Yangon, Myanmar, 24 April 2019 -- The Salesians of Don Bosco reached Burma (Myanmar) in 1939 and after the nationalization of all Catholic schools in 1965 experienced a long period of isolation from the Salesian community worldwide (until 2004 they were onlya Delegation of the India-Kolkatta province). Although there are already 75 SDB and 33 FMA sisters with a few hundred Don Bosco and of Mary Help of Christians past pupils, the vocation of Salesian Cooperator was not yet born. Now there is the first group of interested past pupils who are accompanied by one Salesian priest.
There are no Cooperators yet in Myanmar. The following interview questions are answered by one committed past pupil of Don Bosco who is invited and started the initial stage of Salesian Cooperator vocation discernment and formation
WHAT makes you happy as Salesian Cooperator candidate?
Being a cooperator means, to me, living the Salesian spirituality. This makes me happy knowing how to take care of my spiritual life.
WHAT makes you grow in your Salesian Cooperator vocation and mission so far?
Working and planning together with the different Salesian groups makes me grow.
WHAT are the major challenges in your vocation discernment and candidate journey?
My main challenge is to be able give time and commit to this mission.
WHAT exchange among the EAO Salesian Cooperators do you dream about?
Maybe, we can exchange the different views and experiences of the same Salesian spirituality.
WHAT do you expect from the 2019 EAO Formators Workshop?
To have a clear idea of the vocation of Cooperators. There are not yet any Salesian Cooperators yet in Myanmar. The process of formation and the all Salesian Cooperators related materials are still to be published in Burmese and are still on the way (not yet). We hope to complete soon the translation of the Project of Apostolic Life and other relevant documents.
