By THA SC

Hua Hin, Thailand, 19 August 2020 -- From the 15-16 August 2020, the Young Past Pupils - Salesian Aspirants, who used to be in the aspirantate from the year 1988-2020, organized a 'get-together' at the Salesian Retreat House in Huahin, Prachuabkhirikhan Province. The aspirants-past pupils, their families, the present aspirants, the Salesian confreres who used to be the rectors and assistants in the past [6 confreres] - 112 persons in all, came together officially for the first time within a period of about ten years.

The activities of the day started on the morning of 15 August 2020 with a liturgical service and was followed with a conference on the theme "Good Christians and Upright Citizens" by Bro. Thanad Anan, SDB, the provincial delegate for the past-pupils of Thailand. In his sharing, Bro. Thanad emphasized that we are all members of the Salesian Family and children of Don Bosco. After the conference, there was the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr Prasert Somngam, the former provincial and former rector of the aspirantate in Huahin.

In the afternoon, there was a sharing of experiences of 8 former aspirants, representing their respective batch, on the topic "The Effects of the Aspirantate Formation on your Life". This was followed by offering of flowers to their former formators and teachers, a sign of their gratitude. Then the awaited friendly football game began.

In the evening, there was the family agape, with the alumni-aspirants sponsored the meal for the present aspirants. The aspirants prepared some items for entertainment, the past pupil aspirants sang some songs. The awards of the sports events were also presented. The night was capped by the 'good night talk' from Fr Anthony Restelli, one of the former formators.

The 'get-together' of the past pupil aspirants closed on Sunday, 16 August 2020, with the Holy Mass of the Solemnity of the Assumption at the St Teresa of the Child Jesus Parish Church. At the end of the celebration, the symbolic flag of Don Bosco was presented to the organizers of the next ‘get-together'.

The 'get-together' went smoothly and swiftly for 2 days and 1 night. The alumni-aspirants felt the warmth and the hearty welcome, as if coming back to one's former family and home. All felt the friendship of former years, and all felt that they are sons of Don Bosco, tasked to be 'good christians and upright citizens' of society.

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