15th February, Hua Hin: On the occasion of the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth, the Thai confreres made the Annual Retreat at Hua Hin Reatreat House from 8-14 and 15-21 February, 2015. The preacher was Fr. Plascencia Moncayo Jose’ Louis from UPS-Rome. The translation of the topics was available both in English and in Italian. The style of the presentation was theological. but always accompanied by examples or references to real life. The topics were interesting and taken from our Salesian tradition, such as the spirituality of the Da Mihi Animas, the asceticism of Cetera Tolle; the Expression and Manifestation of love (cfr. Don Bosco’s letter from Rome); the free gift of ourselves to the young after the example of God’s generous gift of self for us in Christ; our Predilection for the young, especially the poor. As closing topics, the preacher presented “Starting afresh from Don Bosco”, our father, teacher and model; and the last talk was about Mary, our mother and teacher.

There were many profound and challenging theological insights, on which we still have to reflect more deeply in order to appreciate the true spiritual life of Don Bosco. This much needed spiritual food will inspire us during this year of celebrations of Don Bosco’s Bicentenary. We hope this retreat will help us to renew our motivations in following Don Bosco more faithfully and to give our lives more generously for the salvation of the young.