(ANS – Lusaka) – Today, 31 July the visit of Don Bosco’s casket to the “Mary Help of Christians” Vice Province of Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Namibia (ZMB) comes to an end. Some of the more significant moment were in Lusaka, where the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have various works and in Kabwe, where for the last few months there has been a Salesian Bishop Mons. Clement Mulenga.

On 20 July Don Bosco’s relic was taken to the “City of Hope” community in Lusaka and then to that of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians at Thorn Park. The casket arrived here with a police escort and was  given a warn welcome by the students and the Sisters with singing and dancing, in honour of Don Bosco. Among those present were the FMA Provincial Sr Julianne K., and the Superior of the Salesian Vice Province Fr George Chalissery.

Afterwards the casket was taken to Vice Provincial House of the Salesians. The local community welcomed the relic with the recitation of Evening Prayer and then Fr Waldemar Molenda gave a talk on the life and mission of Don Bosco, showing how relevant it was today for African young people: “Saint John Bosco remains an exceptional model of virtue and dedication to the poor and to those on the fringes” he said speaking especially to the young people who throughout the day had followed the casket on its journey so as to remain close to Don Bosco.

Two days later 22 July the casket reached Kabwe, where it was welcomed by Bishop Clement Mulenga SDB while the faithful from the parish of Our Lady surrounded the relic. Almost all the people in the town joined in the celebrations and the joyful procession to the parish church.

During the Mass the Salesian cleric Macario Mpundu made his perpetual profession in the presence of Fr Chalissery. It was a very moving occasion for all those present, as they could see how  the commitment to consecrate oneself to God for one’s neighbour in Don Bosco’s way was still alive through his Sons. During the Mass another 16 people made their promise as Salesians-Cooperators.

Tomorrow 1 August, Don Bosco’s relic will begin its pilgrimage in Angola. The Salesian community is well prepared for the visit of the casket and has made a promotional video showing the journey it will be making. The video is available on the ANSchannel.

Published 31/07/2012