(ANS - Palermo) - The relic of Don Bosco concluded its pilgrimage to Sicily at Alcamo on 20 November. It is estimated that over one hundred thousand people took the opportunity to meet Don Bosco and ask for his intercession. "Sicily has always shown a great affection for Don Bosco and continues to prove it, as we've seen these days” said Fr Gianni Mazzali, Provincial of the Salesians in Sicily. “The visit of the relic has made a strong spiritual impact in terms of human fascination but especially in terms of apostolic zeal."

“This was a nostalgic reminder of the past, nor simply a historical commemoration, but a visit from a dear friend. At last Don Bosco is here in Sicily and he will never leave this land." These were the heartfeltwords of Archbishop Salvatore Gristina of Catania.

4,000 volunteers gave of their best to ensure that as many as possible might be touched by the occasion. In thirty cities the people waited for the relic and venerated it even by night. Many cathedrals hosted the relic. There were choreographed processions. Meetings with pupils and past pupils were organized everywhere, even though the programme was so full that the relic could remain only only for a few hours in each place.

Love for Don Bosco united the entire population.  The relic was received in Randazzo, the site in 1879 of the first Salesian house in Sicily, even though there is no longer a Salesian community there.  "You are the living Don Bosco today,"  the Provincial told the people present. There was a large celebration also in Cesaro, the cradle of so many Salesian vocations.

Other special moments were the meetings with immigrants at the port of Pozzallo and immigrants residing in Piazza Armerina, as well as the work at Santa Chiara in Palermo, and the visit to the juvenile prisons at Bicocca and Malaspina. Here the young prisoners renewed in front of Don Bosco their resolve to "become cooks and pastry chefs, and to win the game of life."

"A unique historic experience,” said Sister Anna Rational, Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Sicily, “which revives the passion for God and for young people, after the example of Don Bosco, who spared no effort and no sacrifice, but worked only for their salvation."

Published 21/11/2013