Italy – Work proceeds, as do activities, at Don Bosco Temple in Rome

06 November 2020

(ANS - Rome) - The minor Basilica of San Giovanni Bosco in Rome is the largest parish in the city in terms of the number of faithful, a collection of works of art, and has also been an "ongoing construction site" for a long time, due to important restoration work to which it is subjected; but neither this, nor the pandemic, stop the apostolic zeal of the community that animates it.

The restoration and conservative redevelopment interventions began, at the planning and design level, in 2006. In 2008 the façade and the pronaos were restored, and new LED lighting fitted; in 2015 the bronze panels of the Via Crucis and the high reliefs on the sides of the main altar were completed.

Currently, starting from 2018 and with a deadline of 2021, the "Carrino Conti Architetti Associati" architecture studio with the collaboration of the architect Michela Marzoli, and Massimiliano Baldieri's consultancy for the lighting works, is proceeding with the restoration of:

- the main dome, an imposing structure that reaches 60 meters in height and measures 30 meters in diameter;

- the mosaic placed at the base of the drum of the main dome, an area of about 250 square meters in which the prophetic dreams of Don Bosco are represented;

- the skylight of the main dome, extended for an area of about 50 square meters;

- the mosaic placed behind the main altar, "The glory of Don Bosco", with an area of about 100 square meters;

- and the two bell towers.

Also, the new lighting of the central nave, the main dome and the restored mosaics and other restoration or replacement works of minor structures inside and outside the Basilica; and other interventions already planned for the future.

The correct organization of the work does not alter either liturgical, pastoral or social activities. “We continue to do everything we can do: the work does not affect us; rather, we obviously operate in compliance with current regulations: Masses and sacraments are celebrated with a maximum number of 200 people,” explains Fr Roberto Colameo, the parish priest of the Don Bosco Temple.

Sacramental catechesis with children has also resumed since September: “We have large spaces and we can do them in complete safety.”

And the limitations established to combat Covid-19 infections are always given an answer in the name of creativity: “With the latest decrees in the oratory, some sports activities can no longer be done, but other games can be played that still entertain young people and make them grow in a serene and safe environment,” adds the parish priest.

Faced with the needs of so many people in difficulty precisely because of the pandemic, the parish always keeps its charitable activities active: “Even solidarity never stops. In our parish, the canteen of the XX Prefecture is active from Monday to Friday, and continues to welcome the needy. Simply, since they cannot eat inside, we prepare the meals first and deliver them ready to those who need them,” concludes Fr Colameo.

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