(ANS – Lyons) – The relic of Don Bosco has been on pilgrimage in France since 12 November. Nice, Navarre, Toulon, Marseilles and Lyon have so far been visited. The Piedmontese Saint has left behind many echoes as a result of his first week.

Don Bosco made his first trip to France in 1874 and the following year, in Nice, he founded the first Salesian work outside Italy. In 1883, during one of his trips, Don Bosco went across France from south to north. Now, 139 years later, he repeats a part of this journey.

The Casket containing the special relic of Don Bosco was brought from Barcelona, in Spain, to Nice as the starting point for this new journey in France, marked by moments of celebration and spirituality.

Celebrations took place spontaneously in different places visited by the relic, and have made  the Salesian charism visible today. Various activities were organized: sports and cultural activities at the "Lycée Don Bosco" in Nice; testimonials from members of the Salesian Family during a vigil at the Saint John Bosco Church in Toulon; depictions of the life of Don Bosco in front of the Chapel at Navarre; a "Wakey Wakey" dance performed by students from the Salesian Youth Movement in the square in front of the Basilica at Fourvière. or choral performances by students at St Joseph's in Marseilles, just to mention some examples. These have all been important occasions helping young people and the organizers of these initiatives to build meaningful connections with Don Bosco.

At the same time there have been moments of profound reflection and prayer before the Casket, valuable opportunities where young people and adults have spent time with Don Bosco and entrusted their joys and difficulties to him. Vigils, Masses, Liturgy of the Hours ... were all special, intense and particularly appreciated moments for all those who wished to have a special encounter with Don Bosco.

Among the most symbolic images this week for those taking part was the Guard of Honour for Don Bosco's arrival in Navare, by students and teachers from the Salesian community there.

Published 19/11/2012