Interview with Bro. Paul Chun, SDB

By Fr. Anthony Piya, SDB

Bangkok, Thailand, 29 August 2018 -- The Don Bosco Bangkok community with it's complete charismatic setting of Home (boarding house), School (Technical school), Playground (all possible large place where daily SDB, teachers and students meet) and Church (Don Bosco Public church) is known also as the 'Valdocco' of Thailand. One of the 6 community members is Br. Paul Chun, the most senior Thai confrere (90 years of age, 63rd year of Salesian profession).

Why did you become Salesian Brother?

After a life-saving accident (almost drown in water) I wanted to help others. When asked if Priest or Brother, I have chosen to be a Salesian Brother, because in that times the priest were not able to move out of the school compound, but the Brothers were more free to go around!

You are the most senior Thai confrere, how do you care about your health?

I don't take any medicine, no medical check up. Once i was ask to undergo a surgery, but I refused. Until now, I try to move (with the stick) and be available in the playground near the Don Bosco Church to meet people and the young.

You spent most of your Salesian life in Don Bosco Bangkok, do you enjoy this house?

Yes, i still remember that initial stage, when all around was no other building, just a forest (NB - now it the mosty busy Bangkok city center) and canal for transportation.

What about your family?

I'm the third of 12 siblings, half of them already in heaven. Just yesterday I have attended in Ratchburi the funeral of my younger brother.

Did you visit the Salesian Holy Places?

Yes, thanks to two Salesian pilgrimages to Europe, I was able also to meet the Pope (John Paul II) and visit Valdocco and Becchi.

What memories of your apostolate you treasure most?

During the difficult times after the war we were 'collecting' boys without parents coming from Vietnam or Burma and in front of the government we officialy figured as their 'fathers'. In this way I became a father to some 70 orphaned boys. And of course I treasure very much the experience of the Festive Oratory. There were times we spent long time to look for the food for our boarder boys, always out of the 'convent', begging around and coming back even the next day morning.

What is specialization as Salesian Brother?

I was a teacher, instructor in the automotive section, catechist to our boys and kind of economer, procurator in the difficult times.

What is your favorite prayer?

I used to pray in front of the statue of St. Joseph [now waking up at 2 AM and praying since early morning in the Don Bosco Church. I pray often this short prayer: 'Jesus, lead me today!' - 'Jesus help to accept also this day!' I pray every day for the Rector Major and for all other Salesians (top - down).

What makes you happy as Salesian Brother?

I'm happy that God saves me in paradise - in heaven, as Don Bosco promised us! So now I have to work!

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