Pilgrims at Polsondamore Walk Two Miles with Don Bosco By Fr. Motilal Kisku, SDBKolkata, Jul. 9. The entire traffic at Polsondamore, on National Highway 34 stood still, when Don Bosco moved through the highway, accompanied by a large flock of faithful. On July 8th 2011, after the solemn Eucharistic celebration in the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Don Bosco proceeded to Azimganj, the cradle of Santal Missions in the Salesian Province of Kolkata.
Although continuous drumming pierced the ears of some of the new comers to the area, the flock danced and sang to native tunes, out of sheer joy emanating from deep within, while Don Bosco moved along with them step by step, back and forth for two miles, under the scorching midday sun. The entire procession reached the well decorated church premises after an hour.
On reaching the podium in front of the church, Don Bosco was honoured by the parish groups for an hour with song, dance, speeches and other symbolic gestures.
The solemn Eucharist began at 2.30 PM presided by Fr. Thomas Ellicherail, the provincial and eight other priests. Fr. Provincial highlighted the simplicity of a child as the key to entry into heaven, as well as the duty of parents to be good shepherds of their children, after the model of Don Bosco. The Eucharist concluded with the Blessing of Mary of Help of Christians.
At 4.00 PM the youngsters on ten motorbikes were waiting for the signal, to proceed. The solemn entry into Azimganj was barred only at a rail crossing swarming with local people, curious to see what was in the big foreign dickey. Under the nose of the local police, only those eyes which were blessed could see Don Bosco. At 5.45 PM as the southward bound train galloped past, Don Bosco proceeded along with all the children across the rails, on the road leading to the Salesian habitations.
Fr. Agapit Minj, Fr. John Vaikath and Fr. Joseph Thaikadan were all the time on their toes in the humid, sultry air, to make Don Bosco feel most comfortable amidst his people. It was a great salute engendered by the three confreres, the priests from the neighbouring parishes, Sisters of Charity, CTC Sisters, Holy Family Sisters, Secular Institute of Don Bosco, the catechists, the staff and the faithful from Polsondamore, Monigram and Talkola, TO THE SAINT WHO LOVED THE MISSIONS.