By Communications Department - Archdiocese of Miami

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

The relics' will arrive at Immaculata-La Salle High School for an all night vigil, open to the public, beginning at 8 p.m. Sept. 25. Festivities will begin with the relics' arrival and procession around the track with Archbishop Thomas Wenski.

Veneration of the relics of St. John Bosco will be held in the school�s cafeteria until 4 a.m Sunday, September, 26.

On Sunday morning, September 26 at 8 a.m., Archbishop Thomas Wenski will celebrate an outdoor Mass in English with the religious, youth and public.

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

Immaculata-La Salle High School is located at 3601 South Miami Ave., Miami (33133).

There will be a series of activities for young people on Saturday, September 25 (middle school students, high school students, and parish youth group members) throughout the evening vigil including fireworks, a praise & worship concert by Bill Brown and the Covenant Band and Christian comedian, Judy McDonald.

MEDIA: Parking of media vehicles will be permitted alongside the main entrance to Immaculata- La Salle High School adjacent to the track (look for signage). Also, please check in at the media tent located at the entrance gate to the track.

The pilgrim journey through 130 nations began on January 31, 2009 and has already been to 20 countries in South America. Don Bosco's relics arrival in Miami will mark the sixth destination in the United States; following San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, St. Petersburg and Belle Glade. Upon leaving Miami the relic will trave to Washington, D.C.

For more information on this world- wide relic pilgrimage of St. John Bosco or to read about his life visit www.DonBoscoAmongUs.org.