Relic of St. Don Bosco to arrive in Goa August 18

(Aug.10, 2011) The relic of St. Don Bosco, which is on a worldwide pilgrimage will arrive in India’s western coastal State of Goa on August 18 for veneration by the faithful. The pilgrimage of Don Bosco’s relic began in 2009, as part of the bicentenary birthday celebrations of the Italian priest. The right hand of Don Bosco, sealed in a casket, will arrive by a motorcade to Panaji from the Salesian institution in Oros, Kudal-Maharashtra, before proceeding to Salesian institutions in Vasco and Fatorda, said Salesian Fr. Ian Figueiredo, Provincial of the Konkan Province. Don Bosco who was born August 16, 1815, founded the Salesian Society that set up works in 131 countries. As in most countries, the Salesians in India work with the underprivileged and run hundreds of educational institutions.
India is the 130th country to receive the relic that will be open for veneration in Goa from 18-21 August. From there, the relic will move to Sirsi in Karnataka State on August 23, and then to Karwar, Shirva and Bangalore in the same State.