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Don Bosco Relic received at the National Marian Shrine Basilica, Vallarpadam

9 October 2011

Evangelization, Language and Cultures, Missions, Parish / Church, Religion, Salesian Family, Spirituality, Success Story,

- George Mathew

The Relic of Don Bosco was placed for veneration at two popular shrines in Kochi namely, St. Antony`s Church at Kaloor and the National Shrine Basilica at Vallarpadam. The large number of faithful who flocked to these centres had the opportunity to venerate the saint and to learn more of him.

The Relic of St John Bosco was placed for veneration at St Antony`s church, Kaloor on 5 October. Being a pilgrim centre, the faithful flowed incessantly, at times the queue extending far on to the public road. Many approached the sacrament of reconciliation too. The Relic of St John Bosco was given a grand welcome at the National Shrine Basilica, Vallarpadam on 5 October. It was at the shrine from 2.30 to 07.15 p.m. The procession accompanied by over 100 motorbikes began from St Albert`s School premises. The faithful moved on foot from the shrine entrance. Thousands paid respects to the relic at the shrine. Christian devotionals were sung throughout on a stage in the premises. Abridged versions of the Don Bosco films, Johny and Bosco, were screened. An exhibition on the life of Don Bosco had also been arranged. Fr. Alex, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, presided over the concelebrated Eucharist at 05.30 pm. In view of the visit of the relic to the Archdiocese of Verapoly, several unique initiatives had been undertaken by the Archdiocese, an Archdiocesan quiz competition on Don Bosco being one of them. The KCYM units of the Archdiocese played a very enthusiastic role in the organization of the visit of the casket to the Archdiocese.