Faithful will get opportunity to venerate Don Bosco relics PANAJI: As part of the worldwide pilgrimage that began in 2009, the relics of St Don Bosco will arrive in the state on August 18 for veneration by the faithful.
Explaining the significance of the relics, Fr Ian Figueiredo, provincial of the Salesian Konkan province, said, "Just as people treasure objects given by some significant person, Christians honour relics as they are parts of the body of a saint or person who has achieved holiness of life." However, in the same breath he clarified "We do not adore a relic. Adoration is only for God," while adding "neither is a relic an object of superstition, nor does it have divine power." "Don Bosco's presence will warm our hearts and lead us to renew our lives. If it is God's will, he will grant us some favours and miracles through the veneration," noted Figueiredo. Asked why the relic was specifically the right hand, Figueiredo said, "As the right hand did all the good that Don Bosco stood for, it is a symbolic gesture to send the right hand." The relics will come by motorcade to Panaji from the Salesian institution in Oros, Kudal-Maharashtra, before going to Salesian institutions in Vasco, Fatorda, Sirsi and Shirva. At Don Bosco, Panaji where the relics will be kept from August 18-21, the relics will be open for veneration to general public from 7am to 11 pm. Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Faithful-will-get-opportunity-to-venerate-Don-Bosco-relics/articleshow/9535215.cms
