesian houses around the world. In recent days it has resumed the pilgrimage by visiting Albania, Kosovo and Malta, which so far had not enjoyed his presence.

On 11 May the casket arrived in Tirana. It was brought first to the Mother Mary Mazzarello centre of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and then to the Don Bosco Centre of the Salesians. Here to welcome it were all the students of the elementary and high schools and the day care centre. They had been preparing for some time for the visit of the casket and the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, with competitions, quizzes and festive moments.

The casket was then carried in procession to the church of Mary Help of Christians, where there was a moment of reflection and prayer. Among those present were the Provincial of the Southern Italian Province, Fr Pasquale Cristiani, and Fr Marek Gryn who had organized the pilgrimage to Albania and Kosovo.

In the church, Fr Lek Oroshi asked the young people if they knew what a relic was. One of the most popular answers was “something very old, of great and special value.” Fr Cristiani then outlined the journey of the relic throughout the five continents and spoke about the bones of the right hand of Don Bosco (the hand he used in blessing) contained in the casket.

Then the Rector of the work, Fr Matteo Fiore, spoke about Don Bosco and the features of his educational system for poor youth and street children. It was easy to see the similarity between the attitude of Don Bosco, Father, Teacher and Friend of young people and the spiritual climate experienced by the students and the Salesian community in Tirana: enthusiasm, joy, love for God, and a great spirit of communion.

In the afternoon there was an opportunity to pray in front of the relic. This was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Archbishop Rrok Mirdita, and concelebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Ramiro Moliner Ingles, the priests of the Salesian community in Tirana and many other priests from the diocese.

In the evening, young leaders along with many faithful, religious men and women, took part in a prayer vigil led by Fr Oscar Elias Tuscano. The following day the casket continued its journey to Kosovo.

At the end of the pilgrimage the young people said, "Thanks Don Bosco, and enjoy the rest of your journey! We promise to remember your visit and to imitate you through the teaching and example that we receive from your spiritual sons and daughters. From heaven, bless all of us, our families and the Albanian people."

Published 18/05/2015