austraLasia #2765 "...perhaps
with the hope that God’s grace could be mediated by this new technology"
VICTORIAS: December 7, 2010
-- The main story continues to be the DB Casket in Southern
Philippines, but a chance line in the first paragraph of our
correspondent's account, along with a vigorous discussion by some
theology students elsewhere in the world (but including one from FIS
Province) on post-modern contemporary 'icons' and whether they can
channel God's grace - or block it, gave some focus to this particular
part of Don Bosco's visit, at least for some readers. But back to
the main story....
"St. John Bosco’s relic had a rousing welcome from
the residents of Victorias Milling Company. Students from private and
public schools lined the streets waving flaglets and shouting
'welcome'! The whole day had moments of festivity and veneration.
During prayer moments, people lit candles and stood in silence.
Photographing was the hardest to control. People wanted to take
pictures not only for souvenirs but to send to their loved ones,
perhaps with the hope that God’s grace could be mediated by this new
technology. Boys took photos to send to their parents who were at work,
and parents sent photos to friends and children who could not come.
The students and alumni of Don Bosco Technical
Institute held a cultural show entitled “Thank you Don Bosco” to
signify that the saint continues to be alive in their midst. The
veneration by students and visitors continued the whole night.
On the morning of the 7th the Relic took a long
detour going to the Parish of St. Joseph. Municipal workers requested
the day before to have the relic pass by their establishment. They got
their wish. The police force joined in the short impromptu prayer
service. From there they requested a procession which took but a minute
to decide, considering that normally a permit is needed to disrupt the
traffic flow. The chief of police who was there gave the exception and
asked his officers to accompany St John Bosco to the parish church of
Our Lady of Victory, passing by the main road in the middle of business
establishments where people courteously stepped out to wave and make a
sign of the cross.
Another procession took place just a few metres away
from St. Joseph parish. This time not only children came to meet the
saint. Factory workers from the milling station went out still wearing
their hard hats and prayerfully waved at the passing relic. Fr Joemar
Bacucang, SDB led his parishioners in welcoming St John Bosco. In a
moving homily, he mentioned how the family of Don Bosco has grown in
numbers. But more important, those who have come to pray to him must be
moved to imitate his example of living holy lives that is visibly seen
in how we bring God’s love to others". _________________ AustraLasia is an
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