Sandhya Jain
BORIVLI, AUGUST 12, 2011: The Relic of Don Bosco arrived at St. John Bosco Parish, Borivli at 12.30 a.m. on August 12, 2011. Even at this late hour of the night, there was a sizable crowd waiting to receive the Relic of the saint. The Eucharistic celebration at 7.00 a.m. this morning officially launched the programme for the day Fr. Barthol Barretto, Dean of the Borivli Deanery, was the principal celebrant and he was joined by the Rector and Parish Priest Fr. Ronal Menezes, Rector of Bosco Boy’s Home Fr. Anthony Santarita and the other Salesian priests. After the Eucharist, the casket bearing the Relic was taken in a solemn procession to the school hall and placed there for public veneration. The procession was led by the school leaders, proudly carrying their flags, to honour the great patron of youth. The lezin dancers, groups of students dressed up in colourful costumes depicting the rich cultural heritage of India, and the school band playing along zestfully, added colour and splendour to the procession. The members of the Management and the School Staff walked jubilantly in the procession, savouring the grandeur of the moment. The joy and excitement at being able to participate in this extraordinary event in their school, was clearly visible on the faces of the students. After paying their homage to the Relic, the students and other devotees made their way to the exhibition, where the life and ideals of Don Bosco were presented through well designed posters. It is definitely a memorable occasion for us here at Borivli, as we celebrate the presence of our Father and Founder among us.
