Udupi: Large number of devotees from Christian society pays the respect to the relics of 19th Century Italian priest and educator St. John Bosco at the Our Lady of Health Church at Shirva on August 25, Thursday.

The pilgrimage of the relic at worldwide began in Italy on April 25, 2009, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of a religious order founded by him, popularly known Salesians of Don Bosco.

The students from various Christian institutions arranged a inspiring welcome to the relics of St. John Bosco brought in the rally from Bantakal to Shirva.

Bishop of Mangalore Aloysius Paul D’Souza, recieved the vehicle at the Our Lady of Health Church at Shirva at 9 a.m and presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration for youth at the church at 11 a.m.

The relic arrived to Shirva from Goa via Sirsi in Uttara Kannada. Further it will travel to Bangalore via Hassan.

The relic would complete its India journey on November 30, 2011 and leave for Sri Lanka.