(ANS – Catania) – Friday 1st November saw the beginning of the pilgrimage of the Don Bosco relic in Sicily. Thousands of the Salesian Family had awaited this moment, and Don Bosco's relic has already been part of festivities at Alì Terme, Taormina and Catania; at this latter, the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, and his Vicar, Fr Adriano Bregolin took part.

After a welcome and veneration by civil and religious authorities at Alì Terme, Don Bosco's relic was carried in procession as far as the FMA community where Blessed Maddalena Morano, and FMA, worked for many years. Archbishop. Calogero La Piana, of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, presided at the Solemn Mass, in the presence of the two saints' relics, Don Bosco, on pilgrimage, and Blessed Morano, whose relics are exposed in a chapel in the Church.

A mosaic showing Don Bosco with Blessed Morano and young people was unveiled to commemorate the occasion, and Italian Post put out a special commemorative stamp.

In the afternoon the relic was brought to Taormina and that evening reached Catania, where various celebrations in its honour were organised for Saturday 2 November.

On Sunday 3, at the PalaCatania, a symbolic event took place with some 5,000 people, members and sympathisers of the Salesian Family. They gathered around Don Bosco and his 9th Successor, Fr Chávez. Also present were the Mayor, Enzo Bianco and the under-secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Giuseppe Castiglione.

There were alternating sessions of music dance and theatre, as well as prayer; the central moment was celebration of Mass using the liturgy for 31 January, recalling Don Bosco's death. During Mass the Rector Major spoke directly to young people and those responsible for the Institute, speaking of matters dear to  Don Bosco, such as work and unemployment, families and their situation, hope, enthusiasm, joy and faith which should never be found wanting in the Christian.

That evening the Casket was brought to Siracusa. For more information you can visit the Facebook page “Don Bosco è qui Sicilia”.

Published 04/11/2013