CHENNAI: The relic of Don Bosco received a traditional welcome at Ayanavaram on Sunday, with musicians playing nadhaswarams and mirudangams leading the way to the Don Bosco Shrine here. Thousands of devotees gathered at the Sayani Signal in Ayanavaram to greet the relic, which is the right arm of Saint John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco. The right arm is embedded in a wax replica of the Saint’s body, and is said to have miraculous healing powers.Waving flags with the words 'We love you Don Bosco' and shouting words of welcome as the relic was transferred from a van to the float, the enthusiastic crowd remained orderly throughout. The procession started from the signal and reached the Shrine of Don Bosco at noon. Father Xavier Backiam, one of the organisers, said, “More than 20 families from our city have seen miracles in their lives after praying to the Saint’s relic. This accounts for the enthusiastic reception,” he said and added, “Besides, Don Bosco was a very humble servant of God who did much good for the underprivileged. So, people are able to identify with him.”Cultural programmes were conducted in honour of the Saint. Dr Jeppiar, founder and Chancellor of Sathyabama University, was also present at the shrine to pay homage. An English service was conducted by Fr Anthony Raj Chinnappan, State Vice Chairman of Salesians-Chennai, and a Tamil Service by Fr Jayapalan Raphael, State Chairman of Salesians-Chennai.As part of a worldwide tour to mark the bicentenary celebration of the Saint’s birth as well as the 150th anniversary of the Salesians of Don Bosco, the relic will be in the city till November 17, and will be taken to all the institutes run by the order.
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