(ANS – Santiago de Compostela) –  On May 19 the important relic of Don Bosco, at present in pilgrimage to Salesian Houses in Spain, entered the “St. James the Greater” Salesian Province of  León. After celebrations in Burgos, which marked the end of the visit to the Province  of Bilbao, the casket was received  at the Salesian House of Allariz. Today, May 22, it is due to arrive at  Santiago de Compostela.

The relic already arrived yesterday, May 21, in the diocese of Santiago de Compostela, stopping at Cambados, where it was welcomed by the archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, Mons. Julián Barrio, by the mayor, Dr. Luis Aragunde, and by Fr. José Rodriguez Pacheco, the Provincial of SLE.

In a pastoral letter, published on the occasion of the arrival of the relic, the archbishop explained: “the arrival of the relic of Don Bosco  encourages us all to live the call to holiness according to his style: cheerful, simple, and committed to fidelity to the Lord, in the love of the Church and in service to others, to make our work for the young creative and bold.”

In the continuation of his letter the prelate presents the figure of Don Bosco, his work, his spirituality, his sense of holiness and holds him up as an example for the education and evangelization of youth. He writes: “The challenge is that the spirit of Don Bosco remain with us, as the luminous guide for our work with the young and the master who teaches us to always have the patience to love and understand them.”

The casket containing the precious relic of the saint began its pilgrimage to Spain on May 1st. At present it is in Galicia where it will remain for a few more days. On May 24th, for the feast of Mary Help of Christians, it will be in Vigo.

After visiting the communities of Galicia the relic will visit other Salesian Houses of the Asturias and some provinces of Castille and León (Zamora, Palencia, León e Valladolid).

The pilgrimage of the casket of Don Bosco in Spain may be followed on the website: www.conoceadonbosco.com

Published 22/05/2012