Visit of Don Bosco's Relic: Liturgies and Para-Liturgy

Visit of the Relic of St.
John
Bosco:
Dec. 23, 2010 – Jan. 15,
2010
CELEBRATIONS IN HONOR OF ST. JOHN

BOSCO
LITURGY & PARA-LITURGIES
Contents:
Welcoming the Relic
- Outside the Church.......................................................... 3
- Inside the Church ............................................................. 7
- When Holy Mass follows................................................... 11
Celebration of Handing Over

- At the end of the Holy Mass ............................................. 16
- Outside the Holy Mass .................................................... 17
Prayers for Venerations

- Children Meet. St. John Bosco ....................................... 19, 20
- Adolescents Meet St. John Bosco .................................. 19, 23
- Youth Meet St. John Bosco .......................................... 19, 26
- Adults Meet St. John Bosco .......................................... 19,29
- The Salesian Family Meet St. John Bosco ...................... 19, 32
- Personal Veneration .................................. .................. 19, 35
Holy Mass in Honor of St. John Bosco .................................... 37
Liturgies & Para-liturgy 1

Suggestion:
Prayers for Veneration be formatted
to fit one back-to-back sheet
for different groups to use as they come.
WELCOMING CEREMONY
In welcoming the Urn it is possible to accept the Rite of Blessing for the image of a Saint
taken from the Book of Blessings, using the same scheme. We suggest two approaches.
1. Welcome outside the church entering in procession.

2. Welcome inside the church.
Welcome outside the church entering in procession.

• Greeting outside the church
• Entering in procession
• Placement
Without mass OR With Mass
- Readings /Homily - Incensation
- Incensation - Holy Mass
- Veneration - Veneration
Welcome inside the church entering in procession.

• Entering in procession
• Introduction
• Placement
Without mass OR With Mass
- Readings /Homily - Incensatio
- Incensation n
- Veneration - Holy Mass
- Veneration

WELCOME OUTSIDE THE CHURCH
Priest: In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, crown of all the Saints, the love of God our
Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
R. And also with you.
Introductory Word
Priest: Dearly beloved, we welcome with great affection and devotion the relics of
St John Bosco. Our celebration, gives glory to God in the first place, the source
of all holiness. Let us prepare our hearts to understand the true meaning of this
celebration. In his lifetime, St. John Bosco always was first to approach, first to
give a kind word, first to visit. We continue to feel his care and welcome his
visit to our place.
Let us pray.
Lord God, in your providence you gave us Saint John Bosco, father and
teacher of the young, who worked with tireless zeal, under the guidance of the
Virgin Mary, for the good of the Church; arouse in us the same apostolic
charity, which urges us to seek the salvation of our brothers to serve you, our
one and only good, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who is God, and
who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
R. Amen.
Procession and Placement Of The Urn/ Relic inside the Church

Appropriate Song of the Saint is sung. Side location or angled sideways in respect to the altar.
Hymn To St. John Bosco St. John Bosco, Our Loving Father
Saint of youth, O Saint John Bosco
Set our hearts on God’s wonders St. John Bosco, our loving Father,
Lead us to our heavenly home Now we lift to thee our voices.
Saint John Bosco, Saint John Bosco! As we gather around thine altar,
(Saint John Bosco, Pray for us all) Far and wide the world rejoices.
St. John Bosco, we're thy dearest;
Saint of youth we come to you Whose protection are imploring.
Listen with a shepherd’s ear For in heaven thou remainest,
Hear us Father dear An apostle 'mid thee adoring.
Your children standing here // John Bosco, thy children on many a shore;
Bring us peace, calm our fear. Shall love and revere thee till time be no
more.// (2X)
Saint of youth we come to you
With you as guide, we journey on
In the dark of night

Keep us in your sight
Lead us safe to the light.
Saint of youth, we come to you

Bring us close to God’s embrace
Keep us in his grace
That in the end of days
We may see his loving face
After the relic is reposed
Option if Mass follows (go to page 11)
Option if no Mass follows:

R By offering the relics of St John Bosco to the devout attention of the faithful, holy
Mother Church wishes to place before us the image of those who, led by the Holy
Spirit, followed Jesus in life and in death, so that by lifting our gaze to heaven we
may see the way that the Saints have given us to follow. They are friends of the
Lord. They are our models and patrons. They love us. They come to our aid,
intercede for us, because of the mysterious bond of communion between the pilgrim
members of the Church on earth and those who have already entered the heavenly
Jerusalem.
(Please be seated)
An Excerpt in the Life of St. John Bosco

by Teresio Bosco
One evening in June, after a very tiring Sunday of confessions, preaching, leading his
youngsters in play, he fainted. He was a few meters from the Refuge and some passerby
carried him in there. During the night his temperature rose to alarming heights.
On the scaffolding of the masons, in the workshops of the young mechanics the news
spread throughout the city: “Don Bosco is dying.”
That evening, in a room at the Refuge where Don Bosco hovered between life and death
laid low by pneumonia, groups of bewildered lads began to arrive. They were still in their
working clothes. They had not eaten their tea in their hurry to get there. They were crying,
they were praying: “Good Lord, don’t let him die.”
For eight days Don Bosco was at death’s door. There were many boys who, for those whole
eight days, had not touched a drop of water to extort a special grace from heaven. At the
Church of the Consolata, young workmen took turns to pray, night and day, in front of the
statue of the Madonna. At times their eyes closed in sleep but these lads stuck to it because
DON BOSCO MUST NOT DIE!
The grace was obtained, extorted from the Madonna by her little ones who could not bear
the thought of being deprived of their father.
One Sunday, after midday, leaning on a stick, Don Bosco slowly walked back to the Oratory.
The boys flew to meet him. The bigger lads made him sit on a chair, they lifted him and it on
to their shoulders, carried him in triumph to the courtyard. They sang and they cried, these
little ones of Don Bosco, and he cried with them.
They went into the chapel and thanked the good Lord. Don Bosco managed to say a few
words: “I owe my life to you. Be certain of this, from this day forward I will spend it entirely
for you.”

Homily
Psalm
(Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6)
R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints
Blessed the man who follows not

the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
Not so the wicked, not so;

they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
(All stand)
Prayer of the Faithful
Priest: In this celebration in honour of the Father and Teacher of the young, we
address our prayer to God the Father, who is always ready to accept the
prayers of his children
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
R. For the Pope, bishops, priests and deacons: that they may proclaim the
Gospel of truth and joy through generous witness to their calling,
we pray to the Lord.
R. For all people of good will: that their commitment to a better world may be
based on a generous and disinterested love, we pray to the Lord.

R. For the Salesians and the Salesian Sisters that by imitating St John Bosco in
his total gift of his life and service of the young, they may learn how to form in
them the true image of Christ, we pray to the Lord.
R. For neglected, marginalised young people without ideals: that they may find in
every son and daughter of St John Bosco a friend to help them to construct
their life according to the Gospel, we pray to the Lord.
R. For all those involved in the Christian education of the young: that they may
find in their holy Patron a teacher and guide to inspire them in their mission,
R. For those of us gathered here at the Urn of St John Bosco: that with him as a
model for holiness we may be committed each day to carrying out the Gospel
teaching of love and mutual acceptance to one day be welcomed into the
Lord's presence, we pray to the Lord.
Other intentions
Priest Ever faithful God, you gave to Saint John Bosco a great and generous heart;
hear our prayer, that with your Spirit as our guide we may strive to live out
each day what we have asked for with faith. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Priest: The Lord's Prayer follows

Our Father.
Final Prayer
Priest: Let us pray.
O God source of all grace and holiness, look with love on your faithful who
have welcomed this reliquary of St John Bosco, friend and heir of Christ,
and faithful witness to the Gospel. May his intercession at the throne of your
glory, bring us closer to your, through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Incensation
The celebrant venerates the Urn/ Relic with incense. Following this some
young people may decorate the Urn symbolically with flowers and lamps, or
with two appropriate sentences chosen from the Gospel and from writings of
the Saint.
Conclusion
Priest: The priest extends his hands over those present saying:
O God, your are the glory and joy of your faithful servants. You gave us in St
John Bosco a sign of your protection. Free us from present evils. May his
example urge us to live according to the Gospel, in the service of God and our
brothers and sisters.
R. Amen.
Priest: And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
descend on you, and with you remain forever.

R. Amen.
Hymn in honour of St John Bosco

Private / Group Veneration
WELCOME INSIDE THE CHURCH (when no Holy Mass follows)
The Relic/ Urn is solemnly wheeled into the church, preferably a side location or angled
sideways in respect to the altar. An appropriate song is sung. Suggestions below.
Saint of youth, O Saint John Bosco St. John Bosco, our loving Father,
Set our hearts on God’s wonders Now we lift to thee our voices.
Lead us to our heavenly home As we gather around thine altar,
Saint John Bosco, Saint John Bosco! Far and wide the world rejoices.
(Saint John Bosco, Pray for us all) St. John Bosco, we're thy dearest;
Whose protection are imploring.
Saint of youth we come to you For in heaven thou remainest,
Listen with a shepherd’s ear An apostle 'mid thee adoring.
Hear us Father dear // John Bosco, thy children on many a
Your children standing here shore;
more.// (2X)

Placement Of The Urn/ Relic

Side location or angled sideways in respect to the altar.
Everyone makes the sign of the Cross, while the priest says
Priest: In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, crown of all the Saints, the love of God our
Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you.

Introductory Word
Priest: Dearly beloved, we welcome with great affection and devotion the relics of St
John Bosco. Our celebration, gives glory to God in the first place, the source of
all holiness. Let us prepare our hearts to understand the true meaning of this
celebration.
R. By offering the relics of St John Bosco to the devout attention of the faithful,
holy Mother Church wishes to place before us the image of those who, led by
the Holy Spirit, followed Jesus in life and in death, so that by lifting our gaze to
heaven we may see the way that the Saints have given us to follow. They are
friends of the Lord. They are our models and patrons. They love us. They
come to our aid, intercede for us, because of the mysterious bond of
communion between the pilgrim members of the Church on earth and those
who have already entered the heavenly Jerusalem.
Prayer
Lord God, in your providence you gave us Saint John Bosco, father and
teacher of the young, who worked with tireless zeal, under the guidance of the
Virgin Mary, for the good of the Church; arouse in us the same apostolic
charity, which urges us to seek the salvation of our brothers to serve you, our
one and only good, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who is God, and
who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
R. Amen.
An Excerpt in the Life of St. John Bosco

by Teresio Bosco
One evening in June, after a very tiring Sunday of confessions, preaching,

leading his youngsters in play, he fainted. He was a few meters from the Refuge
and some passerby carried him in there. During the night his temperature rose
to alarming heights.
On the scaffolding of the masons, in the workshops of the young mechanics the
news spread throughout the city: “Don Bosco is dying.”
That evening, in a room at the Refuge where Don Bosco hovered between life
and death laid low by pneumonia, groups of bewildered lads began to arrive.
They were still in their working clothes. They had not eaten their tea in their
hurry to get there. They were crying, they were praying: “Good Lord, don’t let
him die.”
For eight days Don Bosco was at death’s door. There were many boys who, for
those whole eight days, had not touched a drop of water to extort a special

grace from heaven. At the Church of the Consolata, young workmen took turns
to pray, night and day, in front of the statue of the Madonna. At times their eyes
closed in sleep but these lads stuck to it because DON BOSCO MUST NOT DIE!
The grace was obtained, extorted from the Madonna by her little ones who could
not bear the thought of being deprived of their father.
One Sunday, after midday, leaning on a stick, Don Bosco slowly walked back to
the Oratory. The boys flew to meet him. The bigger lads made him sit on a chair,
they lifted him and it on to their shoulders, carried him in triumph to the
courtyard. They sang and they cried, these little ones of Don Bosco, and he cried
with them.
They went into the chapel and thanked the good Lord. Don Bosco managed to
say a few words: “I owe my life to you. Be certain of this, from this day forward I
will spend it entirely for you.”
Homily
Psalm
(Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6)

He is like a tree

(All stand)

Gospel of truth and joy through generous witness to their calling,
Other intentions
Priest: The Lord's Prayer follows

Our Father.
Final Prayer
O God source of all grace and holiness, look with love on your faithful who
have welcomed this reliquary of St John Bosco, friend and heir of Christ,
and faithful witness to the Gospel. May his intercession at the throne of your
glory, bring us closer to your, through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Incensation
The celebrant venerates the Urn/ Relic with incense. Following this some
young people may decorate the Urn symbolically with flowers and lamps, or
with two appropriate sentences chosen from the Gospel and from writings of
the Saint.
Conclusion
Priest: The priest extends his hands over those present saying:
O God, your are the glory and joy of your faithful servants. You gave us in St

John Bosco a sign of your protection. Free us from present evils. May his
example urge us to live according to the Gospel, in the service of God and our
brothers and sisters.
R. Amen.
Priest: And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
descend on you, and with you remain forever.
R. Amen.

Private / Group Veneration
HOLY MASS WHEN WELCOMING THE RELIC (after reposing the Relic)
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
In your providence you have given us Saint John Bosco,
the father and teacher of youth,
who under the guidance of the Virgin Mary
worked with untiring zeal
for the good of the Church;
inspire us with that same apostolic charity,
to seek the salvation of our neighbour
and so serve you, the one and only good.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Reading of the Word of God
1st Reading:
A Reading from the Book of Ezekiel
(Ezek 34, 11-12.15-16.23-24.30-31)
For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep. As a shepherd
tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I

will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark. I
myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD. The lost I will
seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal (but the
sleek and the strong I will destroy), shepherding them rightly.
I will appoint one shepherd over them to pasture them, my servant David; he shall pasture
them and be their shepherd. I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be
prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. Thus they shall know that I, the LORD, am
their God, and they are my people, the house of Israel, says the Lord GOD. (You, my sheep,
you are the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, says the Lord GOD.)
The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6)


He is like a tree

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 5:1-12a)
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his
disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you O Lord, Jesus Christ.
Homily

Gospel of truth and joy through generous witness to their calling, we pray to
the Lord.
Other intentions

Prayer Over Gifts
Priest: Accept, holy Father,

The sacrifice we offer you
with sincere devotion;
grant that we may love you above all else,
so that our whole life
may be a hymn to your glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Preface
Saint John Bosco, a gift of God to the Church
P. The Lord be with you

P. Lift up your hearts.

R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

P. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,

we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Father of eternal love

you have raised up Saint John Bosco in the Church
as the father, brother and friend of the young,
to lead them along the way of salvation.
With a prophetic vision of new times to come,

he prepared them to face up to life
with honesty, integrity and active faith.
Under the impulse of your Spirit,

he brought into being a great Family
to continue throughout the world
his mission of father and teacher.
And we, gathered together in festive assembly,

raise up to you, Father,
our hymn of adoration and praise,
as together with the angels and saints in heaven
we proclaim your glory saying (singing):

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power amd might,
heaven and earth are full of youir glory.
Hosannah in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
Anyone who welcomes one little child like this in my name
Welcomes me, says the Lord.
Prayer After Communion
Priest: Father, you have nourished us

with this sacrament of salvation;
help us to imitate the tireless activity of Saint John Bosco
in bringing young people to the love of Christ, your Son,
the inexhaustible source of new life.
He lives and reigns forever and ever.
Prayer Of Thanksgiving
People: Almighty and eternal God,

we thank you for the gift of St John Bosco,
father and teacher of the young.
Bless all of us all
who have come with such devotion to see his relics
and to ask him to intercede with You.
Free us from every affliction of body and mind,
look after is in your mercy here and everywhere
and keep us in your grace,
so that we may deserve to come to the joy of Paradise.
Bless and guard these relics
and all the faithful who receive a visit from this Urn
so that by praying to St John Bosco
they may come to You, O Father, who visits his people
and proclaims through the life of your Saints
the wonders of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who is God and lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
forever and ever. Amen.

(If the Relic is to be handed over after the Mass, the Prayer for Handing Over is inserted
here before the Solemn Blessing)
Solemn Blessing
Priest: May the Lord who inspires every good intention

protect you always by his grace
and keep you faithful to your baptismal promises.
R. Amen.
Priest: May Christ, the Good Shepherd,

enable you to serve with joy your brothers and sisters
after the example of our (your) holy Founder.
R. Amen.
Priest: May the Lord grant you,

who have celebrated with joy the feast of Saint John Bosco,
to walk always in faith, hope and love.
R. Amen.
Priest: And may the blessing of almighty God,

Father, Son + and Holy Spirit,
Come down on you, and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen
CELEBRATION OF HANDING OVER (At the Conclusion of the Mass)

(After the post communion prayer.)
Incensation (The celebrant venerates the Urn with incense)
Handing Over
(The celebrant greets representatives of the community who will next receive
the Urn of the Saint and invites them to receive the solemn blessing which will
accompany them on the journey.)
Blessing
Priest: To you, who are about to receive the relics of St John Bosco, may the Lord
grant that you may always walk in faith, hope and love, may he look after you
and protect you as you walk to your community.
R. Amen.
Mass Conclusion:
Priest The Lord be with you.

Priest: And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, descend
on you, and with you remain forever.
R. Amen.
Priest: The Mass is ended, let us go in peace
R: Thanks be to God
Final Hymn
CELEBRATION OF HANDING OVER (Outside the Mass)

(This celebration may take place at the conclusion of the Thanksgiving Mass taken from the Proper
of St John Bosco. After the post communion prayer the following schema is possible.)
Priest In the Name of the Father...

The Lord be with you.
Priest Let us pray.

Father God,
we thank you for blessing us with the visit of
our saintly Father, friend and guide, St. John Bosco.
May the graces we have received through his intercession
allow us to come closer to you and one another
through Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayer Of Thanksgiving
People: Almighty and eternal God,
we thank you for the gift of St John Bosco,
father and teacher of the young.
Bless all of us all
who have come with such devotion to see his relics
and to ask him to intercede with You.
Free us from every affliction of body and mind,
look after is in your mercy here and everywhere
and keep us in your grace,
so that we may deserve to come to the joy of Paradise.
Bless and guard these relics
and all the faithful who receive a visit from this Urn
so that by praying to St John Bosco
they may come to You, O Father, who visits his people
and proclaims through the life of your Saints
the wonders of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who is God and lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Incensation
Priest: O Father, you have given us your blessings through your saints.
May we imitate the tireless efforts of St John Bosco
to bring the young to the love of Christ your Son,
He who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Priest: Gathering our prayers and praises into one let us now pray...
Our Father in heaven....
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father....
(while the prayers are recited the preside incenses the relic)
Handing Over
(The celebrant greets representatives of the community who will next receive
the Urn of the Saint and invites them to receive the solemn blessing which will
accompany them on the journey.)
Blessing
Priest: To you, who are about to receive the relics of St John Bosco, may the Lord
grant that you may always walk in faith, hope and love, may he look after you
and protect you as you walk to your community.
R. Amen.
Conclusion:
Priest The Lord be with you.
Priest: And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
descend on you, and remain with you forever.
R. Amen.
Hymn (Farewell Song: “Live the Dream” or any appropriate song)

PRAYERS FOR VENERATION
Don Bosco Meets The Children
Saint of youth, O Saint John Bosco St. John Bosco, our loving Father,
Set our hearts on God’s wonders Now we lift to thee our voices.
Lead us to our heavenly home As we gather around thine altar,
Saint John Bosco, Saint John Bosco! Far and wide the world rejoices.
(Saint John Bosco, Pray for us all) St. John Bosco, we're thy dearest;
Whose protection are imploring.
Saint of youth we come to you For in heaven thou remainest,
Listen with a shepherd’s ear An apostle 'mid thee adoring.
Hear us Father dear // John Bosco, thy children on many a
Your children standing here shore;
more.// (2X)

Beginning
Leader: In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
Leader: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, crown of all the Saints, the love of God our
Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with us all.

Celebrations you can choose:
1. For Children
2. For Adolescents (1st and 2nd Year)
3. For Youth (15 years old and up)
4. For Adults
5. For Salesians and Religious People
6. Personal Veneration to the Relic
Children Meet Don Bosco

Leader: We come together grateful to God for this opportunity to venerate his servant,
St. John Bosco who during his life gave all his time, energy and resources
teaching, guiding and loving the young, especially those who were abandoned
and uncared for.
We come in homage to St. John Bosco.

We also come with our prayers, asking him to bring our intentions to God.
A Reading from the Life of Saint John Bosco

The Young Acrobat
(Excerpt Adapted from “The Memoirs of the Oratory” by St. John Bosco)
When I was ten years old, I did what stand on a bench so that all could
was possible at my age and formed a hear and see.
kind of festive oratory. An oratory is
a place where young people could When the weather was fine,
play and pray at the proper time. It is especially on Sundays and feast
also a place where they could learn. days, a few strangers would come
along to swell the ranks. Things were
Though I was still pretty small, I tried getting a bit more serious now. The
always to help and never to hurt. So entertainment now extended to
my companions were quite fond of tricks I had picked up from acrobats
me. I would take their side when and magicians I had watched in the
quarrels broke out. Though I was not marketplace and at fairs. I used to
very big, I was strong and brave watch them closely to get the hang
enough to stand up even to older of the tricks, then go home and
companions. Whenever arguments, practise till I had mastered the skill.
questions, or quarrels of any kind You can imagine all the falls and
arose, I acted as arbiter, and tumbles and bumps and crashes I
everyone accepted my decisions with was always having! But would you
good grace. believe that by the time I was eleven
I could juggle, do midair somersaults
But it was to hear my stories that and the swallow trick, and walk on
they flocked round me. In the my hands. I could walk, jump, and
wintertime, everyone wanted me in even dance on the tightrope like a
the stable to tell stories. I would professional acrobat.

of my stock in trade. I walked the
When I had everything set up and tightrope like an ordinary path,
everyone was eager to marvel at my jumped and danced on it, and hung
latest feats, I would invite them to by one foot or one hand, sometimes
recite the rosary and sing a hymn. by two.
Then standing on the chair, I
preached to them or, better, This went on for several hours. At the
repeated as much as I could end of it I was tired. A short prayer
remember from the explanation of brought proceedings to a close, and
the gospel I had heard in church that everyone went about his business.
morning; or sometimes I recalled Those who cursed or engaged in bad
episodes from something I had heard talk or refused to join in the prayers
or read. After the sermon there was a were not allowed to watch the show.
short prayer, and then the show
began. At that point you would have Now you might ask me, Did my
seen, just as I am telling you, the mother mind my wasting my time
preacher transformed into a playing magician? I assure you that
professional acrobat. my mother loved me dearly, and I
had boundless trust in her. I would
I did the swallow trick and not take one step without her
somersaults, walked on my hands, approval. She knew everything, saw
got myself out of a tied sack, everything, and let me do it. Indeed,
swallowed coins and then produced if I needed something, she willingly
them from someone's nose. I came to my help. My companions
multiplied balls and eggs, changed and generally all the spectators
water into wine, killed and chopped gladly gave me what was necessary
up a chicken and then brought it to provide them with those
back to life again so that it crowed amusements.
better than before. These were part
Homily
Symbolic Offerings/ Commitment Signs (Sample)

Design a symbolic offering for kids. Something like the sample here.
Some youngsters bring a vase containing earth and a container with seeds in front of the
Urn. The priest then says these or similar words. The sign could be altered according to the
circumstances.
Dear young friends, you have heard how St John Bosco, from his childhood, put his
life at the disposition of others for love of the Lord. To do everything that Jesus asked
of him, he made many sacrifices and his efforts brought many good results. We could
say that St. John Bosco was consumed with love for others.
These seeds too, in order to grow and bear fruit have to be sacrificed: in fact they
have to die in the ground in order to become a plant.
We also wish to live for others like young John Bosco, and to help us to keep our
commitment we become seeds.
One at a time we will plant our little seed in the ground to remind us that to grow and
bear fruits of love we need to act courageously and be ready to make sacrifices.
May St John Bosco help us to love the Lord.

While the youngsters line up to seeds, there can be a suitable hymn.
Other Options would be:

a) They offer in a vase a commitment they have written in a piece of paper
b) A flower that symbolizes a virtue they want to receive and live
Prayer to St. John Bosco

O Saint John Bosco, father and teacher of youth, who labored so much for the salvation of souls, be
our guide in seeking the good of our souls and the salvation of our neighbor; help us to be mindful of
all our actions and to practice daily our faith; teach us to love Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Mary
Help of Christians and our Holy Father the Pope. And obtain for us the grace of living and dying as
friends of God so that we may all be gathered together with you in heaven. Amen.
Prayer for One’s Parents

O Saint John Bosco, having lost your father at such a tender age, you experienced the difficulties of
being raised by a single parent, yet your home was always filled with love and discipline, of virtue
and faith. Through your intercession, bless my parents. May God continue to instill in them a
sacrificial devotion to our family, a flaming zeal in witnessing unconditional love towards each other
and their children. Bless their work. Make their efforts bear fruit and their plans meet success.
Protect them from harm and let them be concerned with living a healthy lifestyle both in body and
spirit. When they reach the sunset of their lives, teach them to grow old in grace and wisdom. Let
them have faith in the love their children have for them. Sustain and strengthen them in their weak
moments. May all that they do give glory to You. Amen.
Prayer for Choosing Friends

O Saint John Bosco, you have always offered a warm and welcoming friendship to those you meet.
Let your warmth and quiet discernment be with me when choosing my friends. Grant me the grace to
find good peers who can be positive and joyful influences in my life and that I be the same in theirs.
May my youth be blessed with wholesome fun and adventure, knowledge and learning, joys and
successes, challenges and trials in the company of friends who are bound by true friendship and
goodness. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer Follows

Our Father
Prayer of Blessing
Leader: O God source of all grace and holiness,
look with love on these children
who have prayed at the relics of St John Bosco,
friend and heir of Christ,
faithful witness to the Gospel:
may we experience the effectiveness of his intercession
at the throne of your glory,
so that we too may become
friends of the Lord and bear fruits of love.
through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Conclusion
Leader: O God, glory and joy of your faithful servants,
who in St John Bosco

gave us a sign of your love,
let your face shine on us,
Through Christ our Lord
R. Amen.
Leader: May the intercession of St John Bosco help you to be good and cheerful.
May his example urge you to cultivate friendship with Jesus and Mary,
to serve God and your brothers and sisters in love.
R. Amen.
Leader: In the name of the Father....

Adolescents (1st & 2nd Year) Meet Don Bosco
Leader: We come together grateful to God for this opportunity to venerate his servant,
St. John Bosco who during his life gave all his time, energy and resources
teaching, guiding and loving the young, especially those who were
abandoned and uncared for.
We come in homage to St. John Bosco.

We also come with our prayers, asking him to bring our intentions to God, especially our
prayers for enlightenment, protection and guidance.
A Reading From The Life Of Saint John Bosco

(Excerpts from “The Memoirs of the Oratory” – First Communion, Fr. Calosso, Studies)
I was eleven years old when I made my many times was this: "My dear son,
first holy communion. I knew my this is a great day for you. I am
catechism well. The minimum age for convinced that God has really taken
first communion was twelve years. My possession of your heart. Now promise
mother had to do almost all the him to be good as long as you live. Go
religious instruction. She did not want to communion frequently in the future,
me to get any older before my ad- but beware of sacrilege. Always be
mission to that great act of our frank in confession, be obedient
religion, so she took upon herself the always, go willingly to catechism and
task of preparing me as best she sermons. But for the love of God,
could. She sent me to catechism class avoid like the plague those who
every day. My mother coached me for indulge in bad talk."
days and brought me to confession
three times during that Lent. I treasured my mother's advice and tried
to carry it out. I think that from that
"My dear John," she would say, "God is day on there was some improvement
going to give you a wonderful gift. in my life, especially in matters of
Make sure you prepare well for it. Go obedience and submission to others. It
to confession and don't keep anything was not easy for me to be submissive
back. Tell all your sins to the priest, be because I liked to do things my way
sorry for them all, and promise God to and follow my own childish whims
do better in the future." I promised all rather than listen to those who gave
that. God alone knows whether I have me advice or told me what to do.
been faithful to my resolution.
One thing that was a source of concern to
At home, she saw to it that I said my me was that there was no church or
prayers and read good books; and she chapel where I could sing and pray
always came up with the advice which with my companions. To hear a
a diligent mother knows how to give sermon or attend a catechism lesson
her children. meant a round trip of 9 kilometers.
On the morning of my first communion, On one April evening, as I was making my

my mother did not permit me to speak way home after listening to a sermon
to anyone. She accompanied me to by a missionary, one of those who
the altar and together we made our walked along with us was Fr Calosso of
preparation and thanksgiving. It was Chieri, a very devout priest. Although
my mother's wish for that day that I he was old and bent, he made the
should refrain from manual work. long walk to hear the missionary. He
Instead, she kept me occupied reading looked me over and then began to talk
and praying. Amongst the many with me.
things that my mother repeated to me
Liturgy & Para-liturgies 24

It was my first conversation with a priest. Amongst other things he forbade a
To him, I expressed my desire to study penance I used to practise; he
and become a priest. We were too deemed it unsuited to my age and
poor. And my mother could not afford circumstances. He encouraged
to put me in school. This priest said, frequent confession and communion.
"Cheer up now. I'll keep you and your He taught me how to make a short
schooling in mind. Come to see me on daily meditation, or more accurately, a
Sunday with your mother. We'll spiritual reading. I spent all the time I
arrange something." could with him; I stayed with him on
feast days. I went to serve his Mass
He became my teacher and my regular during the week when I could. From
spiritual director, a faithful friend of then on I began to savour the spiritual
one's soul. life; up to then I had acted in a purely
mechanical way, not knowing the
reasons.
Homily

Some youngsters bring a vase containing earth and a container with seeds in front of the
Urn. The priest then says these or similar words. The sign could be altered according to
the circumstances.
Dear young friends, you have heard how St John Bosco, from his childhood, put his
life at the disposition of others for love of the Lord. To do everything that Jesus
asked of him, he made many sacrifices and his efforts brought many good results.
We could say that St. John Bosco was consumed with love for others.
These seeds too, in order to grow and bear fruit have to be sacrificed: in fact they
have to die in the ground in order to become a plant.
We also wish to live for others like young John Bosco, and to help us to keep our
commitment we become seeds.
One at a time we will plant our little seed in the ground to remind us that to grow
and bear fruits of love we need to act courageously and be ready to make
sacrifices.
May St John Bosco help us to love the Lord.
While the youngsters line up to seeds, there can be a suitable hymn.
Other Options would be:

a) They offer in a vase a commitment they have written in a piece of paper
b) A flower that symbolizes a virtue they want to receive and live
Leader: Prayer to St. John Bosco

All: In need of special help, we appeal with confidence to you, Saint John Bosco, for we
require not only spiritual graces, but also temporal ones, and particularly...
(pause for personal intentions)
May you, who on earth had such great devotion to Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians, and who always had compassion for
those who were suffering, obtain from Jesus and His Heavenly Mother the grace
we now request, and also a sincere resignation to the Will of God.

(Recite the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be)
Leader: St. John Bosco, friend of souls, to you we recommend the salvation of our souls.
Your heart was always full of love for all human needs. We pray, implore for us
from God the graces we seek.
All: Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…
Leader: Litany in honor of St. John Bosco

Lord, have mercy on us… Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us… Christ, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World… Have Mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit… Have Mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God… Pray for us.
Mother Mary, help of Christians… Pray for us.
Response: Pray for us.

St. John Bosco, father of the youth…
St. John Bosco, champion of the Eucharist…
St. John Bosco, tireless apostle of reconciliation
St. John Bosco, obedient to the plan of God…
St. John Bosco, obedient to the authority of the Church…
St. John Bosco, devoted son of Mary…
St. John Bosco, promoter of unity in times of division…
St. John Bosco, educator of faith and morals…
St. John Bosco, role model to youth…
St. John Bosco, consoler of the poor and the ordinary…
St. John Bosco, champion of vocations…
St. John Bosco, friend of apprentices and young laborers…
St. John Bosco, friend of struggling youth…
St. John Bosco, guide of the young in conflict with the law…
St. John Bosco, creative inspiration of catechists…
St. John Bosco, patron of Catholic editors…
St. John Bosco, patron of school children and students…
St. John Bosco, inspiration of writers…
St. John Bosco, defender of the least, the last and the lost…
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the worl, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the worl, Have mercy on us.
Conclusion / Prayer Of Blessing


R. Amen.
Leader: St. John Bosco,

All: Pray for us.
Leader: Mary, help of Christians…
All: Pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Young People Meet Don Bosco
Leader: We gather together grateful to God for this opportunity to venerate his
servant, St. John Bosco who during his life time offered all his giftedness,
energy and resources to guide and teach the young, especially those who
were abandoned and uncared for.
We come in homage to St. John Bosco. We also come with our prayers, asking him to
bring our intentions to God – enlightenment to pursue a life that is
meaningful, strength to avoid what is wrong and do good joyfully, and
consistency in being good influence to others.
A Reading From The Life Of Saint John Bosco (by Teresio Bosco)
DEATH IN THE STREET OF TURIN
July 1854. Frightening news ran They were days of intense work.
through Turin. Cholera had struck Those struck by the sickness
and was spreading. A month later, needed help, especially in the first
Turin looked like a dead city. hours. They needed massage to
Hundreds were dying in their help the circulation of the blood
homes or in hospitals. All those and to provoke sweating.
who could, fled the city.
For more than a month the 44 boys
That evening Don Bosco spoke to the had no set timetable by day or
big boys of the Oratory: “The night. And Don Bosco gave the
Mayor has launched an appeal. If example; always ready to help, to
any of you feel like coming with comfort, to administer the last
me to the hospitals and private sacraments. Among these boys
houses to care for those struck was John Cagliero, the future
down by the cholera, we would be bishop and Salesian cardinal.
doing a fine thing and something There was also Dominic Savio, the
very pleasing to the Lord. I young saint from Mondonio, and it
guarantee that, provided you was just during these days he
remain in the state of grace, and showed a glimpse of his sanctity.
do not commit any mortal sins,
not one of you will be touched by Walking along a street one evening,
the cholera.” Dominic looked up at a window
and, as if a voice was calling him,
That very evening, fourteen of his entered the house and quickly ran
bigger boys handed in their up the stairs. Without a moment’s
names. A few days later, another hesitation, he knocked at the
thirty followed their example. door. The owner came out.

“Excuse me”, Dominic said, “there
must be someone here who has “How could the boy know that?” the
been hit by the cholera and needs poor man repeated to himself as
help.” The poor man stared: “No, he hurried down to get a priest.
no, there’s no-one here. If there He just remembered that this poor
was I wouldn’t be here, for sure.” woman, who went early to work
“Are you sure?” the owner asked. each day, had returned late at
“Definitely, ” said Dominic. night, had asked some time ago if
she could sleep in the attic. He
“Then I think you have made a had forgotten all about her.
mistake. Let me have a look.” The
master of the house knew that no- The priest came and was able to give
one, thanks be to God, was sick. the poor dying woman the last
But that lad was so insistent that sacraments.
it seemed... “Alright. Come in and
have a look. But you’ll find out In a corner, his hat in his hand, the
you are mistaken.” owner of the house scratched his
head and continued asking: “How
Dominic went through the rooms, the in the world did that lad know
kitchen, the storeroom. Nothing. about her?”
“But have you got any other
rooms? An Attic?” Then the cold of the autumn and
winter came: the cases of cholera
“Ah” and the master struck his declined, then stopped altogether.
forehead, “the lumber room! Don Bosco’s boys, healthy and
Come on!” They climbed up to happy, were able to return to their
the attic and came to a miserable studies and trades. From the
room. Curled up in a corner her outside, these boys who people at
face contracted with grief, a poor first thought were good for
woman was dying. nothing, now looked transformed.
“Hurry, call a priest!” whispered But what was more amazing was
Dominic. And he set about doing how they had become so ready to
his duties as a nurse. serve and help those in need.
Homily (Theme: Using our Youthful creativity and energy to do good and live
with purpose)

A period of silence could be given for reflection and prayer, at the end of which young
people could write in a piece of paper statement of commitment to: (1) become good
influence to youth; (2) do some youth work; (3) renounce habits & activities that waste
God-given gifts to youth. They later drop the papers in a vase near the casket. The leader/
priest could introduce this activity by saying:
Dear young friends, you have heard how St John Bosco, challenged the young
people of his time to put their gifts, in fact their very life at the disposition of others
for love of the Lord.
Through the intercession of John Bosco, let us commit ourselves to using our life’s
blessings to bring God’s love to others.
One by one, young people drop their commitment statements. As they do so, there can be
a suitable hymn.


God the Son, Redeemer of the World… Pray for us.
Holy Trinity, one God… Have Mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Spare us, O Lord.

Conclusion / Prayer of Blessing
R. Amen.

All: Pray for us.
All: Pray for us.
Hymn in honour of St John Bosco or quiet time for one last short prayer, before exiting.
The Adults Meet Don Bosco

Leader: We gather together grateful to God for this opportunity to venerate his
servant, St. John Bosco who during his life gave all his time, energy and
resources teaching, guiding and loving the young, especially those who were
In homage to St. John Bosco, we recall his life and virtues. We also come
with our prayers, asking him to bring our intentions to God as we pray for
ourselves, our children and the young entrusted to our care.
A Reading From The Life Of Saint John Bosco (from the Memoirs of the Oratory)
Mama Margaret Moves In With Don Bosco
It took me several months of rest at gather them. What means did I have to
home to recover from over fatigue that keep my work going -- the work that
almost ended my life. I felt I could was daily becoming more demanding
return to my beloved youngsters. Every and expensive? How was I to support
day many of them were coming to see myself and the persons who were
me or were writing to me, urging me to indispensable to me?
come back to them soon. But where
could I find lodging? I had been sent At that time, two rooms fell vacant in
away from the place where I used to the Pinardi house, and these were
rented as a dwelling for me and my linen we made, amices, purificators,
mother. "Mother," I said to her one surplices, albs, and towels for use in the
day, "I should take up residence in the celebration of the Holy Mass. Everything
Pinardi but considering the people who passed through the hands of my mother
live in that house, I can't take anyone who since then has helped look after
with me but you." the needs of the house which we began
calling “oratory.”
She knew what I was hinting at and
replied straightaway, "If you think such My mother also had a little gold
a move is God's will, I'm ready to go necklace and her wedding ring. They
right now." My mother made a great were quickly sold to buy braid and
sacrifice. At home, even though we trimmings for the sacred vestments. My
were not well off, she was in charge of mother was always in good humour.
everything, everyone loved her, and to One evening, she laughingly sang to
young and old she was a queen. me: “Woe to the world if it should learn
we're just penniless strangers!”
My mother filled a basket with linen and
other things we would need. I took my When our domestic affairs were
breviary, a missal, and some of the somewhat organised, I rented another
more important books. This was our room, which was intended for a
entire fortune. On foot, we set towards sacristy. As we lacked classrooms, for
Turin. the time being we had to use the
kitchen or my room.
When my mother laid eyes on those
barren rooms, she said jokingly, "At But the students— prime little rascals —
home I had so many worries about ad- either destroyed everything or put
ministration and direction. Here I’ll be everything topsy-turvy. When we
much more at ease: I have nothing to started, some classes met in the
manage, nobody to command." sacristy, in the attic, or in other parts of
the church. But the noise, the singing,
But how were we to live? What were we the coming and going of one group
to eat? How could we pay the rent and disturbed whatever the other groups
supply the needs of the many children were trying to do. After a few months,
who constantly asked for bread, shoes, we were to rent two other rooms and so
clothes, or shirts, which they needed to organise our night classes better. As
go to work? From home we had brought was said above, during the winter of
some wine, millet, beans, grain, and so 1846-7 we got excellent scholastic
forth. To meet initial expenses, I had results. Every evening we had an
sold part of a field and a vineyard. My average of three hundred pupils. In
mother sent for her wedding gown, addition to the academic side, the
which up to then she had jealously classes were animated by plainchant
preserved intact. From some of her and vocal music, which we have always
dresses we made chasubles; from the cultivated.
Homily (Theme: Re-inventing our life and directing our giftedness in the service
of God and others)

A period of silence could be given for reflection and prayer, at the end of which the
following options could be taken:

(1) Devotees write in a piece of paper statement of commitment to: (a) become
good influence to youth; (b) do some youth work. They later drop the papers in a
vase near the casket. The leader/ priest could introduce this activity by saying:
”Dear young friends, you have heard how St John Bosco, challenged the young
people of his time to put their gifts, in fact their very life at the disposition of others
for love of the Lord. Through the intercession of John Bosco, let us commit
ourselves to using our life’s blessings to bring God’s love to others.”
One by one, they drop their commitment statements. As they do so, there can be a
suitable hymn.
(2) They do a spontaneous prayer of the faithful

Leader: Prayer for One's Children

All: O Saint John Bosco, you called the young people entrusted to you "my children". Even as a
newly ordained priest, you know the deep longings of a parent’s heart when you referred to a
Gospel message in your first sermon that parents only want good for their children. I beseech
you to intercede for our children and all the young people under our care. May they grow up
knowing, loving, and seeking God in the ordinary circumstances of their lives, in their dreams
and aspirations, and in every person they relate with everyday. Amen.
Leader: Prayer for Health and Well-being

All: O Saint John Bosco, you gave the last stretch of your human strength to the tasks that God asked
you to do. You gave your utmost in your work for young people. But you heeded the advice to
rest and regain strength when your health was challenged. You believed that a well-
rested worker is a happy and productive worker able to generate more good results. I beg for
your intercession to keep me aware of the importance of health and well-being in my service to
You, my family, my work, and my community. Carry my petitions to God that He grants me the
strength necessary to fulfill His will for me. Amen.


Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world… Have mercy on us.

Leader: O God source of all grace and holiness, look with love on these children
who have prayed at the relics of St John Bosco, friend and heir of Christ,
faithful witness to the Gospel; may we experience the effectiveness of his
intercession at the throne of your glory, so that we too may become
friends of the Lord and bear fruits of love, through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

All: Pray for us.
All: Pray for us.
The Salesian Family / Community Meet Don Bosco
Leader: We gather together grateful to God for this opportunity to venerate our
founder St. John Bosco who during his life gave all his time, energy and
resources teaching, guiding and loving the young, especially those who were

In homage to St. John Bosco, we recall his life and virtues. We also come
with our prayers, asking him to bring our intentions to God as we pray for the
renewal of our response to our Salesian vocation.
A Reading from the Life of Saint John Bosco (from the Memoirs of the Oratory)
Religious Celebrations (Chapter 49)
The dangers to which youngsters were holy sacraments. But such novelty gave
exposed in matters of religion and rise to rumours.
morality called for greater efforts to
safeguard them. In the night school, as In this year, too, the city of Turin sent
well as in the day program, we thought inspectors to assess the vague reports
it would be good to add courses in that were being put about. They were
piano, organ, and even instrumental highly satisfied with us. When their
music to those in vocal music. So I report was sent in an award of 1000
found myself as teacher of vocal and francs was decreed, and a very
instrumental music, of piano and organ, flattering letter. From that year the city
though I had never truly been a student assigned an annual subsidy that was
of them myself. Goodwill made up for paid until 1878.
everything.
The Schools for the Poor also sent
Having prepared a group of the best inspectors to visit us. That work had
soprano voices, we began to give also introduced night schools and music
recitals at the Oratory, afterwards we schools, using our method. As a mark of
ventured into the outside. We sought their approval, they gave us another
help from experts who were willing award of a thousand francs.
helpers in training our musicians,
accompanying them, and conducting Every year on Holy Thursday, we used
them at their public performances in to go together to visit the altars of
various towns. Since choirs of boy so- repose. But because of the ridicule —we
pranos with orchestral accompaniment would even say contempt — not a few
had not often been heard up till then, of the boys no longer dared to join their
and our solos, duets, and full choral companions. To encourage our young
renderings were so novel, our music men ever more to overcome other
was spoken of everywhere and our people’s bad judgment, in that year for
singers were much sought after for the first time we marched in procession
various solemn occasions. to make those visits, singing the Stabat
Mater and chanting the Miserere. Then
Every year we used to go to perform at youngsters of every age and condition
a religious function at the Church of Our were seen joining us along the route
Lady of Consolation. This year we and racing to join our lines. Everything
marched in procession from the went off in a peaceful and orderly
Oratory. The singing along the way and fashion.
the music in church drew a numberless
crowd of people. Mass was celebrated, That evening was the first time that we
holy communion received, and then I performed the ceremony of the washing
gave a short sermon suited to the oc- of the feet. For this purpose twelve
casion in tine underground chapel. youngsters were chosen, who are
usually called the twelve apostles.
In this way we began to gain respect. When the ritual washing was finished, a
We gathered youngsters, and we had moral exhortation was preached to the
opportunities to inculcate with the public. Afterwards the twelve apostles
greatest prudence a spirit of morality were all invited for a frugal supper, and
and respect for authority and to each one was given a small gift which
encourage frequent reception of the he proudly carried home.

Likewise in that year the stations of the
cross were erected according to the In such ways our humble Oratory
prescriptions of the Church and continued to consolidate at the same
solemnly blessed.16 At each station time that important events were
there was a brief little sermon, and an running their course.
appropriate motet was sung.
Reading: Phil 4, 4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to
all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses
all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is

pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned
and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Homily

A period of silence could be given for reflection and prayer, at the end of which the
following options could be taken:
(1) Devotees write in a piece of paper statement of commitment to: (a) become good
influence to youth; (b) do some youth work. They later drop the papers in a vase near
the casket. The leader/ priest could introduce this activity by saying: ”Dear young
friends, you have heard how St John Bosco, challenged the young people of his time
to put their gifts, in fact their very life at the disposition of others for love of the Lord.
Through the intercession of John Bosco, let us commit ourselves to using our life’s
blessings to bring God’s love to others.”
One by one, they drop their commitment statements. As they do so, there can be a
suitable hymn.
(2) They do a spontaneous prayer of the faithful

Leader: Prayer of the Salesian Family and Lay Partners of St. John Bosco
All: O Saint John Bosco, father and teacher of youth, who, docile to the gifts of the
Spirit, passed on to the Salesian Family the wealth of your predilection for the
humble and the poor. Teach us, to become each day, for them signs and
bearers of the love of God, cultivating in our soul the same sentiments of Christ,
the Good Shepherd. Grant to all the members of your Family a good he art,
tenacity of work, wisdom in discernment, courage to witness, a sense of Church,
and missionary generosity. Obtain for us the grace of fidelity to the special
covenant which the Lord has established with us. And grant that, guided by
Mary, we may joyfully journey with the young along the way that leads to love.
Amen.


Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world… Have mercy on us.

Leader: O God source of all grace and holiness, look with love on these children who
have prayed at the relics of St John Bosco, friend and heir of Christ, faithful
witness to the Gospel; may we experience the effectiveness of his

intercession at the throne of your glory, so that we too may become friends of
the Lord and bear fruits of love ,through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
All: Pray for us.
All: Pray for us.
PERSONAL PRAYER / NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. JOHN BOSCO
Prayer to St. John Bosco

In need of special help, I appeal with confidence to you, Saint John Bosco, for I require not
only spiritual graces, but also temporal ones, and particularly...
May you, who on earth had such great devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to
Mary Help of Christians, and who always had compassion for those who were suffering,
obtain from Jesus and His Heavenly Mother the grace I now request, and also a sincere
resignation to the Will of God.
Prayer for Health and Well-being

O Saint John Bosco, you gave the last stretch of your human strength to the tasks that
God asked you to do. You gave your utmost in your work for young people. But you
heeded the advice to rest and regain strength when your health was challenged. You
believed that a well-rested worker is a happy and productive worker able to generate more
good results. I beg for your intercession to keep me aware of the importance of health and
well-being in my service to You, my family, my work, and my community. Carry my
petitions to God that He grants me the strength necessary to fulfill His will for me. Amen.
Prayer for Guidance in Decision-making

My Lord Jesus, I beg you for the grace of a receptive heart so that I may learn to be ever
sensitive and open to the Spirit’s presence and guidance in my life. I beg you, dear Lord,
for clarity of mind so that I can behold myself, my situations in the present world with new
eyes and, in the end, follow the Spirit’s urgings and act accordingly. I beseech You to help
me work with and be in touch with my feelings, my consolations and desolations and their
patterns in my life, knowing that it is here in the depths of my affectivity that God speaks to
me most intimately. My Lord Jesus, I beg You, through the intercession of Saint John
Bosco, for the grace of discerning love and docility to Your Spirit, so that I can truly seek,
find and do God’s will in my life. Amen.
Prayer for Growth in Faith

Almighty God and Father, breathe your Spirit into my soul.
Open my mind, that you may fill it with truth, knowledge and wisdom.
Open my eyes, that I may see you each day of my life.
Open my ears, that I may hear you speak to me.
Open my mouth, that I may proclaim your works and praise you.
Open my heart, that you may fill it with your love, mercy and forgiveness.

Open my hands, that I may do your work on this earth.
Guide my feet, that I may go where you lead me.
O St. John Bosco, be my light as I journey on this earth and do God’s will.
Amen.
(Other prayers in the Salesian Prayer booklet can be prayed)
St. John Bosco, friend of souls, to you I recommend the salvation of my soul. Your heart
was always full of love for all human needs. I pray, implore for me from God the graces I
seek.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be…
Litany in honor of St. John Bosco:


St. John Bosco, tireless apostle of reconciliation…
St. John Bosco, role model to youth..
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the worl, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the worl, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
(Short pause)
St. John Bosco, pray for us

Mary, help of Christians, pray for us.
THE HOLY MASS IN HONOR OF ST. JOHN BOSCO
Entrance Antiphon
God gave him wisdom and understanding
and a heart as vast as the sand on the seashore.
Or:
Come, children , and hear me:

that I may teach you the fear of the Lord.
Look towards him and be radiant.
The ‘Gloria’ is said.
Opening prayer
Lord our God,
In your providence you have given us Saint John Bosco,
the father and teacher of youth,
who under the guidance of the Virgin Mary
worked with untiring zeal
for the good of the Church;
inspire us with that same apostolic charity,
to seek the salvation of our neighbour
and so serve you, the one and only good.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
1st Reading:
A Reading from the Book of Ezekiel
(Ezek 34, 11-12.15-16.23-24.30-31)
For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep. As a shepherd
tends his flock when he finds himself among his scattered sheep, so will I tend my sheep. I
will rescue them from every place where they were scattered when it was cloudy and dark.
I myself will pasture my sheep; I myself will give them rest, says the Lord GOD. The lost I
will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal (but
the sleek and the strong I will destroy), shepherding them rightly.
I will appoint one shepherd over them to pasture them, my servant David; he shall pasture
them and be their shepherd. I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be
prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. Thus they shall know that I, the LORD, am

their God, and they are my people, the house of Israel, says the Lord GOD. (You, my
sheep, you are the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, says the Lord GOD.)

Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
(Ps 31:20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
How great is the goodness, O LORD, which you have in store for those who fear you,
And which, toward those who take refuge in you, you show in the sight of the children of
men.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men;
You screen them within your abode from the strife of tongues.
Blessed be the LORD whose wondrous mercy he has shown me in a fortified city.
Once I said in my anguish, “I am cut off from your sight”;

Yet you heard the sound of my pleading when I cried out to you.
Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones!

The LORD keeps those who are constant, but more than requites those who act proudly.
2nd Reading:
A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philipians
(Phil 4, 4-9)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to
all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses
all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is

pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned
and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks be to God
Gospel: Mt 18, 16.10

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven? "He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, "Amen, I say to you,
unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And
whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for
him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the
sea. "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels
in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you O Lord, Jesus Christ.
Prayer over the gifts
Accept, holy Father,
The sacrifice we offer you
with sincere devotion;
grant that we may love you above all else,
so that our whole life
may be a hymn to your glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Preface
Saint John Bosco, a gift of God to the Church
V. The Lord be with you

V. Lift up your hearts.

R. We lift them up to the Lord.
V. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

R. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,

we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Father of eternal love

you have raised up Saint John Bosco in the Church
as the father, brother and friend of the young,
to lead them along the way of salvation.
With a prophetic vision of new times to come,

he prepared them to face up to life
with honesty, integrity and active faith.
Under the impulse of your Spirit,

he brought into being a great Family
to continue throughout the world
his mission of father and teacher.
And we, gathered together in festive assembly,

raise up to you, Father,

our hymn of adoration and praise,
as together with the angels and saints in heaven
we proclaim your glory saying (singing):
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power amd might,

heaven and earth are full of youir glory.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Communion antiphon
Anyone who welcomes one little child like this in my name

Welcomes me, says the Lord.
Or:
This is my commandment:
Love one another as I have loved you.
Prayer after communion

Father, you have nourished us
with this sacrament of salvation;
help us to imitate the tireless activity of Saint John Bosco
in bringing young people to the love of Christ, your Son,
He lives and reigns forever and ever.
Solemn blessing
May the Lord who inspires every good intention
protect you always by his grace
and keep you faithful to your baptismal promises.
R. Amen.
May Christ, the Good Shepherd,

enable you to serve with joy your brothers and sisters
after the example of our (your) holy Founder.
R. Amen.
May the Lord grant you,

who have celebrated with joy the feast of Saint John Bosco,
to walk always in faith, hope and love.
R. Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,

Father, Son + and Holy Spirit,
Come down on you, and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen

Visit of Don Bosco's Relic: Liturgies and Para-Liturgy

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Visit of Don Bosco's Relic: Liturgies and Para-Liturgy

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Visit of the Relic of St.

CELEBRATIONS IN HONOR OF ST. JOHN

Celebration of Handing Over

Prayers for Venerations

Holy Mass in Honor of St. John Bosco .................................... 37

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 1

1. Welcome outside the church entering in procession.

Welcome outside the church entering in procession.

Welcome inside the church entering in procession.

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 2

R. And also with you.

Procession and Placement Of The Urn/ Relic inside the Church

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 3

Saint of youth, we come to you

Option if no Mass follows:

An Excerpt in the Life of St. John Bosco

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 4

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

Blessed the man who follows not

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

Not so the wicked, not so;

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

R. Lord, hear our prayer.

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 5

Priest: The Lord's Prayer follows

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 6

Hymn in honour of St John Bosco

WELCOME INSIDE THE CHURCH (when no Holy Mass follows)

Saint of youth, we come to you

Placement Of The Urn/ Relic

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 7

An Excerpt in the Life of St. John Bosco

One evening in June, after a very tiring Sunday of confessions, preaching,

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 8

Blessed the man who follows not

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

Not so the wicked, not so;

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

R. Lord, hear our prayer.

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 9

Priest: The Lord's Prayer follows

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 10

Hymn in honour of St John Bosco

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,

Reading of the Word of God

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 11

The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6)

Blessed the man who follows not

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

Not so the wicked, not so;

R. Blessed be the Lord, the glory of his Saints

A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 5:1-12a)

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 12

The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayer of the Faithful

R. Lord, hear our prayer.

Liturgies & Para-liturgy 13

Priest: Accept, holy Father,

We ask this through Christ our Lord.