“If God grant me another thousand lives, 

I will ask Him a thousand times to make me a priest.”

By THA SC

Bangkok, Thailand, 7 December 2019 -- On 7 December 2019, Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, SDB, was the celebrant in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on the occasion of 50 years of priestly life of Frs Tito Pedron and John Pertile, 25 years of priestly life of Fr Augustine Yarat Chaiyara, and the feast of 50 years of religious profession of Bro. Robert Panetto at St. John Bosco Church - Bangkok.

Fr. Tito Pedron and Fr. John Pertile are Italian missionaries who have worked in Thailand since 1958. At present, the two of them are members of Saeng Thong Vitthaya School Community, Hatyai, Songkhla Province. Fr. Pertile is the Parish Priest of Mary of Lourdes Parish. Fr. Pedron is now spending his time in rest and prayer. Previously, he was the Provincial Superior from 1986 - 1992. Fr. Augustine Yarat Chaiyara is the vice-rector of Nazareth Formation House in Banpong, Ratchaburi Province. Bro. Robert Panetto is an Italian missionary. At present, he is the economer of the Don Bosco Sihanoukville Community, Cambodia. Previously, Bro. Robert used to be assigned in Don Bosco Technological College - Bangkok for 10 years. He was in charge of the Mechanics and Printing Sections. From 1991, Bro. Robert pioneered the Salesian works in Cambodia. At present, he is still actively assigned there.

Words of Fr. John Pertile on his 'Golden Anniversary’

“The joy of my priestly life comes from trying to imitate what Jesus did. We call the priest 'another Christ'. Dedicating oneself for the others teaches us the important truth of life to have a higher reason for doing various activities. When I am able to help one to understand this, I am happy, because I see that he is also happy to learn what I have explained to him. Having reached 50 years of priesthood, what I would like to say and announce is: thank you Lord for the miracles you have done throughout my life, even though I am not worthy. Secondly, I would like to confirm that if God grant me another thousand lives, I will ask Him a thousand times to make me a priest, because there is no other better than this”.

We thank God for the blessing of the Salesian vocation and the missionary vocation of these confreres. Let us pray to God to inspire the youth to bravely respond to God's call so that they can help the souls of the poor and abandoned youth.

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