The casket containing the relic of Don Bosco is on a pilgrimage from Italy crossing 130 countries where Don Bosco’s Salesians are running educational institutions.
The casket containing the relic is already in Assam and will arrive in Shillong next month, said the chairman of the organising committee, Fr A.L. Joseph, while talking to reporters here.
The vehicle containing the relic will pass through various states in the Northeast, Bengal and other parts of the country where there is a large presence of Salesian fathers, brothers and nuns.
According to Fr Joseph, Don Bosco is a synonym for quality education and development of young people, especially of the poorer sections.
“He has become the symbol of excellence in education not only in traditional schools, colleges and universities but also in technical, vocational, job-oriented education and skills,” he said.
The Salesian family, which include the Salesian fathers and brothers of Don Bosco, Salesian sisters, together with over 30,000 educators, dozens of religious societies inspired by the spirit of Don Bosco and his educational methods, will celebrate the bi-centenary of his birth on August 16, 2015.
“He is a saint whose spirit inspires tens of thousands of men and women called Salesians to educate the young,” said Fr Antony, rector, Don Bosco Technical School.
According to the Salesian priests, the casket is also a reminder to all educators who can play a decisive role in society by following the educational methods of Don Bosco.