CATHOLIC YOUTH FOR CHRIST: B.C.C.M. Pays A Trubute To Don Bosco In Bangalore

As part of the world wide pilgrimage to mark the 150th anniversary of the Salesians of Don Bosco, an order Don Bosco founded, the Holy Relic (Right Hand) of the saint started its 130-country pilgrimage from Turin, headquarters of the Salesians of Don Bosco on January 31, 2009 and arrived in Bangalore on 27th August 2011.


The Holy Relic of Don Bosco at the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, Bangalore

It was an opportunity of a lifetime for the Bangalore Christian Community of Meghalaya to be present at the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, Bangalore to pay a tribute with their melodious voices to the patron, friend and educator of the youth. People present in the Cathedral were full of praise for our boys and girls. The beautiful khasi girls swathed in colorful and elegant silk 'dharas' (a two piece cloth worn by Khasi women) were the biggest attraction of the day. As they entered the gate of the Cathedral, all eyes were on them. There was not a single individual present on that day who was not awe-struck by the colors of Meghalaya. It was a day when every single member of the B.C.C.M. was filed with a deep sense of accomplishment and immense pride, after all they showcased the rich, vibrant and colorful culture of Meghalaya.


B.C.C.M at the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, Bangalore with Fr. T. C. George

Faithfuls waiting for the Holy Relic of Don Bosco

When the caravan carrying the Relic of Don Bosco reached the gate of the Cathedral, the joyous drumbeats and the jubilant sound of the bugle filled the air. As the relic progressed towards the Cathedral, the heavens sprinkled light shower. Oh! showers of blessings from the heavens up above indeed. Girls and boys in their colorful school uniform, young and old cared less about the rain. Such was the enthusiasm.


The Holy Relic of Don Bosco enters the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, Bangalore

The Relic was place just before the altar. As it entered the doors of the cathedral, a wave of silence swept the hearts and soul of every faithful present. Talks were delivered on the life of the great saint and hymns were sung in his honor. The Salesian brothers sang beautifully well, their hymns blended perfectly with the mood of the people walking in a queue to have a close look at the relic and to pray for their special intentions. Believers left the place with a deep feeling of contentment. Faith can move mountains indeed.


The Drumbeats, the bugles and showers from heaven welcomed the great Saint

The boys and girls of the B.C.C.M sang, Fr. Barnes Mawrie's "Give Peace A Chance," a song that calls mankind to embrace peace and shun violence. Throughout his lifetime, Don Bosco espoused peace and the Salesian Community till today continues to build peace through their numerous and dedicated service to the youth across the globe. The song was applauded by the people present

"Ngi long Ka Mluh Bad ka Jingshai" written by Anthony Khongsit and Kyrshan Khongwir gave a perfect and melodious tune to the song. The song speaks of the powerful youth power that Don Bosco believed, preached and practised. The song elicited positive energy and a radiance of youthfulness that was admired by all.

The Salesians of Don Bosco (S.D.B) took over the administration of the Assam Mission (which is a large part of the present day Meghalaya) from the Societa Divini Salvatoris (S.D.S.) on January 13th, 1922 after the S.D.S were asked to leave India by the then British Government. Fr. Louis Mathias the leader of pioneer missionaries of the S.D.B. to the Assam Mission before setting sail to Assam, described the mission as the 'New Pantagonia.' Amid the hardships and the bottlenecks of the time, the SDB missionaries worked laboriously in the hills and the church indeed grew through the ages. The Church in Meghalaya owes it's indomitable position in the society today in the field of education, health and society building to the ceaseless efforts of these missionaries. BCCM could not have paid a better tribute to the Patron Saint of the S.D.B. by singing the "Khynriam, U Pnar, U Bhoi, U War" a Khasi patriotic song that speaks of unity in diversity among the Khasis. The boys and girls sang with admirable patriotic fervor which is beyond description. The song was sung with a spirit of gratitude to the S.D.B. missionaries for their dedicated service in the home of the clouds, Meghalaya.

The Holy Relic enters the gate of the Cathedral

Some captured Glimpses of the memorable day: