''WE ARE ALL CALLED TO BE LIKE CHRIST, JUST AS DON BOSCO WAS,'' says Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, By Fr. Shilanand KerkettaNew Delhi, Jul. 24. About seven thousand faithful had a highly spiritual experience of the Eucharistic celebration in the presence of the sacred relic of Don Bosco celebrated prayerfully by His Eminence, Cardinal Telephore P. Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi archdiocese. Speaking during the homily he underscored the vocation to holiness given by God to every human being. He said, ''We are all called to be like Christ just as Don Bosco was.'' Through his Spirit-filled homily and well articulated prayers, he led the Christian community on 17th Sunday of the year into an intense celebration of the Lord's resurrection which the relic signifies.
In his introduction to the Mass he invited the Church of God present at Hesag, Hatia to love and serve the young and to strive towards holiness. He also thanked the Salesians for making possible for all the faithful to pray before the relic of Don Bosco.
All the elements of the celebration of the Mass were taken care of by the entire parish community. The Salesians planned the liturgy and carried them out very well. Christ King Church, Hesag, was decorated tastefully befitting the occasion. The hymns sung by the girls of Ursuline Convent, Hostel boys of Don Bosco and the parish youth and accompanied devoutly by musicians provided highly charged spiritual moments. Heavenly worship was made visible in the dance accompanying the singing a entrance, Bible procession, offertory and recession. The sisters of St. Charles Borromeo decorated the church exquisitely. The youth, girls and boys formed the choir. The children and young girls danced for the various occasions of the Eucharist. Thereby through the roles, functions and participation they exhibited a lively, active and an alive parish life.
Before and after the Eucharist a procession to the relic continued till 2.00 p.m. People touched the relic in deep reverence and prayer, clicked photos, etc. With tears in their eyes, lumps in their throats and with the pain of parting the parishioners bade farewell to Don Bosco and sent him off to his next home, Don Bosco Kokar, Ranchi. Philip asked Jesus, ''Show us the Father and we shall be satisfied.'' It seems the faithful did not have enough of Don Bosco. They wanted more. They turned up again and again to see him. For, he is a reflection of the face of Jesus the Good Shepherd.