(ANS – Gambella) – At Gambella the Solemnity of Christmas was celebrated with great fervour. Making it an even more memorable occasion was the presence in those days of Don Bosco’s relic.

On 24 December the plane carrying the relic of Don Bosco in a fibreglass statue of the saint made a memorable landing in the early afternoon at Gambella airport where it was received by a welcoming party of priests, religious ands lay people led by the Vicar Apostolic of Gambella, Bishop  Angelo Moreschi SDB.

A fleet of cars accompanied statue to the city Cathedral where many faithfully were gathered. They gave a special welcome with traditional dancing and singing. Before entering the Cathedral,  the procession drove slowly round it. Then Bishop Moreschi incensed the statue and said a few welcoming words, invoking the blessing of the saint on all the people the clergy and the young people of the Vicariate Apostolic.

Among those present was the Deputy Governor of Gambella who in his address thanked Don Bosco and the Salesians for their precious contribution to the development of the region and in particular, for their work on behalf of the young.

A prayer vigil followed led by the various associations in the parish.

During the Christmas Day celebration Bishop Moreschi spoke briefly about the life and work of Don Bosco and invited the young people to imitate him. At the end of the Mass the statue was taken to “Don Bosco School” where, after midday about 2000 youngsters gathered to celebrate. The Salesian Fr Giorgio Pontiggia, who is engaged in the work of the Vicariate Apostolic, spoke about Don Bosco and his dedication to the young.

The day ended with a prayer meeting for the youth workers in Gambella on the theme “The pastoral passion of Don Bosco”. On this occasion, the Salesians who are working in the area renewed their religious profession.

On 26 December the statue and relic left for Addis Abeba.

Published 03/01/2012