Savio Silveira sdb
BARODA, AUGUST 5, 2011: The Casket with the Relic of Don Bosco reached the gateway of the city of Baroda on August 4, 2011 at 11.30 a.m. It was welcomed by the Provincial Fr. Michael Fernandes, Vice Provincial Fr. Ajoy Fernandes and Chief Organizer of the Pilgrimage Fr. Edwin D’Souza, who then accompanied it into the city.
The first stop of the pilgrim casket in Baroda was at Auxilium Convent High School. The Superior Sr. Elizabeth gave a welcome speech after which the children filed past the Relic paying homage, while hymns to Don Bosco were sung.
At 12.50 p.m. the Relic was accorded a very grand welcome at Don Bosco, Baroda by the school students. Children lined the road in colourful costumes and tribal wear. With drum beats and bugle calls the Relic of Don Bosco was solemnly welcomed into the Mumbai Province and the region of Gujarat.
The casket was opened on the porch in front of the church and a Welcome Prayer Service was held. All the Salesians who were present knelt around the casket and took a solemn pledge. Next, the students stretched out their right hand towards Don Bosco and took a pledge. After the prayer service the students filed past the relic, class by class, paying their homage to Don Bosco. The Relic has been kept in the Don Bosco Parish Church.