(ANS - Brasilia) - In an official ceremony, yesterday, Tuesday 17 November, on the initiative of Federal Deputy Marco Tebaldi, Santa Catarina, the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil paid tribute to Don Bosco to mark the bicentenary of his birth. The "Ulysses Guimarães" Hall was filled with public figures, religious, members of the Salesian Family and young people from various Salesian works in Brasilia.

by Guilherme Barbosa

The session began with the singing of the National Anthem. Then a video was screened showing the life of the Father and Teacher of youth. Proceedings continued with speeches from invited speakers and from the Deputies present and Senator Dalirio Berer. The formal sitting ended with songs in honour of Don Bosco performed by the choir of the Salesian parish of Núcleo Bandeirante, under the direction of Signora Maura and Amanda.

In attendance for the occasion were various federal deputies of different States; Senator Dalirio Beber; the Councillor of the Embassy of the Holy See in Brazil, Msgr Thomasz Grysa, and a representative of the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr Giovanni d'Aniello.

Obviously many Salesians were there, led by the Provincial of Brazil-Belo Horizonte, Orestes Carlinhos Fistarol, and young people and educators of various works in the Province.

In his response, Fr Fistarol provided an overview of the history of Don Bosco and reminded everyone that a relic of the saint will be preserved in the temple of Don Bosco in Brasilia. "We are grateful to the Rector Major for keeping in mind the dream of Don Bosco about Brasília. (...) The casket will be placed in the shrine dedicated to Don Bosco here in the capital, at Avenida W3 South, Block 702 - B, and we are now thinking of a suitable place to encourage the public veneration by the faithful."

The Provincial also stressed the importance of the tribute rendered to Don Bosco: "It is significant that this honour has been given in the house of the Brazilian people, in the capital of our Federal Republic. This city was dreamed of by Don Bosco, and his sons and daughters have had the opportunity to participate in its construction from the start, making a significant contribution in the process of education and evangelization, and also living among the workers."

Some photos and a video of this important event are available online.

Published 18/11/2015