(ANS – Vienna) – The pilgrimage of Don Bosco's Statue continues in Austria, the 69th country to stage the world pilgrimage of Don Bosco's Relic. From 14-15 February the Statue completed 4 stopovers at Salesian houses in the archdiocese of Vienna. On the 18th it moved on to Graz, arousing curious glances and opportunity for reflection as people hurried about their daily work.

At Unterwaltersdorf  the students at the Salesian secondary school celebrated Don Bosco with gymnastics, prayer, lots of music and an impressive “flashmob”, involving 70 students, most of whom wore a guernsey with “Holy is der Don Bosco” written on it. Then there was Mass at which Fr Rudolf Osanger, Provincial in Austria, invited the faithful to reflection: “Don Bosco is a model for us since he was always dedicated to helping others. What's stopping us from doing the same?”.

In the evening that day at Stadlau, Vienna, Fr Hans Randa, sdb, celebrated Mass in the presence of the relic.  Pointing to the statue and the 4 youngsters surrounding Don Bosco, he invited his congregation to bring Don Bosco's gesture into the present, one that uplifted and encouraged young people.

On Saturday morning 16 February the Statue reached Neuerdberg. A great number of faithful had filled the benches in the church and waited there since early morning for Don Bosco to arrive, for Morning Prayer. The youngsters preparing for Confirmation in the parish were present as well as many other people from Viennas' III district. The prayer included the psalm verse which says: “Your right hand upholds me”; Fr Franz Lebitsch, parish priest, used this line to refer to the fact that the Statue holds a relic from Don Bosco's right hand, and recalled the many gestures of charity which Don Bosco did with his hands.

Early on Saturday afternoon the relic went to Don Bosco Haus in Vienna. Archbishop Peter Stephan Zurbriggen, Apostolic Nuncio in Austria was waiting there, and celebrated Solemn Mass. Addressing the Faithful the Apostolic Nuncio brought greetings and blessings from Pope Benedict XVI and emphasised the relevance of the Salesian Congregation in the Church. Archbishop Zurbriggen showed his satisfaction with the large crowd of young people at the Mass and for their fine contribution to liturgical animation, music, during it.

On the following days Don Bosco's Statue continued its journey through Austria, and on Monday 18 February, reached Graz.  Here, from 6 till 8 in the morning, the Relic stayed at the modern station which indeed bears Don Bosco's name and for two hours it was the object of interest and reflection for many on their way to work in the morning. Salesians, committed lay people and young people from the parish in Graz distributed leaflets about Don Bosco and his charism, as well as some chestnuts, recalling the miracle of the chestnuts performed by the Turinese Saint. In total they were given out to around 800 people.

Published 22/02/2013