(ANS – Khartoum) – In spite of unexpected bureaucratic problems which made it necessary to change the programme for the pilgrimage of the casket, last week the Salesian communities in Sudan had an experience of great devotion and the re-discovery of their distinctive charism. The celebration which took place were an excellent preparation for the Feast of Don Bosco.

Between 16 and 21 January  Don Bosco’s relic, contained in the casket should have made a pilgrimage of Sudan, first at Khartoum and then in the other houses of the  Salesians and  the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the country. Because of some procedural difficulties of entry the anticipated visit had to be cancelled.

In no way discouraged, the members of the local organising committee drew up an alternative programme which succeeded in not disappointing the expectations of the many sympathisers and benefactors of the Salesian works. None of the planned celebrations had to be cancelled, and the faithful were able to venerate the small relic contained in a statue of Don Bosco from the city parish.

On Tuesday 17 January the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Shajara led a prayer session for the faithful. The small statue with the relic was then taken to the parish dedicated to the Holy Ugandan Martyrs, where the Salesian Sisters have another community. In the evening it was the turn of the “Saint Joseph” parish where the Nuncio Apostolic in Sudan, Archbishop Leo Boccardi, presided at Mass accompanied by many Salesians.
 
The following day there was a solemn Mass in the Cathedral in Khartoum: this engagement too was fulfilled unchanged. A large number of priests from the Archdiocese and from various religious Congregations, members of the Salesian Family and faithful from the parishes took part in the great celebration. In his homily the Vicar for the Clergy invited those present to reflect on the life of Don Bosco and the positive influence Mamma Margaret had on him.
 
In the others communities too which were meant to welcome the casket in the following days, the faithful flocked to the celebrations all the same, took part in the varie liturgies and prayer services, invoking the blessing of Don Bosco.

As one of them said: “Don Bosco’s relic may not be here at the moment, but Don Bosco’s spirit is truly present among us.”

Published 23/01/2012