FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

Bangalore

Don Bosco Relic Begins Kerala Pilgrimage

26 September 2011

News written by: George Mathew

Don Bosco`s Relic was welcomed at Holy Family Forane Church, Rajapuram on its entry into Kerala. The large crowds at these locations of Kasargod and Kannur districts and the well conducted liturgy are worth mention.

After completing the sojourn in Karnataka, the relic of St John Bosco crossed the borders to Kerala in the wee hours of 23 September. The relic of St John Bosco had seven stop overs on 23 September, the first day of the pilgrimage in Kerala. The day`s pilgrimage began at Holy Family Forane Church, Rajapuram at 06.00 a.m. The ceremonies were presided over by Rt. Rev James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. The relic visited five parishes (Holy Family Forane Church (Rajapuram), Little Flower Church (Vellarikundu), St. Thomas Church (Thomapuram, Chittarickal), St. Mary`s Church (Alakode) and Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Chemperi) and two Salesian institutions (Don Bosco, Chullikkara) and Auxilium, Varakkad). The casket arrived and departed as per schedule everywhere. Veneration took place in the context of either Holy Eucharist or prayer services. Information through a public announcement system preceded the casket. The presence of the police on important locations and junctions facilitated a smooth passage. While in most locations the casket could be driven or pulled to the entrance of the church, it was an arduous task to lift the casket step by step at St. Thomas Church, Thomapuram (Chitttarickal). A large number of people visited the casket at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Chemperi and participated also in the night vigil.