Don Bosco in Cebu

Last night and tonight, I went back to my alma mater to visit the relic of our Patron Saint, Saint John Bosco, more popularly known to the world as Don Bosco. The relic consists of St. John Bosco’s right hand carefully preserved inside a sealed case and inserted in the chest of the life-like wax replica of the saint. His face was from his actual death mask. The relic left Valdocco, Italy on April 25, 2009 is on a world tour in 130 countries as pilgrimage in preparation for the saint’s 200th birth anniversary on Aug. 16, 2015.

Yesterday, I went with the L3nians, my former classmates, forever friends, brothers and team mates, and tonight, I went with my wife, daughter and sister, Khai. I was in tears during the Holy Mass because I again heard the mass songs sung only in Don Bosco schools. Last time I heard those songs was during my high school graduation 14 years ago.

It was a spiritual and a once in a lifetime experience since no one knows when the relic of Don Bosco will again tour the world, and if ever, if it'll again drop by the Philippines. It's also a dream come true because I remember looking at the picture of the relic when I was in Grade 5 at Bishop Patrick Buzon's office, wishing that I can someday go to Italy to see the real one. Don Bosco made sure I needed not to leave Cebu to see him.

Thank you, Don Bosco.

Thank you, Mary Help of Christians.