On the morning of 4 April it arrived at the “Yuet Wah” Salesian Institute where in spite of the rain it was welcomed in the courtyard by all the teachers and students of the Institute joined for the occasion by youngsters and their teachers from the schools of the “Escola D. Luis Versiglia”.

It was accompanied by Fr Simon Lam Provincial of China, Fr Francis Hung and senior members of staff and representatives of teachers and students with banners and posters. Fr Lam then presided at a Mass of thanksgiving at which the homily was given by Fr Paul Leung, a Chinese missionary in Mongolia, who had come from there with some young Catholics to take part in the celebrations in honour of Don Bosco.

During the offertory ceremony prayers, flowers and some pieces of work by the students were presented to God. At the end the casket of Don Bosco was left for the veneration and personal prayers of the faithful.

The following day Tuesday 5 April, the local population celebrated “Ching Ming” the day when traditionally families get together to remember their deceased relatives. In this way Don Bosco too enjoyed the affection and the prayers of many of the faithful  gathered at the “Salesian Institute” in Macao to commemorate his life and celebrate the work that had its origin in him.
 
In the afternoon, after a talk by Fr Domingos Leong, who reminded the faithful of the meaning of the veneration of relics, there was a penitential service, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a prayer Vigil led by the past pupils.

On Wednesday 6 April in addition to the ceremonies for the visit of the casket there were also celebrations for the 96th birthday of Fr Gaetano Nicosia, a missionary in China since 1935. About 300 people gathered at the “Escola D. Luis Versiglia” – which is made up of two schools – to pay homage to Don Bosco and to express their thanks to Fr Nicosia, the founder of the two schools.

In the afternoon  Fr Peter Pong, in charge of the Salesians in Macao, officiated at a farewell ceremony for the casket with prayers and comments on the teachings of Don Bosco. At the end of the ceremony all those present solemnly entrusted themselves to Mary.

Published 14/04/2011