Third historical visit of the Rector Major in Myanmar!

By Our Own Correspodent
Photo by Fr. Leo Mang, SC

Anisakan, Myanmar, 27 October 2016 -- After arrival from the Mandalay international airport to the Myanmar Valdocco of Anisakan Nazareth House compound the Rector Major Fr Angel F. Artime with his personal secretary and EAO regional was welcomed by 400 youth with almost complete gathering of all SDB and FMA of Myanmar with many of Salesian Past Pupils. The three day animation visit to the Viceprovince is truly historical occasion. Anisakan is located in central Burma near the former royal city of Mandalay.

In the name of the 77 confreres and 5 novices of Myanmar Viceprovince Br. Steven Tuang Lian Pau welcomed the 10th successor of Don Bosco: "We take pride of being the first love of newly ordained priest Don Bosco! Our confreres proudly presented in the short drama performance that Don Bosco wanted to come to former Ava Kingdom (Myanmar) as a missionary. Your visit is the fulfillment of the first desire of young Don Bosco. You are Don Bosco in our midst! ... in the past we have only two occasions to welcome the Rector Major - first in 1955 (Fr. Renato Ziggiotti in Mandalay) and second in 1979 (Fr. Egidio Vigano in Yangon only). This is ever first visit of our Rector Major to Anisakan - the cradle of Myanmar Salesians!"

Fr Angel was able to greet everybody with Burmese traditional greeting - Minglabar - that was very much appreciated by all gathered youth and faithful.

Hearty welcome was given by more than 700 youth gathered from all 11 SDB and 4 FMA presences in the country. Some of these boys and girls came after more than 16 hours journey by train. During the official welcome by Fr. Charles Saw, Superior of the MYM Vice-province and some cultural items the Rector Major offered together with the young people a Rosary in the Salesian cemetery of Anisakan, where rest Salesians who passed away in Myanmar, including Italian missionary Fr. Fortunato Giacomin (1920-2000).

First moment exlusively with the consecrated Salesians SDB was the Vespers, short presentation of the Viceprovince and short address of the Rector Major shared a strong motivations for hope about the future of Salesian Charism. At present there are 77 SDB and 5 novices in 11 presences around Myanmar with a good number of young Salesians in initial formation.

After a fraternal dinner started a very familiar gathering with the young, when the Rector Major playing guitar captured the hearts of the youngsters and all Salesian family members. Finally he shared a traditional Good night talk 'like Don Bosco in Turin or Mother Mazzarelo in Mornese': "Did you experience a joy of sharing together? There is no greater joy! ... Each one of you received many gifts from God and as educators we remind you to have a great trust in God. When you become older, remember your joyful time spent in Don Bosco house - give the best of you! Be good, help each other and never forget God!"

With a traditional Hail Mary and blessing was closed the first day of this historical visit.

On October 28 the Rector Major will spend most of the time with the Salesians, Salesian Family members and Salesian Youth Movement and next day will leave the country for Rome.

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