The casket containing a large relic of Don Bosco, was carried into the Cathedral  where in the evening Bishop  Carlo Chenis SDB, of Civitavecchia and Tarquinia, officiated at a solemn Mass in the presence of the Mayor  Mr Moscherini, the Deputy Mayor Mr Vinaccia and other civil, religious and military authorities.

There are various events on the programme during the four days the casket is in the city which in these days has celebrated the Patronal Feast of St Fermina.

Yesterday morning, 29 April, a long procession of pupils from all the schools in Civitavecchia and members of the Salesian Family accompanied Don Bosco’s casket from the church of Ghetto – where  it had been carried in procession the previous day with the statue of the Patroness – into the courtyard of the oratory. Here Bishop Chenis presided at Mass with Salesians from the Civitavecchia community.

In his homily, using the form of a conversation with Don Bosco, the Bishop told the life-story of the saint of Valdocco and his teaching explaining in particular what the ‘‘preventive system’’ is, which after more than 150 years, is still relevant and useful  today in the education of the new generations founded as it is on “Reason, religion and loving kindness”.

In the afternoon the courtyard was invaded by youngsters who enjoyed the games organised by the oratory staff. In the evening there was a concert followed by Mass in the Salesian parish at which Bishop Chenis presided and at which 8 new Salesians-Cooperators made their promise.

“I think Don Bosco wanted to give us these days  to tell us he loves us and to spur us on and encourage us not to stop working for the good of the young,” Fr Enzo Policari, Rector and parish priest said.

After remaining all morning to be venerated by the people, early this afternoon the casket will leave for Rome.

On the site of the “Holy Family” Salesian parish in Civitavecchia some videos are available showing the arrival of the casket and some of the events that took place.

Published 30/04/2009