By A. Maung Maung, SDB

       Anisakan, Myanmar, 14 February 2023 -- The presentation of Strenna 2023 took place over two days in Anisakan, Myanmar. On the first day, the event began with the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Marino Soe Naing, SDB at 7:00 A.M. in St. Joseph's Chapel at the Provincialate. After breakfast, our MYM superior, Fr. Bosco Nyi Nyi, SDB presented the Strenna 2023 to SDBs, FMAs, Salesian pupils and cooperators in the hall at the Mama Margaret Building. During his presentation, Fr. Bosco highlighted that we should always try our best to be yeast wherever we may happen to be, forgetting the little that we are. At the end of his talk, the Strenna 2023 video (dubbed in the local language) prepared by the Social Communication Commission was shown to all the participants. Afterwards, small groups discussion and sharing took place. There were some 60 people who participated in the event.

       On the second day, the Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Leo Mang, SDB (the vice-superior) at 8:00 A.M., in the shrine of Mary Help of Christians. After the Mass, Fr. Bosco Nyi Nyi presented the Strenna 2023 to some 300 young people, students, parishioners, and religious nearby. During his talk, he repeatedly stressed the importance of the lay dimension in the Church’s Mission. He invited the audience to be yeast in their social environments, serving and doing good for others. He also added that holiness did not mean only for religious, but for all lay people as well. Therefore, by being yeast in our daily life, we can achieve the Kingdom of God.

       After his talk, the strenna video was shown to the audience again. Then a series of impressive performances by the youth from different communities were beautifully presented on stage. Lunch was also served to all the participants. We thank God for having giving us this opportunity of encounter and sharing even amidst the political turmoil.

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