(ANS – Kuarmunda) – After an eighteen hours journey from Calcutta to Kuarmunda, passing through West Bengal and Jharkhand, the casket with Don Bosco’s relics reached the village of Kuarmunda, in the Sundargarh district, the first historic foundation of the Salesians in the State of Orissa. Having completed its pilgrimage in the Calcutta Province, the casket is beginning its travels around the “Jesus the Good Shepherd” of New Delhi (INN).

The final stage in the Calcutta Province before beginnings its journey to Kuarmunda, was a All-night Prayer Vigil at the Provincial Centre of “Don Bosco Nitika”. Then a group of Salesians, led by the Provincial of Calcutta Fr Thomas Ellicherail, accompanied the casket as it was handed over to the New Delhi Province.

The small township of Kuarmunda was packed with the admirers, devotees and friends Don Bosco and people of all faiths inched forward, a surge of people who were vying with one another to touch him and be blessed by the saint of youth. The police and volunteers had the not easy task of maintaining order in a crowd estimated at about 10,000.

It was escorted by about fifty motorcyclists to the Salesian house. The welcoming committee included the Provincial of INN, Fr Michael Peedikayil, Bishop Alphonse Bilung, former bishop of the diocese of Rourkela, and the present Vicar General of the diocese Fr Pradeep Kujur.

Along the road girls and boys, men and women and drummers were colourfully attired and danced in jubilation before the van carrying the casket, showing their faith devotion, respect and joy. The two  km journey was marked by a real and profound popular religious spirit

The relic came to rest in the premises of Don Bosco Kuarmunda where a prayer service, celebrations, the Holy Eucharist and a night vigil were arranged. The people were able to pass in front of the casket to see Don Bosco’s face and offer their own prayers.

 Fr. Charles Lobo, the Rector, and his confreres did a wonderful job in creating an atmosphere conducive to devotion, celebrations and awareness. About three thousand spent the night in the campus waiting for the morning to see the face of Don Bosco once again.
 
Kuarmunda, the first Salesian foundation in the State of Orissa was opened in 1988; today it provides various pastoral and educational services in the area: a parish, work-preparation centre, a boys’ hostel. In addition to Kuarmunda the Salesians are now present also in Jharsuguda and Muniguda,  foundation depending on the Hyderabad Province.

The casket will complete its travels in the INN Province on 3 August. On the YouTube  channel of INN some short videos are available on the various stages including two on the reception of the casket at Kuarmunda A - B

Published 29/07/2011