Matters India reporter
Rome: The Italian police have recovered the relic of St John Bosco stolen on June 2 from his basilica at Becchi near Turin.
“Truly, Thank You,” said Salesian Rector Major Don Ángel Fernández Artime, after the authorities announced the discovery of the relic that was stolen from the Basilica of Castelnuovo.
“It is a news that fills us with joy. Although today the house of Don Bosco is in many oratories and suburbs all over the world, the place of that relic is the Don Bosco Basilica, in the very same physical place where we know Don Bosco was born (the Biglione farm) and where he could be revered by so many devotees coming from all over the world, who still find inspiration from the life and the Preventive System of Don Bosco,” the Rector Major was quoted by Salesian News Agency (ANS)
“With great joy, we receive and forward the press release of the Provincial Command of Italian Police, Asti who informs about the discovery of the relic of Don Bosco, stolen from the Lower Basilica of Colle Don Bosco in the evening of June 2,” said Salesian Provincial of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta, Father Enrico Stasi.
“First of all, I would like to acknowledge and express my profound gratitude to the Judiciary, l’Arma dei Carabinieri (the Italian Police), and all those who have contributed to the happy conclusion of this unpleasant incident,” Father Stasi added.
“It is a relief for the Salesians, for the Church of Turin and for the many friends of Don Bosco around the world who have profusely shown their closeness during this period.”
The return of the relic to its original place will be an additional sign of the benevolence and the blessing of Don Bosco for those who continue to keep his spirit alive in the world, he further said.