Anisakan, Myanmar, 10 December 2016 -- Two earliest local Salesians who professed as Salesians in 1965 and 1966 mark the 50 golden years. They are Fr. Maurice Vallence who professed on 28 April 1965 and Fr. Joachim Ye Maung who professed on 28 April 1966.
The joyful celebrations were done at St. Mary's Parish in Pyin Oo Lwin. The parish also celebrates her parochial feast of Immaculate Conception. The double event was graced by the parishioners, friends and well wishers who overflowed the parish church. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by parish priest Fr. Nay Kyaw Lwin and concelebrated by 63 priests.
Fr. Maurice Vallence recalled the challenging historical moment of their first profession. In the year 1965 on the first April all the mission schools were nationalized by the socialist government. Exactly after four weeks 12 young men made their first profession in the midst of uncertainties. Among that 12 he is the only one to reach golden year.
Fr. Joachim Ye Maung and two companions professed as Salesians on 28 April 1966. By November 1966 all the missionaries were expelled from the country. Young Salesians went through uncertain years but they persevered to keep the.salesian presence alive in the country. Only 9 young confreres remained faithful while a good number left the congregation. Some of them join the diocese while many left for good. After 50 years the Salesian presence has come up to the level of the vice province with 37 perpetual professed and 45 in initial formation.
The salesian family came together for dinner which is followed by a short program of entertainment. The event indeed marked the turning point in the history of the vice province.
We wish many more years of joyful service to our golden boys.
