SPECIAL REPORT: Life of Don Bosco to become focus at Perth parishes

07 Sep 2023

By The Record

St John Bosco Relic Perth visit
Encased within an intricately designed glass casket, the relic statue houses a wax replica of the saint’s body, along with a treasured relic—a bone fragment from St John Bosco’s arm, symbolising his unwavering dedication to guiding and supporting the young. Photo: Salesians Pacific Province.

Perth parishes are set to become host to the relics of one of the world’s most revered saints.

In a momentous event, the Salesians of Don Bosco are commemorating a century of service and ministry in Australia. 

Dating back to March 30, 1923, when a group of dedicated Salesian missionaries set foot in Fremantle, Western Australia, the centenary celebrations are now in full swing, paying homage to a legacy that has significantly impacted the lives of countless young Australians.

At the heart of these celebrations is a nationwide tour of the relics of St John Bosco, the 19th-century priest renowned for his commitment to the education and empowerment of underprivileged youth.

Kicking off its journey from the Salesian Province Centre in Victoria on July 3, the relic statue’s tour will span several cities across Australia, including notable stops in Perth. Photo: Salesians Pacific Province.

Among the revered sites to host the statue are St Mary’s Cathedral Perth, Kelmscott Parish Good Shepherd Church, Fremantle Parish St Patrick’s Basilica, Lockridge Parish Good Shepherd Church, and Banksia Grove Parish John Paul II Church.

ACBC President and Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB will be welcoming the relics to a total of sic parishes.

A Salesian himself, ordained in 1986, Archbishop Costelloe has a close connection to the relics and St John Bosco.

A stained-glass window of St John Bosco at the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, Turin. Photo: Adobe/Anilah.

“The opportunity to venerate the relics of St John Bosco is a moment in time for the Perth Catholic community to experience a unique dialogue through prayer and reflection, remembering the profound impact Don Bosco had on the lives of so many people,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

“St John Bosco has a special place in my heart and inspired me to take up my vocation and join the Salesians and take up my vocation to the priesthood.”

“We too are called to follow in his footsteps, and I pray each one of us can learn to be a positive sign to the many young people, as well as the disadvantaged, exemplifying his timeless principles,” he continued.

Encased within an intricately designed glass casket, the relic statue houses a wax replica of the saint’s body, along with a treasured relic—a bone fragment from St John Bosco’s arm, symbolising his unwavering dedication to guiding and supporting the young.

An antique sculpture of Saint John Bosco “Don Bosco”, priest, confessor, founder of “Father and Techer of Youth from Catholic Church born in Sardinia and died in Turin, Italy with street children. Photo: Adobe/Lingkon Serao.