Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 6 November 2016 -- The two days of consultation for the new provincial of THA province (Thailand-Cambodia-Laos) in Phnom Penh brought together all 11 Salesians presently living and working in the country. Six months after the historical visit of the Rector Major for the 25th anniversary of the Salesian presence in the country the Salesians of three communities in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Poipet came together to pray, reflect and discern about the way to the future.
Consultation discernment gathering of all confreres was followed by a Delegation council meeting and practical trainees formation on Saturday (November 5). On Sunday was held the Salesian Youth Movement animators formation session. On the Sunday evening also arrived Fr. Alfred Maravilla (Missions department, Rome) for a short animation visit focused on the accompaniment of the young missionaries send to the Delegation within past few years.
The fast growing and rather complex socio-economic situation of Cambodia offers quite few challenges also to the Salesian Family in this developing country. In spite of few consecrated Salesians in the country, the formation of the lay mission partners and Salesian family members (Don Bosco Past Pupils and Salesian Cooperators) guarantee the growth of the Salesian Charism. First three professed Khmer Salesians in initial formation are the best pledge for the future.
During very frank, open and constructive sharing among the confreres emerged some crucial themes of our growth:
Need of more quality communications at any level; after the successful SEPP of the Delegation there is need for the Overall Delegation (strategic) Plan; working on the sustainability of the Salesian Mission (building of the PDO); Formation of all 400+ Lay Mission Partners involved in our works and systematic development of Salesian Youth Ministry in line with the Congregation.
The consultation for the next THA provincial does continue with three other sessions in Thailand, November 7-8.
