Savio Silveira sdb
MUMBAI, AUGUST 4, 2011: History is in the making! The day that we have excitedly been waiting for is here! The casket carrying the Relic of Don Bosco arrives in our province today!
After a grand farewell by the New Delhi Province at Don Bosco Okhla, the casket was officially handed over to the care of the Mumbai Province yesterday, August 3, 2011 at 7.30 a.m. Fr. Allwyn Misquitta, who is accompanying the casket all throughout its pilgrimage in the Mumbai Province, gratefully accepted the Relic on behalf of the Provincial Fr. Michael Fernandes and the Salesians of the Mumbai Province. The New Delhi Provincial Fr. Michael Peedikayil, Vice Provincial Fr. Shilanand Kerketta and Economer Fr Jose Mathew then accompanied the Relic up to Jaipur in Rajasthan, where they bid it a final farewell.
After a fourteen hour drive, the Relic of Don Bosco reached the Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral. Udaipur, Rajasthan, at 9.30 p.m. where it was solemnly welcomed by the Bishop Most Rev. Joseph Pathalil and a large number of devotees. The Relic was then kept in the St. Paul’s High School hall, where a night vigil was held, led by the Bishop himself. The vigil concluded at 5.00 a.m. this morning. At 5.30 a.m. the journey recommenced and at approximately 7.00 a.m. the vehicles carrying the casket entered into Gujarat.
The Mumbai Provincial Fr. Michael Fernandes, Vice Provincial Ajoy Fernandes, Chief Organizer of the Pilgrimage Fr. Edwin D’Souza along with the Salesians of the Gujarat region are in Baroda, awaiting the arrival of the Relic, which is expected to reach the city at 12.00 noon. The official welcome ceremony is scheduled for 5.00 p.m. followed by the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 6.30 p.m. at Don Bosco Parish, Baroda. The Bishop of Baroda Most Rev. Godfrey de Rosario will be the principal celebrant at the Eucharist. The Relic will remain in Baroda on August 5, and then proceed to Nashik the following morning.