Sihanoukville, Cambodia, 25 January 2018 -- The Feast of Don Bosco started in Cambodia with the visit of Mamma Margarita this year. The visit of the mothers of Br. Roberto Panetto and Fr. Samnang Albeiro Rodas, motivated the invitation of the parents of the first Cambodian Salesians for a gathering at Don Bosco Sihanoukville on January 23. The experience came also from the canonical visit of Fr. Vaclav to the THA Province, during an encounter with the dad of Br. John Nary in the rural area of Kompung Trach District, Kampot Province, not far from Don Bosco Kep last October 2018. Fr. Vaclav recommended to meet all parents within the Salesian tradition of Mamma Margarita to help in the vocation of their sons.
Fr. Roel Soto, Cambodia Delegation superior, opened the gathering at the Saint Francis of Sales Chapel in Don Bosco Sihanoukville with the assistance of 9 parents. He made a description of the Salesian work in Cambodia and the dimensions of the Salesian Congregation. Fr. Eugene Xalxo, Rector of Don Bosco Sihanoukville, offered a family atmosphere to the parents of the Salesians in union with the local community - Br. Martin Tan Tai as director of the Hotel School.
Fr. Samnang explained to the parents of the Salesians the process of formation and the meaning of the Salesian life, the relation with the Catholic Faith and the interreligious dialogue with Buddhism, the major religion of Cambodia. Parents shared their great joy of having a religious son and also their hopes.
During the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Roel, the intentions were also for the deceased parents of the Salesians and, in a special way, for the mother of Fr. Roel who passed away in the Philippines weeks before his 25th priesthood anniversary. Fr. Roel shared with the parents of the Salesians that experience of a mother full of love and Faith for the vocation of her son. He asked the parents to pray always for their sons in order to give a holy support for their apostolate and religious being and also to be models of a family for their communities.
It was a great opportunity to meet those persons that gave life to the sons of Don Bosco in our time and in this kingdom of Southeast Asia, seeding the love and care of Jesus for the poor, especially children and youth through the hands of Saint John Bosco, which Feast is celebrated with much love for Cambodian children and youth, most of them Buddhist, but with a heart of thankfulness. Be this a seed of vocations and #HolinessForYouToo.
Mamma Paola, mom of Br. Roberto, attended the gathering. Coming from Italy, she shared her experience as a mother of a Salesian and her happiness.
FLTR Aspirant Br. Socheat, the mom of Br. Ieth (post novice at Sampran), Fr. Samnang and his mom from Colombia and the dad and Br. Nary in practical training.
Persons of a great humbleness, gathering to share that experience of being the parents and family of a Salesian. It is the first experience in Cambodia and we pray that it will increase in number and holiness.
