By Fr. Raphael Thu Rein Oo, SDB

Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar, 14 August 2016 -- A small is beautiful – among the 4 Salesian Centers of Studies for Philosophy in our Region (FIN – Canlubang, ITM – Dili in Timor Leste, MYM – Pyin Oo Lwin and VIE – Dalat, this Philosophate is a Benjamin, but does contribute a lot to the formation of our young generations in Myanmar. Former provincial Fr. Joachim Ye Maung with two priests and one cleric – assistant are journeying together with 11 post-novices, students of philosophy (3 year course).

After a long period of isolation from the rest of the Congregation during past 20 years the courageous and enterprising Salesians did build quite solid formation system. Our ‘Philosophate of Pyin Oo Lwin’ is located near the National Major Seminary with 78 seminarians from all around Myanmar. Our present new building was solemnly opened in 2008, when this community was transferred from the original place in Anisakan (1965-2007). Upon the request of Card. Charles Bo our Salesian professors are offering a substantial help also to the classes in the National Seminary.

With our 3 resident professors there are other 7 visiting professors (6 SDB and 1 FMA) who are involved in the teaching. And we need to mention also one ‘extraordinary’ professor Fr. Julien Jackers, SDB from Belgium (BEN province) who is coming for past 10 years. He comes every year for a longer 3-4 month period; he became almost external member of our province already!

What our joys and challenges? All the subjects are taught in English and Burmese is permitted only the playground, the whole week we are busy between class, assignments and different ‘extra’ classes of music, violin, sports and community building. Since last schools year also our ‘Brother internet’ is slowly entering our compound and the computer room is fully equipped. Although our library has not thousands of books, the basic reading for the philosophy and pedagogy are there.

Our post-novices are sent every Sunday as disciples in small group of two for the ‘mobile Oratory in the Pyin Oo Lwin Township. They meet there in the streets for 3 hours some poor and non-Christian youth with songs and games to learn the art of assisting and making first approach to the young. This is their preparation for the practical training.

We would be happy to get in touch with the other 8 Salesian post-novitiates and other 3 Salesian study centers in the EAO region. Welcome to Pyin Oo Lwin, Don Bosco Study Centre!

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