By Fr. Roel Soto and Cambodia Delegation confreres
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 16, 2016 - Ten days after the departure of Fr. Angel from the Phnom Penh airport, the Cambodia delegation confreres are sharing their feelings, impressions and impact of this historical second visit of the Rector Major (Feb 28-March 3) in this young and dynamic country. Fr Juan E. Vecchi visited Cambodia in 1997, when there was only one Salesian presence in Phnom Penh. It's wise invitation to ponder on the moments with the successor of Don Bosco and treasure these memories for the future!
Fr. Roel Soto offers some heartfelt considrations of Cambodia delegation confreres:
“I thank God for this unique gift. I intend to keep this missionary zeal alight in me in order to light it in others especially the young of Cambodia. His visit has given me a new perspective. 'I have come to Cambodia for the Khmer people. It is not to do develop Don Bosco and establish it as an institution but to help in the holistic growth of the Khmer youth especially those most in need.'”
The first Khmer Salesians express their gratitude:
“It was a great grace and a renewal of our love and commitment. Especially, young Cambodian really felt that Don Bosco was among them and touching their hearts! That short time together was one of joy, affection, gratitude and inspires young Cambodians to be Salesian”.
Very close and loving presence produced conversion:
“I can tell you that I was converted. I have to confess that I used to see the reality of Rome and the General Council as far from me and from my reality: something belonging to protocol and diplomacy, while we were the real ones facing the realities of the young. This visit challenged my thought. I saw a Rector Major that was far from formality, diplomacy and showing up. I saw a man, a Salesian and a worthy successor of Don Bosco for our time. I was impressed by his simplicity, his way to approach people... there were some moments that moved me very much. There is tenderness in his way of being that attracts people and it matches too much with what the Catholic Church is living today with Pope Francis.
There were many things that surprised me: he recommended to us, Salesians in Cambodia, to deal with our youth with a lot of kindness, considerations and respect, because they are kind, respectful and with a lot attention. Now I believe very well that we have a Salesian Congregation that is beautiful, as the Rector Major says, just because we have the presence of the Holy Spirit among us.”
And one of the senior missionaries concludes:
“Our young Cambodian has listen to the invitation of Fr. Angel of making the best out of their own life. Now we pray this inspiration will grow in their inner being to become as other Don Boscos in the society each one in the special way God will grant the: some as Don Bosco Past pupils, some as Salesian Cooperators, some as Volunteers and hopefully some as Salesians of Don Bosco. Thanks again to Fr. Ángel and to all of you for being with us.”
Enriching and meaningful experience with the RM for a few days
So often in our lives, a few minutes, a few hours and a few days can make all the differences. This held true this week for the Salesians - SDBs, FMAs and other family members such as cooperators, past pupils, staffs, students and so many young Cambodians by the visit of 10th successor of Don Bosco Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime.
Though heard from or told by someone else is one thing and being present among us is something that we can feel within…but hardly describe it in words. It was the same experience I had during these days (From 28 Feb. to 2 March 2016) as Rector Major was visiting Don Bosco Cambodian delegation (Thai province). I personally felt it was really wonderful to see and feel the fatherly figure of Don Bosco of our present days through Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime.
On 28 Feb. the Cambodian Salesians delegates of SDBs, FMAs, Cooperators, past pupils, Students and children went to welcome and receive the RM at the Phnom Penh International Airport. We could vividly see and feel the fatherly love of the RM for the young and Children. From the time he landed in Cambodia on 28 Feb. 2016, we could see his love and care for the children and young. In the evening cultural program organized in honor of our beloved RM; even he was tired he took the chance to be present among the young till the program got over; which show his love and concern for the young.
On 29 Feb. 2016, the Rector Major continued his visit to the Cambodian delegation by meeting with the Salesian family members at Don Bosco Phnom Penh. He also met with the Salesian youth movement leaders from all the Salesian settings of SDB and FMA.
On 1st March on his arrival to the only International Port city of Cambodia – Sihanoukville, the staff and students with the Salesian community organized a short welcome ceremony. The staff and students were really happy to meet the 10th successor of Don Bosco in person - Fr. Angel.
On 2 March the RM had a special moment of taking time to meet the Thai Provincial council and all the Salesians in Cambodia. The meeting with RM was really inspiring and seemed very informal, it was a moment of family sharing of different aspects of our life and work in the mission (Cambodia). He shared his experiences and encouraged the Salesians to take care and work more for the local vocation. The way he talks and answers to the questions are so catchy and owe inspiring to the listeners.
It was a moment of grace and great opportunity for us Salesians and the Salesian family members; SDB, FMA, HISM, cooperators, staffs, students, children, young people and other salesians family members; to come together to share our joys and family spirit together. The 10th successor of Don Bosco - Rector Major Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime’s visit to Don Bosco Cambodia is the sign of deep rooted connection and love for the young SalesiAns missionaries in this part of the world.
I have learnt a lot from our beloved Rector Major, his simplicity, loving kindness, warmth and big heart for the young. I believe that the visit of Rector Major will boost our cooperation and shared responsibility for the benefit of the young. This visit of RM gives an opportunity to grow and cultivate in us the spirit of Don Bosco for the young and vulnerable youth at risk. I hope and believe to cultivate the same dynamic and enthusiasm of our father and founder Don Bosco of today for the young. This I have found and seen in our beloved RM. The thirst for the good of young people under our care.