By Fr. Roel Soto and Cambodia Delegation confreres
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 16, 2016 - Ten days after the departure of Fr. Angel from the Phnom Penh airport, the Cambodia delegation confreres are sharing their feelings, impressions and impact of this historical second visit of the Rector Major (Feb 28-March 3) in this young and dynamic country. Fr Juan E. Vecchi visited Cambodia in 1997, when there was only one Salesian presence in Phnom Penh. It's wise invitation to ponder on the moments with the successor of Don Bosco and treasure these memories for the future!
Fr. Roel Soto offers some heartfelt considrations of Cambodia delegation confreres:
“I thank God for this unique gift. I intend to keep this missionary zeal alight in me in order to light it in others especially the young of Cambodia. His visit has given me a new perspective. 'I have come to Cambodia for the Khmer people. It is not to do develop Don Bosco and establish it as an institution but to help in the holistic growth of the Khmer youth especially those most in need.'”
The first Khmer Salesians express their gratitude:
“It was a great grace and a renewal of our love and commitment. Especially, young Cambodian really felt that Don Bosco was among them and touching their hearts! That short time together was one of joy, affection, gratitude and inspires young Cambodians to be Salesian”.
Very close and loving presence produced conversion:
“I can tell you that I was converted. I have to confess that I used to see the reality of Rome and the General Council as far from me and from my reality: something belonging to protocol and diplomacy, while we were the real ones facing the realities of the young. This visit challenged my thought. I saw a Rector Major that was far from formality, diplomacy and showing up. I saw a man, a Salesian and a worthy successor of Don Bosco for our time. I was impressed by his simplicity, his way to approach people... there were some moments that moved me very much. There is tenderness in his way of being that attracts people and it matches too much with what the Catholic Church is living today with Pope Francis.
There were many things that surprised me: he recommended to us, Salesians in Cambodia, to deal with our youth with a lot of kindness, considerations and respect, because they are kind, respectful and with a lot attention. Now I believe very well that we have a Salesian Congregation that is beautiful, as the Rector Major says, just because we have the presence of the Holy Spirit among us.”
And one of the senior missionaries concludes:
“Our young Cambodian has listen to the invitation of Fr. Angel of making the best out of their own life. Now we pray this inspiration will grow in their inner being to become as other Don Boscos in the society each one in the special way God will grant the: some as Don Bosco Past pupils, some as Salesian Cooperators, some as Volunteers and hopefully some as Salesians of Don Bosco. Thanks again to Fr. Ángel and to all of you for being with us.”
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