(ANS – Rome) – 16 August is the anniversary of the birth of Don Bosco. This year’s event will mark the launch of the process of preparing for the celebration of the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth (1815-2015) announced by the Rector Major, Don Pascual Chávez, to Salesians, and not only to them, in his letter of 31st January.

The official launch of the process will take place at Colle Don Bosco, where little Giovanni Melchiorre was born to Francesco Bosco and Margherita Occhiena in the Biglione farmhouse early in the morning of 16 August.

On 16 August, at about 10.45 in the morning (GMT+2), the Rector Major, Don Pascual Chávez will preside at Mass. The celebration will begin with a period of prayer and reflection at the reliquary of the saint which is kept behind the main altar in the crypt of the basilica. In this area, from a comparison of maps, stood the Biglione farmhouse, where Francesco Bosco and his family lived until a few months after the premature death of the head of the household. The remaining family then moved into the house at the Becchi, which Don Bosco called ‘my home’. The Biglione farmhouse was later demolished to make way for the building of the great temple, which is now a basilica.

From the crypt the procession will wind its way to the upper part of the basilica for the Eucharist led by the ninth successor of Don Bosco. After the homily, parents of Piedmontese Salesians, members of the Mamma Margaret Association, will make their entrustment to Mary Help of Christians. At the end of the celebration the Salesians present will renew their profession.

Taking part will be representatives of various groups in the Salesian Family of Northern Italy, including the Provincials of Piedmont and Val d’Aosta, Don Stefano Mortoglio, of Lombardo Emiliano, Don Agostino Sosio, of North Eastern Italy, Don Eugenio Riva, and of the special Circumscription of Central Italy, Don Alberto Lorenzelli.

Published 15/8/2011