Youth fascinated by Bosco relic

TORONTO - More than a century after his death, St. John Bosco is still reaching out to youth.

That message was evident on Oct. 5 when St. Benedict parish hosted the relic of St. John Bosco. The founder of the Salesian order, St. John Bosco dedicated his life to the service and salvation of young people.

“I’ve heard so much about St. John Bosco but seeing him in person is truly inspiring,” said Harold Lumilan, a member of the youth group at St. Benedict’s parish and second-year psychology student at the University of Toronto.

After journeying through more than 130 countries since January 2009, the relic was welcomed by St. Benedict’s for a full day of celebrations, starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 11:30 p.m. The day included a youth hour that included hymns, lighting candles and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

In addition, the youth hour brought forth young Catholics to share personal accounts of how St. John Bosco and the Salesian community came to their aid in time of need.

Youth spoke about how the bad decisions they made, such as dropping out of school, affected their social and spiritual life. They also examined how God, Don Bosco and the Salesian Congregation helped them during times of suffering.

“This was truly inspiring and it takes a lot of courage to do that,” said Gareth Fernandes, a first-year student at Ryerson University. “The vigil really touched my heart and the whole experience was absolutely amazing.”

Salesian Father Michael Pace, pastor at St. Benedict’s, said more than 1,000 people attended the Solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop John Boissonneau.

“It (the relic) makes St. John Bosco come to life, giving the youth a special connection to the name they heard today. This experience of joy and celebration for this saint will provide encouragement to the youth and is truly and ultimately spiritually fulfilling.”

The relic was contained in a glass case weighing 820 kilograms. Inside lay a wax replica of St. John Bosco and bones and tissue from the saint’s right hand and arm. The Latin phrase “Da mini animas, cheater tolle” (Give me souls, take away the rest) was inscribed on the case.

The beautiful ceremony gave Julia Sutton a deeper sense of faith and a stronger connection with St. John Bosco. “I learned a lot about him,” said the Grade 12 student at Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School.  “He was a truly inspiring and amazing man whose mission for the youth still lives on today.”

St. John Bosco was born in Italy. Ordained a priest in his early twenties, he committed his life to serving young people, especially those who were less fortunate, by teaching the catechism. He established an oratory where youth could receive food and shelter while growing closer to the Lord. St. John Bosco later founded the Salesian congregation, comprising lay apostolates and priests committed to ministering to youth.

St. John Bosco dedicated his life to the youth. He was truly a shepherd that led his flock and he continues to lead Catholic youth today.

(Coelho, 17, is a Grade 12 student at Brebeuf College in Toronto.)