BAN SAENG ARUN: 9th March 2005 -- It seems appropriate to feature the Salesian community and its work at Ban Saeng Arun, just 18 kms from the Burmese boarder: if you are looking for it on the map, go immediately to the point where the Thai 'oesophagus' is at throttle point (pardon the linguist using the metaphor that comes easiest to him)!  Ban Saeng Arun, where the Provincial is still the principal, recall?  And where EAOTV participants today experienced the very best of Salesian and Thai culture, including the best coconut milk in Thailand.

    55 years ago the Salesians settled in this town, and have built an extensive work based on the very best of Don Bosco's intuitions, where 'all forces for good' have been entwined in a single pastoral outreach including school (2700 students), parish (1000 Catholics, give or take), strong parish council with 48 delegates, beautiful witness of ecclesial communion involving Salesian Family (e.g. SIHM Sisters) and others (e.g. Capuchin Sisters of contemplative Life), 1 Diocesan priest, 1 OFM priest involved in the parish district of Our Lady of Fatima.

    All of this, and more came together for the visit of 60 plus Salesians including the Rector Major.  There was the presence of the 'Church triumphant', too, in the memory of Bishops Caretto and Praphon, and the founder of BSA, Fr Crespi, buried nearby.  And from outlying areas other members of the Salesian Family.  60 Sisters in all from FMA, SIHM and DQM, along with aspirants.  It was the first occasion of a Mass by a Salesian Rector Major in the area, and much appreciated by locals.

    Perhaps the details of the evening's entertainment we can let pass, but for one:  the South Asia Regional superior Fr Joaquim D'Souza has won the RM's nomination for the evening's best dancer - and if you are able to view the photographs of the accompanying Thai dancers (at which point turn to www.sdb.org and keep trying till they include the shot!) he had quite some competition!

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