(ANS - Pavia) - Yesterday, 28 February, marked the end after more than five months of the pilgrimage of the relic of Don Bosco on Italian soil. Pavia, a city that houses the remains of St. Augustine, another great saint, greeted Don Bosco, the father, teacher and friend of young people, with affection. The relic will now go on visit to the Salesian communities in Lithuania.

Lombardy and Emilia were the final stages of the pilgrimage of the relic of Don Bosco in Italy. Here we witnessed once again the huge popular affection that still exists for the saint of youth wherever the Salesians are present throughout Italy.

The relic came from Ferrara to Forli on 20 February last. It was met at the Town Hall by about 250 young people from Catholic schools. The relic was then taken to the Cathedral where Bishop Lino Pizzi presided at a solemn Mass in the afternoon. In the evening there was a prayer vigil on the theme "Here with you I am happy."

The relic came to Reggio Emilia on Saturday 22 February. It was hosted for a full day in the cathedral, where it was venerated by school groups and groups of the faithful. Here, too, there was a solemn mass presided over by Bishop Massimo Camisasca. In the evening there was a prayer vigil and entertainment for the young people that went on quite late.

On Sunday 23 February, a huge crowd of the faithful packed the Church of Saints Simon and Jude in Ravenna, where the Salesian community had planned various initiatives throughout the day. The citizens responded with enthusiasm. "We are waiting in joy and euphoria. Our hearts are ready to take flight. Things may look the same as they did yesterday but our eyes are on tomorrow. Don Bosco, you are here and you are calling us.” So the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement sang with enthusiasm when the relic arrived.

The next day, Monday 24 February, the relic left Italy - but only to enter the small state of the Republic of San Marino. Here the relic was venerated by many groups: Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, catechism groups and local clergy. Various functions were organized in the presence of the relic. Even when no specific activities were arranged, the relic was displayed for the veneration of the faithful.

The last stage, as mentioned, was in Pavia on Thursday and Friday last, 27-28 February, when many of the faithful, especially many young people, came to offer homage.

From today, 1 March, the relic will be in Lithuania where it will remain for two weeks. This will be followed by a visit to Lugano in Switzerland which will bring to an end the world pilgrimage of the relics of Don Bosco.
 

Published 01/03/2014