Don Bosco's Relic arrives in Costa Rica

The following comes from the Salesian News Agency:

Early in the afternoon of 20 July, Don Bosco’s casket arrived at the “Tobías Bolaños” aeroport in San José, Costa Rica; waiting for it was a large crowd of students, in the uniforms of the Salesian institutes and many people waving welcoming banners.

A long procession of vehicles then accompanied to casket to the “La Sabana” Park, where Don Bosco was officially welcomed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Leonardo Garnier, who underlined the importance of Don Bosco, as the patron of technical education and the model for every kind of formation.

Then the casket was taken to the Mary Help of Christians Sixth Form College of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians where the arrival was greeted with great joy and the sports hall was not big enough to accommodate all the youngsters who wanted to be near the saint. The FMA were the first to have the privilege of approaching the casket and venerating Don Bosco.

Then the crowd filed past and all wanted to touch the casket with a handerchief or some other object to receive a blessing. Not even the rain was able to dampen the youthful enthusiasm and silence the songs and prayers to Don Bosco which were the dominant notes of the festive occasion.

At 18.30 the casket was taken to the Institute of the “Colegio Don Bosco”, in the “El Zapote” district. Here inside the school chapel Mass was said by Bishop Guillermo Loría Garita of San Isidro de El General.

During the night there was a prayer vigil in the Salesian Institute led by the young people and which featured their prayers, hymns, joy and enthusiasm all in honour of Don Bosco.