166 years ago in Valdocco - today in Anisakan

Nazareth Aspirantate, Anisakan, Myanmar, 26 January 2020 -- On the evening of 26 January 1854, Don Bosco called four promising boys to his room and suggested them to put in practice the love of neighbor with the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales. Since that day of January 26th, exactly 166 years ago, we have been called 'Salesians'.

On the evening of 26 January this year, the Nazareth Aspirantate community in Anisakan (Myanmar) the 163 boys and 7 SDB-strong Salesian community celebrated the birthday of their Rector, Fr. Bosco Zeya Aung with the same family spirit. Indeed the whole day passed very fast in joy, celebrations, prayers, games and a special evening BBQ in the courtyard of Nazareth House. During this day, Fr. Bosco also shared his faith journey and Salesian vocation story.

Among the special gifts to the celebrant was also an hour long encounter with the EAO Regional Councillor, who just arrived from Rome for a short animation visit and to attend the episcopal ordination in Lashio. Fr Vaclav interacted with the Nazareth Aspirantate boys (with due translation) pointing to the meaning of January 26th for the Salesians. Many questions and answers, about vocation journey, missionary vocation and Salesian way of living.

26 January 1854 - as the Rector Major is writing in his January message to the readers of the Salesian Bulletins around the world 'Four boys and a dream' our Society started with a simple encounter of teenagers with Don Bosco. This remind us of an ongoing Salesian story, that includes also the 163 boys of Nazareth House in Anisakan on 26 January 2020! Would you like to practise love of neighbor in the Salesian way?

Rector Major - Message to the Salesian Bulletin (January 2020)

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