(ANS - Bologna) - Crowds of people in prayer, full churches, declarations of affection and esteem by the authorities and by ordinary citizens ... These were the outstanding features of the various stages of the pilgrimage of Don Bosco in Lombard-Emilia.

On 10 February, the relic of Don Bosco was taken from the Salesian Institute in Brescia to the cathedral. There it was welcomed by the mayor who spoke about the figure of Don Bosco as an educator. The relic remained in the cathedral throughout the day and was venerated by some 5,000 people.

The next day, 11 February, twenty-second World Day of the Sick, the relic of Don Bosco was brought on a visit to the Civil Hospital in the same city, where it brought comfort and hope to patients, their families and the staff of the hospital.

The relic arrived in Sondrio on 13 February. Throughout its history, the land of the Valtellina, in the province of Sondrio, has given many figures of holiness to the Salesian Family and are there are many other men and women religious and lay supporters of Don Bosco who have worked there or have benefitted from the Salesian work. The relic was welcomed by the highest local authorities and during the two days there, many people participated in the various activities and celebrations.

In Parma also, many people venerated the relic of the saint of youth. The young people of the oratories and Salesian centres celebrated with a procession and a youth vigil. On Sunday 16 February, Bishop Henry Solmi of Parma presided at Mass in the presence of the relic.

In Bologna, where the relic stayed for the next two days, many young people from the works of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians venerated the relic. Welcoming the saint, the city's archbishop, Cardinal Charles Caffara told the young people: "This is your saint. Nobody in the history of the Church loved children and young people as much as St. John Bosco did. Nobody gave his life for you as he did. You were the reason for his life and his priesthood."

Many young people gathered to celebrate Don Bosco in Ferrara, where the relic was present on Tuesday and Wednesday last. "I am here because Don Bosco passed on important values to us, such as pastoral charity and compassion for others," ​ said one student.

Published on 21/02/2014