(ANS – Dalat) - From 13th to 14th May, at the Salesian House in K'Long-Da Lat, the Regional meeting for Asia-Oceania Region of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco was held in Vietnam, in the presence of the members of the World Presidency, led by Bryan Magro.
The meeting was organised by Ketan Gala, Regional Councillor for Asia and Oceania, and Niel Evangelista, Regional GEX Councillor and was attended by the Regional Councillor for South Asia, Fr Biju Michael.
“The Salesian way of Synodality” was the theme addressed by the World Delegate, Bro. Dominic Duc Nam Nguyen, who invited the participants to develop their presence in the territories where they work through spirituality, mission, and solidarity, which at every level must lead to a synodal path.
“The synodal path is not rigid, pre-packaged, rigorously planned path,” said Bro. Dominic Duc Nam Nguyen, “but is defined and unfolds over time through constant listening, confrontation, discernment, and mutual trust to be renewed day by day. We are Salesians and our vocation is marked by a special gift from God for young people”.
Article 3 of the World Confederation statute, on the mission of the Past Pupils, states: “All Past Pupils, considering the urgency of the problems of young people, respond proactively, also on a personal level, to the educational needs of all those cultural and learning initiatives that interest young people to help them develop and assume greater responsibility at all levels.”
In an atmosphere of fraternity and friendship, the representatives of the Federations presented their reports and shared their hopes and challenges for the future, reinforcing their commitment to growing the movement in the region and increasing youth participation.
The World President Bryan Magro underlined: “This Regional Meeting has shown that the past pupils and friends of Don Bosco are vibrant. We have very strong organizations in this region who are active and trying to reach the goals of our association. It is evident that we have so much potential, and we can continue to grow. I know that in the future we will strengthen our presence in many countries and provinces of this region.”
The World Presidency was present with Bryan Magro, President; Domenico Duc Nam Nguyen, World Delegate; Eduardo Pessoa Cavalcante, Vice-President and Regional for the Americas; Peter Kovac, General Secretary; Ketan Gala, Regional for Asia and Oceania; Valerio Martorana, Regional for Europe and the Middle East; Neil Evangelista, GEX Counsellor for Asia and Oceania; Joseph Ssemambo, GEX Counsellor for Africa.
The delegations present for the meeting were the following: Ketan Gala (President), and Fr Joseph Manippadeth (Delegate) for India; Fr Shin Mishima (Delegate) and Chihiro Okawa (GEX) from Japan; Jacinto De Oliveira Junior (GEX) from East Timor; Fr Clifford Morais (Delegate) from Papua New Guinea; Mungunbolor Gantumur (GEX) from Mongolia; Thanad And (Delegate) and Swith Jonlamonthon (GEX) from Thailand; Niel Allan Evangelista (GEX) and Arnel Dimalanta, (Treasurer) from the Philippines; Peter Nguyen Minh Anh Tuan, (GEX) Fr Francis Tran Cong Phan (Delegate) Mr. Martin Bui Van Luan, (Delegate of the Salesian Family); Nguyen Duc Le (President) from Vietnam.
