WADALA, AUGUST 13, 2011: The vehicle carrying the Relic of Don Bosco arrived early this morning at 8.00 a.m. near Five Gardens, Wadala. Here, the Relic was given a grand welcome by the students of St. Joseph’s High School, Auxilium Convent School and D.P.Y.A School, and then taken in procession to the parish church. The boys of ‘Shelter Don Bosco’ led the procession with an impressive display of lezims.
The parishioners of Our Lady of Dolours Church welcomed our Father and Friend Don Bosco, with a meaningful prayer service. The Relic was then opened for public veneration. During this time, Fr. Allwyn Misquitta led the youth and the other faithful into a prayerful moment with Don Bosco. Next in line was the ‘Praise and Worship’ session, which was conducted by the Charismatic group of the Parish. An exhibition of charts and craft prepared by the students of St. Joseph’s High School was displayed in the school corridor.
The Holy Eucharist was celebrated at 11.45 a.m. by the Provincial Fr. Michael Fernandes. The concelebrants included Fr. Godfrey D’Sa, Rector and Parish Priest of Our Lady of Dolours, Wadala; Fr. Vincent Rasquinha, Rector and Parish Priest of Dominic Savio, Antop Hill; Fr. William Falcao, Rector of Shelter Don Bosco; and Fr. Wilfred D’Souza, Rector of the Provincial House. In his homily, the Provincial spoke on the motto of Don Bosco, “Da mihi animas cetera tolle”. He also stressed that the youth are an important part of society and we need to learn from Don Bosco how to help them grow.
After the celebration of the Eucharist, at 1.00 p.m., we bid a fond adieu to the Relic of Don Bosco, which then proceeded to Auxilium Convent at Wadala. At 6.00 p.m. this evening, the Relic will be solemnly welcomed into the Shine of Don Bosco’s Madonna at Matunga.