Driving Don Bosco around

That Don Bosco spent two full weeks in our Province is a great blessing indeed. Finally it is time to thank all those who made this visit possible and real. Among the list of those who deserve our thanks, the three persons who have been with Don Bosco all along measuring every length and breadth of the Andhra roads, deserve a special mention. Here is the photo of the three Italians who accompany Don Bosco's casket and serve as the drivers of the two specially designed vehicles used to transport the casket around the world.

Don Bosco at Kurnool

Kadapa Queues up to pay Homage to Don Bosco

In Kadapa everyone wanted Don Bosco to bless their home, street and Church... and so did Don Bosco! Rather than go straight to the Salesian house, the casket made brief halts at three Parishes and turned around every street of the city! Such was the zeal and fervour of the people for whom St Antony's Industrial Institute (run by the Salesians) has been more than just a landmark in the centre of the town. Fr Raminedi Balaraju, the Provincial, and himself a past-pupil of St Antony's, Kadapa presided over the Holy Eucharist and preached on the great deeds wrought about by the powerful intercession of Don Bosco. Read more!

Don Bosco in Ongole

The pilgrim journey of the Casket of Don Bosco had a rousing welcome at Ongole, in the Diocese of Nellore on September 18, 2011. The Salesian community, parish, the clergy and the faithful of Ongole Deanery made the visit of Don Bosco`s Casket memorable. The participation of the faithful in the whole night vigil with Don Bosco was indeed a great witness of faith and devotion. Read more...

The Salesian Sisters at Auxilium, Ongole extended a colourful reception to Don Bosco`s casket on 19th September 2011. Though the visit was quite short, intense moments of oneness with Don Bosco were vividly felt as the Salesian sisters led the entire gathering into spiritual mood. Rev Fr. Anthony Raj animated the prayer service in which all the parents, students participated devoutly.

Don Bosco at St Joseph's Cathedral, Nellore

The Diocese of Nellore was privileged to have the casket of Don Bosco on September 19, 2011. None other than the Bishop of the Diocese, Rev. Moses D. Prakasam, himself was present for the solemn reception, procession, veneration and Holy Mass around the casket, along with the clergy, religious and nearly 3000 lay faithful of the diocese. The occasion was coupled with the diocesan clergy recollection preached by Fr Yeruva Joji sdb, the vocation promoter of the Province who recently took charge of this responsibility.

In his sermon as well as the address to the people gathered, Bp Prakasam highlighted the sanctity of Don Bosco and expressed his great joy at having this rare privilege of the visit of this great Saint to his diocese. The local MLA, eminent members of the police force, ... Read more.

Don Bosco at PT Parru & Ponnur

Besides the immediate preparation, the co-operators of both PT Parru and Ponnur had made a very personal and committed service of informing and preparing the faithful for this rare opportunity. The police and the government officials played a significant role in controlling the crowds and enhanced towards better coordination of the entire event. It was an interesting sight to see the faithful of the substations arrive at the venue seated to full capacity on tractors to witness the great event. Read more...

Don Bosco at the Andhra Valdocco (Guntur)

After a spectacular homage to Don Bosco in the home of his daughters at Auxilium, the casket of Don Bosco proceeded to the mother house of the Province of St Joseph, Hyderabad on 17th September 2001. The Confreres, Sisters, teachers and the students of the Technical school, Parish and ITI joined the procession as the casket proceeded towards St Michael`s Boys Home, Ring road, Guntur. More than two thousand people participated with devotion in the two hour long procession from Auxilium to St Michael's at Ring road. Read more...

With the FMAs at Auxilium, Guntur

A brief halt at the Salesian Sisters school at Stambalagaruvu, Guntur witnessed a very emotional reception to Don Bosco on September 17, 2011. Sr Ruby the superior, in a very touching speech enumerated the role of Don Bosco in founding the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (popularly known as FMAs). Mr Shanthaiah, the lyricist of many a hymns of Don Bosco was specially felicitated on the occasion. Prior to the departure of the casket, the Sisters renewed their vows (singing it in Italian). Read more...

DB at Pezzonipet

The 16th September 2001 goes down as a memorable day for the Salesian Parish of Pezzonipet, Vijayawada as the casket of Don Bosco touring the Province of Hyderabad reached the Assumption Church at Pezzonipet. More than 10,000 people witnessed the blessed presence of Don Bosco throughout the day at Pezzonipet. Bp M. Prakash presided over the Eucharistic celebration. Earlier, led by young people on bikes, and accompanied by the police band, the casket journeyed through the streets of Vijayawada before entering the Parish compound. Read more...

Don Bosco at Ravulapalem

The students of the local Salesian school, the inmates of Don Bosco, Navajeevan Visakapatnam, the students of Don Bosco Peddabodepalli and the students from Auxilium Gawravaram, together with the Salesian family and the local people made Don Bosco come alive in the streets of Ravulapalem on Sept. 14, 2011. Right from the 2 hour long procession through the town of Ravulapalem to the late night vigil, Don Bosco's hand was busy... blessing people.

Bp Mallavarapu Prakash and Bp (emirutus) Mathew Cheriankunnel presided over the Holy Eucharist. With nearly 5000 people queuing up to visit and pray to Don Bosco, the Church was kept open much after midnight too. Read more...

Don Bosco amidst the apirants and Pre-novices

The casket of Don Bosco reached the aspirantate at Gunadala, Vijayawada on September 15, 2011 in the afternoon. Welcomed by confreres, the prenovices, aspirants (of various congregations, besides the Salesian formees), students of Carmel Nagar and several past pupils, the presence of Don Bosco was one of spiritual fervour and renewal. The day-long stay at Gunadala, one of the first Salesian houses in Andhra Pradesh, was filled with prayer services and continuous homage being paid by nearly 5000 people of the vicinity. Read more...

DB Premnivas welcomes the casket

Don Bosco Premnivas, Mangalagiri is perhaps the only Salesian house in the whole world that caters to the physically challenged children and youth. On September 12, 2011 Don Bosco himself paid the inmates a visit and the children let nothing - neither their physical deformities nor the dark clouds looming large over the campus - dampen their spirits in welcoming the one whom they look upto as their Father! Read more...

Don Bosco Visits Wyra

The pilgrim journey of the Casket of Don Bosco reached Don Bosco, Wyra on September 12, 2011. Confreres along with members of the school, Parish and neighbouring institutions gathered in large numbers to honour Don Bosco. Bp Paul Maipan of Khammam was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass. A variety of cultural programmes specially composed and choreographed for the occasion were performed. Read more...

The Wonder worker amidst the Wonderers at Karunapuram

Continuing its journey in the Salesian Province of Hyderabad, the casket of Don Bosco reached Karunapuram, the land of the Philosophers and students on September 11, 2011. Led by a candle lit procession, from the town centre to the Salesian house, Don Bosco was at home with his beloved - youngsters and young Salesians! The 7000 students of the vicinity, along with the Clerics and Brothers doing their Philosophical studies, the Salesian Sisters and the religious of the place were all set to celebrate Don Bosco.

Upon reaching Peddapendyala centre at 8 pm, Don Bosco was received with the traditional `kumbha aarathi' and led to the Salesian Community. Besides the lit candles and the faithful, the Brothers accompanied Don Bosco with the musical band. Read more...

With the FMAs at Nandigama

Don Bosco at Mariapuram

Cherishable moments at DB Chandur

Thronged by people, who over the years have 'known' Don Bosco and 'seen' him in the person of Priests and Brothers, now had a chance to meet him in person - none wanted to miss this golden opportunity. The people of Chandur (Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh) have long been beneficiaries of the educational and pastoral presence of Salesians (as well as FMAs). On September 11, 2011 the place was blessed with the holy presence of the relic of Don Bosco - indeed a gracious jubilee blessing. Read more...

Don Bosco at the Cathedral in Nalgonda

After a long and meaningful celebration of the presence of Don Bosco`s casket at Don Bosco Academy, the casket of Don Bosco reached the cathedral at Nalgonda. The casket of Don Bosco was led into the cathedral in the presence of the clergy and the faithful of Nalgonda town. Fr Jeevan, the parish priest welcomed the casket of Don Bosco in his introductory words and expressed his happiness as the casket of Don Bosco was brought to the cathedral. Read more...

DB accorded a royal welcome at Nalgonda

The sacred Relic of Don Bosco touring the Salesian Province of St Joseph, Hyderabad reached Don Bosco Academy, Nalgonda on 10th September 2011. The two hour long solemn procession through the town and the 4000 people in the campus ensured that Don Bosco was well received. Excitement led to eagerness and that was turned into devotion, once people encountered Don Bosco - a repetition of what Don Bosco did all along his life. Led by a beautifully decorated tractor... read more.

Farewell from Hyderabad

The historical and the long awaited visit of the casket containing the sacred relic of Don Bosco left the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad on 10th September 2011. Four long and memorable days of the presence of the relic of Don Bosco has indeed showered blessings in abundance on all those who paid a visit and prayed. The casket of Don Bosco was given a fitting and meaningful send off at... read more

Don Bosco at St Theresa's

Here are the photos of the visit of the relic of Don Bosco to St Theresa's Church, Sanathnagar. It was also the occasion for the blessing of the renovated Church.

DB meets St Theresa

The journey of love led by Don Bosco continued on September 9, 2011 to St Theresa's Church, Sanathnagar, the first Salesian Parish started by the Salesians in the city of Hyderabad. The double celebrations of the coming of Don Bosco and the blessing of the renovated Church were a sight to behold. In spite of different sodalities and groups of people paying their respects on an hourly basis, the rush of people never seem to end throughout the day.

Thanks to the spirited work of Fr Medabalimi Balaswamy and his active collaborators ... read more

Provincial Community around DB

The early hours of 09th September 9, 2011, the Provincial community spent time with Don Bosco and celebrated the Holy Eucharist around Don Bosco. One could see the serenity of the morning with the Provincial of Hyderabad, Fr Raminedi Balaraju and the other confreres concelebrate the Holy Eucharist with their founder in their midst. It seemed like they had relived the presence of their loving father. During the Eucharist the Provincial highlighted the need of recommitting one`s life to the teachings of Don Bosco. As a sign of this they renewed their vows in the presence of Don Bosco. The religious community bid goodbye to Don Bosco at 8 am.

St Mary's Cathedral, Secunderabad

A major stop of the relic outside the Salesian houses was at St Mary's Cathedral, Secunderabad. The relic was open for public veneration wherein large number of people from different walks of life, most of whom were familiar with Don Bosco, paid their homage to this great saint. Here are a few photos of the same stopover...

At St Mary's co-cathedral, Secunderabad

A major stop of the relic outside the Salesian houses was at St Mary's Cathedral, Secunderabad. The relic was open for public veneration wherein large number of people from different walks of life, most of whom were familiar with Don Bosco, paid their homage to this great saint.

Call it a matter of coincidence or choice, that Don Bosco, an ardent devotee of Mary, should once again find himself in a Church dedicated to Mary right on her b'day. The Holy Mass was presided over by the Vicar General of the archdiocese, Msgr Swarna Bernard and the sermon was preached by Fr Maddhichetty Noel sdb, the former Provincial. Read more...

On her b'day, at His Church!

The Nativity of Mother Mary (Sept. 8, 2011), the dear beloved Mother of Don Bosco, was the day Don Bosco chose to be at the Church of Christ the King, Ramanthapur. This day saw the solemn march and procession of Don Bosco`s children, to Christ the King church with his sacred relics. At 10.30 am a colourful welcome amidst music in the form of band by the students of Navajeevan and floral welcome by the residents of the parish and other collaborators belonging to the centre, marked the occasion.



After the initial welcome, the Parish Priest Fr David Francis, garlanded the relic, followed by the Holy Eucharist during which the Provincial Rev. Fr Balaraju welcomed the faithful and spoke to them about the sacredness of the visit of the relic. There was an array of dignitaries who came to pay their respects to this saint, the friend and teacher of the youth.

People poured-in in great numbers to pay homage to this great saint. At 2.30 pm the relic visited a near-by parish namely the Holy Spirit parish, a simple prayer service was conducted. It was really a very surprising thing to see the amount of love the old and young have for Don Bosco.

At Christ the King Church, Ramanthapur

Here's the video of the visit of the Relic to Christ the King Church, at Ramanthapur...

The streets come alive at Ramanthapur

He came to his own and his own recognised him. That`s what everybody who watched the joyous reception given by the boys, the staff, the students and the Salesians of Don Bosco Navajeevan, Ramanthapur felt. It was very spontaneous and well orchestrated. The casket of Don Bosco was taken in procession from the main road to Navajeevan accompanied by the Navajeevan Band and the boys shouting slogans.

What was very striking in the whole procession was the spontaneity with which the Navajeevan children gathered around their father who meant so much to them. Even the skies could not hold their joy as they began to shower their blessings on everybody. Read more...

DB at Ramanthapur

Here's the video of Don Bosco's gracious presence amidst the children, youth and well-wishers of Ramanthapur on September 7, 2011...

Young at Risk welcome DB, their father and friend

The children were overjoyed and shouted in glee. The little ones grew enthusiastic as Don Bosco`s relics were lowered from the wagon right in the middle of the colony, with the townsfolk watching with curiosity and devotion. The devotees of Sri Ganesha, led by the colony president, accompanied us as moved in a simple procession passing the Ganesha pandal.

Our children, for many of whom Don Bosco is their only father and mother, wanted to be near Don Bosco by all means. The local parish youth were present in strength. The Youth for Christ animated a programme for the boys. Salesian sisters and other groups of religious also participated. ... Read more

Reception at Don Bosco Motinagar

September 07, 2011 was a memorable day for the two thousand children, the college students, the staff, the Salesians, past pupils and the parents of Don Bosco, Motinagar. They gave a grand and homely welcome to their patron Saint. The sight of the young children waving the flags and shouting slogans welcoming Don Bosco was a sight to behold. Glowing tributes were paid to Don Bosco by the students, staff and past pupils of this 30 year old institute. ... Read more...

Don Bosco at Sanathnagar

Here's the video of the presence of the relic at Don Bosco School, Sanathnagar...

DB at his own Shrine, Hyderabad

Hyderabad welcomes Don Bosco!

Don Bosco, the saint of the young reached the land of the Sultans (the historical city of Hyderabad) at 6 pm on the 6th of September 2011. The Salesian confreres and the parishioners of Bandlaguda,alongwith the priests, religious and devotees from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad were present in earnest at the Shrine of Don Bosco to receive the one who has touched the lives of so many young people.
The concelebrated Eucharist by Rt. Rev. Thumma Bala, the archbishop of Hyderabad, the veneration of the Relic and the youth vigil were the highlights of the day. The youth and the faithful along with the Salesians waited ... read more.

He arrives!

Watch the proceedings and the solemn reception to
Don Bosco upon his arrival in Hyderabad
on September 6, 2011
LIVE on Zee TV (Telugu)
from 06.30 pm (18.30 hrs IST) onwards...
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Welcome HOME dear Don Bosco!
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Follow his gracious presence in the Salesian Province of Hyderabad from wherever you are... right here on this blog!