By THA SC

Pakkret, Thailand, 6 February 2020 -- The Salesians of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos have come together at the Skills Development Center for the Blind to celebrate the Annual Provincial Day 2020 on 6 February. There were around 120 Salesians, young Salesians in initial formation, aspirants and teachers who attended this significant event.

The celebration began in the morning with the Eucharistic Celebration, main celebrant Fr John Bosco Dheparat Pitisant, the Provincial of Thailand with concelebrants Fr Aaron Alcoseba, Provincial Vicar, Fr Piya Puchchan and Salesian priests with the active liturgical participation of the Salesian Brothers and all aspirants from the Salesian Aspirantate at Hua Hin and from Nazareth House Banpong. During the homily, Fr Provincial reminded all participants of the spirit of missionary commitment. All Salesians must dedicate themselves for the good of others especially young people. Salesians should not strive for their own sake, but entirely commit themselves for the benefit of young people. Saint Paul Miki whom we commemorated and was emphasised by Pope Francis when he visited Japan, is our encouragement and inspiration in order to carry on our apostolic work. After the Mass, some elderly Salesians were ministered the sacrament of anointing to the sick.

After the Eucharistic celebration, there was an opportunity for all confreres to express our gratitude to the Provincial, as he is Don Bosco among us. All aspirants offered some entertainment. After all the items were presented, each community offered some gifts to the Provincial. The provincial will utilise these gifts to support the needs of various communities within the province. This in turn manifests solidarity and unity in the province.

In the afternoon, after having lunch together, the celebration continued with goalball. There were 4 teams (Team 1 Blind students from the centre, Team 2 Salesians, Team 3 Hua Hin Aspirants, Team 4 Nazareth Aspirants) competing in the game. We would like to thank Br Joseph Suwan Jutasompakorn, Director of the Skills Development Center for the Blind, staff and students of the center for their hospitality and welcome. May the Spirit of Salesian joy encourage us to be one in Don Bosco.

---

---