(ANS – Zagabria) – On Friday, 8 March, the Casket with Don Bosco's relic arrived in Croatia. It will remain in the country until 23 March and will visit 13 Salesian communities in the province, including the community at Žepče, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The opening ceremony for the visit took place at the provincial house in Knežija. The provincial, Fr Pejo Orkić, flanked by the provincial for the Salesian Sisters, Sr Damjana Tramte, offered a warm welcome to young people and faithful present.

Then forty Salesians from various communities took advantage of Don Bosco's presence to make their quarterly retreat. Fr Mihovil Kurkut, from Spalato, led the first reflection, followed by a penitential liturgy and rosary alternating with readings selected from the life of Don Bosco. “It was a true examination of conscience and a strong reminder of authentic Salesian life” one of those taking part said. The day concluded with Vespers said together with the young people and faithful from the parish.

The following day the Casket was welcomed by Salesians, young people and faithful at the parish of Saint Anne's in Rudeš. More than 500 people filled the streets in the area to await the Casket as it went to the Church, while some enthusiastic youth sang songs and danced as a way of greeting Don Bosco. Once the Casket was in the church, Fr Mladen Delić offered a word of welcome, and Bishop Mijo Gorski, auxiliary of Zagreb, celebrated the Mass

In his homily the bishop emphasised the importance of education in the Church and society, which the Salesians, during their 100 in Croatia, have given notable contribution to, especially through the original nature of the Preventive System. At the end of the celebration, there was an all-night vigil before the Casket.

On Sunday 10, at Our Lady of Liberty Shrine, Jarun, 2,000 or more people gathered to venerate Don Bosco's relic. Archbishop Alessandro D’Errico, Apostolic Nuncio to the Croatian Republic, celebrated Mass and praised Salesian pastoral apostolate. He said he had always worked with great benefit with the Salesian communities in countries he had served in.

Activities continued in the afternoon, led by various youth groups, such as “Don Boscova radost”, “Mirabilia Dei”, “Fiat” and the “Družbica Bezgrešne” school group. There were theatrical performances, the rosary, readings from Don Bosco's life, and a vigil
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Published 12/03/2013