By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami

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MIAMI - In preparation for the bicentennial celebration of St. John Bosco's birth in 2015, St. John Bosco's relics, which have been traveling from Turin on pilgrimage, will arrive in South Florida on Saturday, September 25. St. John Bosco is the founder of the Salesians, who are known for their educational ministry to the poor around the world. He is also the patron saint of apprentices, editors and laborers.

The relics' first stop will be Immaculata-La Salle High School where an all night vigil, open to the public, will take place begining at 8 p.m. Sept. 25. There will be a series of activities for young people (middle school students, high school students, and parish youth group members) throughout the vigil. Sunday morning, Sept. 26 at 8 a.m., Archbishop Thomas Wenski will celebrate Mass with the religious, youths and public. Homilist at the Mass will be Father Thomas Dunne, provincial of the Eastern Province of the Salesians.

Following the liturgy, the relics will be moved to St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 3 miles away.

"The visit of Don Bosco, patron saint of the young, to Miami offers a wonderful opportunity to unite our youth in celebration, prayer, and worship, an opportunity for our clergy to reflect on their great vocation to be true shepherds to God's people," said Father Juan Paguaga, pastor, St. John Bosco Catholic Church. "It is an opportunity for religious to renew their dedication to their charisms and the service of others, and an opportunity for the laity to implore God's blessings through the intercession of this great saint."

On Sunday, Sept. 26 at St. John Bosco Church, Mass will be celebrated at 12: 30 p.m. followed by veneration of the Relic. Another Mass will take place that evening at 7 p.m. followed by veneration.

On Monday, Sept. 27, a Mass will be celebrated at 6 a.m and a farewell Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. At the conclusion of that Mass, the relic will leave South Florida for its next destination.

Immaculata-La Salle High School is located at 3601 South Miami Ave., Miami (33133); and St. John Bosco Catholic Church is located at 1349 West Flagler Street, Miami (33135).

The pilgrim journey through 130 nations began on January 31, 2009 and has already been to 10 countries in South America. In September 2010, Don Bosco's relics will arrive in the United States from Mexico.

For more information on this worldwide relic pilgrimage of St. John Bosco or to read about his life visit www.DonBoscoAmongUs.org or contact Sister Teresa Gutierrez of the Salesian Sisters at 786-427-5788 or Maria Morales, 305-283-7642 at St. John Bosco Church.

THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA ARE WELCOME.