By Fr. Ronachai Matthew, SDB

Banpong, Thailand - On the occasion of the Bicentenary of the birth of St John Bosco, the Salesian family in Thailand, SDB, FMA, Sister of the immaculate heart of Mary and Sister of the Queenship of Mary organized the Catholic youth gathering at Sarasit Phitthayalai school in Banpong, Rathchaburi during 3 days of 13-15 August 2015.

The theme of this gathering is “Like Don Bosco with the young for the young.” There are more than 500 young people that come from 15 different schools all over the country gather to celebrate the birthday of this great Saint. In the camp they have a chance to know Don Bosco deeper to imitate him and spread his dream to others. Fortunately, during the camp there were two bishops, Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, SDB of Suratthani diocese, and Bishop Silvio Siripong Jarassri of Chanthaburi diocese coming to talk with them on the moral issues especially on the Christian conscience, how to do the examination of conscience to prepare them for the sacrament of reconciliation. After that in the atmosphere of prayer they were going to the confession to prepare themselves for the feast as Don Bosco want.

There were 25 Salesians SDB, 10 FMA sisters, 10 SIHM sisters, and one DQM sister that have educative presences for the young people.

On 15th August all young people moved to Bangkok, Don Bosco technical school (2 hours journey by bus) to celebrate the Birthday of Don Bosco. Before the Eucharistic celebration in the Church of St. John Bosco there was a musical scene of the life of Don Bosco especially the dream at nine.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Bishop of Suratthani Joseph Prathan Sridarusil, SDB. In the Homily he pointed out the life of Don Bosco that was marked by his Humility , Simplicity, and Poor life style, and he asks all of us to imitate him.

At the end of the Mass, Fr Paul Prasert Somngam the SDB provincial addressed the congregation with the words of Don Bosco that the Salesians of Don Bosco are going to be Like Don Bosco by giving our lives to you and with you, young people.”