By Mr. Wichai Srisura, ASC
World Councilor for the EAO region (1993-2001)
Cebu, the Philippines, 27 November 2016 -- Mr. Wichai graduate Don Bosco Technical School in Bangkok (1972), since 1980 is an active member of the Don Bosco Past Pupils Association and since 1982 also a Salesian Cooperator. As the first World Councilor for the EAO region (1993-2001) contributed to the ‘Autonomy in Communion’ growth of the Salesian Cooperators. Together with Mrs. Noemi (World Coordinator ASC) took part in the EAO SF Delegates Formation in Cebu (Nov 25-27).
What changed in your life after becoming a Salesian Cooperator and making the Promise?
Due to my nature of the Promise I have encountered the blind and deaf, the poorest amongst the young. This aspect of the juvenile poverty seems be not much covered by the Salesians of Don Bosco. I thought I’m lucky, to be called to assist this very vulnerable group. I was inspired by one of the Anglican priest who told me, that these disabled youth are the living tabernacles of the Holy Trinity. God lives within our human limits, and these youth are true children of God. And as Salesian Cooperator I live for these youngsters who deserve to live with a true dignity. During past 26 years of my work I strived to see in them the living temple of God. I’m very grateful to this Anglican priest for his deep insight!
Art. 41 of the PAL tells that our vocation shares the same holiness like that of the SDB and FMA or any other SF group. In my work and mission I feel to share this holiness. Before when I met these handicapped youth, I could not sleep or eat for one week. But after my conversion I change completely my mind. Also now when I’ m working in Don Bosco Bangkok Technical College, I try to see in every young person a living temple of God. Now I’m fully dedicated to their care and stimulate others to contribute to this mission.
How did you live your apostolate in your professional life over past 26 years?
My professional life experience was amongst 100% of the Lutheran, Anglican and Baptist Churches made me strong in my Catholic identity. Last 2001 when I finished my commitment as EAO councilor, there was a meeting of my international organization (at the level of Asia – Oceania) and my boss invited me to guide 3 day morning devotion. He let me choose the topic. It was about ‘God Father, Son and Holy Spirit’. When I finished on the third day, one Lutheran bishop came to me astonished: ‘You must be a Catholic!’ And I asked him: ’Why do you say this?’ He pointed at me: ‘It’s about the way you present the Trinity! Nobody among us could say this, only a Catholic!’ Yes, I’m a Catholic, and my boss was happy that the Protestants can listen to somebody out of their circles. And this bishop introduced me to me the theology of disabled people. Usually the Church does ignore this category of the poor.
Until 2011 I have worked for 26 years for the CBM [Christoffel Blindenmission: www.cbm.org], German based organization working for the inclusive education of the disabled person. And during past five years I have been working as teacher in Don Bosco College in Bangkok, among 1500 students and 255 teaching staff of 4 departments.
Thanks to his expertise in inclusive education for the deaf (hearing disability) there are now 90 students taking the program in DB College. He is also involved in the upgrading of the education quality (level A – German standard) so that DB College graduates may have access to better jobs (dual excellence education) after graduation.
Among 255 teachers there are 90 Catholics including also 17 young Salesian Cooperators who are involved in the leadership positions and care about the Salesian ethos of this important Don Bosco School. Every year all teachers get introduction to the Salesian spirit and also to the Salesian Cooperators vocation.
The most beautiful experience in your Salesian life?
As Salesian Cooperators we are living on the same footing with the SDB as Brothers to achieve the mission - vision of our school. There is no division, we are considered as friends and we ‘own’ the mission in our school!
How was your experience as the first World Councilor for the EAO region (1993-2001)?
In those times there was a general experience of the ASC, who thought they are ‘under the Salesians’. That means Salesian Cooperators can’t do anything without Salesian (SDB, FMA) permission or leadership. I discovered it during various workshops that we have as ASC very limited formation materials, and are also ignorant about our mission. The lack of autonomy our members. During 7 years as a World Councilor I shared my conviction that we need to grow in autonomy and work side by side with the SDB, provided they receive an appropriate formation to accompany us.
What is your dream about the future of the Salesian Cooperators?
I dream that each Salesian Cooperator understands his/her own vocation, and learn how to be responsible for the Salesian mission hand in hand with the SDB and FMA. And also that the Salesian spirit may be evident to other groups in the Church. There are even many bishops in Thailand, who don’t know about our Statutes as ‘Public Association of the Lay Faithful’ recognized by the Holy See.
What do you expect from the SDB and FMA Delegates?
I expect that SDB and FMA religious understand their role as spiritual directors and guides to the Salesian Cooperators. In this way we can strengthen our formation and organization and we will be not always depending on the SDB or FMA. It does mean, that if our SDB or FMA Delegates are busy – there are no meeting, no apostolic activities. These are signs of not so mature attitudes. We were born as twins with the SDB: Salesians Religious: SDB and Salesians in the World: ASC. And we share also the same vocation and mission. In the same time the Salesian Cooperators should understand and exercise our apostolate side-by-side with the religious members of the Salesian Family. And we are also convinced that when the Salesians SDB don’t consider the Salesian Cooperators they are not complete Salesians, as it’s expressed in the ‘Salesian Family Charismatic Identity Charter’ (art. 10 - Exchange of gifts).
Any sharing with the other 30 groups of the Salesian Family?
Each Salesian Cooperator should be proud to be member of the main 4 SF groups founded directly by Don Bosco. And we are also called to be a point of reference for other lay groups of the Salesian Family!
It happen in Vietnam many years ago. I witness one communist authority to quote the Bible: ‘When I was hungry you gave me a food, when I was thirsty you gave me a water, when I was in prison you have visited me..’ (Gospel according Mathew chapter 25). And that communist leader told me also: “Both of us are working for the same poor people! That means we are friends!” Often we don’t realize that many non-Christians are reading the Gospel as we do! That person have saved my life!
