Lazio is the first stage where it will stay for two months before crossing the Ocean on the way to Chile and Argentina for a journey lasting over two years.
The purpose of this pilgrimage has been explained by the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva like this: “After the success of the pilgrimage of the relic of St Dominic Savio and after the expressions of appreciation which reached us, I thought how beautiful and important it would be for our dear Don Bosco to go to all the countries where we are working, and to give so many young people and their families the opportunity of feeling him close to them.”
“The pilgrimage,” the Rector Major added – “reminds us of the 26th General Chapter in which we had the experience of returning to Don Bosco in order to start afresh from him, and in that way to create a history of salvation and holiness. Today, Don Bosco, the finest gift that Italy has given to the youngsters of the world, wants to go to where his children, the young, the real light and hope for the future are.”
A festive crowd then applauded the entry into the Valdocco inner courtyard of the casket which contains a reproduction of the image of Don Bosco in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians and a large relic of the saint.
Then the Rector Major blessed it: “Enlightened by the example of St John Bosco,” Fr Chávez said, “in every part of the world, encouraged by this image and by his teaching may we follow in the footsteps of the Lord, until the perfect man is formed in the full measure of Christ.”
Published 25/04/2009
