Relics of St John Bosco reach Bangalore

The relics of St John Bosco, the patron saint of youth, reached Bangalore on Saturday and will be in the city for two days.

The casket contains a wax statue of the saint and bones of his right hand. This is the first instance of such a large relic being brought to the city. Fr Thomas, vice-provincial of Bangalore province, said the relics draw huge crowds because the saint has believers across religions and sects, especially youngsters.

The relic of St John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco, is on an international pilgrimage in view of his 200th birth anniversary. The pilgrimage started on January 31, 2009—the year marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of Salesian Congregation—in Italy. It is scheduled to return there on August 16, 2015 — his 200th birth anniversary. It will travel around 130 countries.

Fr Divya Paul, youth director of Indian Catholic Youth Movement, explained that during 19th century, a period of unrest, many youngsters were turning to crime and violence because of unemployment. He added that while everyone thought that the only way to train the young was through violent methods, Don Bosco believed it could be done through kindness.

“He was able to speak their language and understood they said and did not say,” he said.

On Sunday, the relic will be taken to Don Bosco Church, Lingarajpuram; Ascension Church; Don Bosco Provincial House; Salesian Sisters, Old Madras Road; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Lourd Nagar; and Kristu Jyothi College, KR Puram.