Written by THA SC

Hua Hin, Thailand, 7 June 2025 -- On 31 May – 2 June 2025, the Association Salesian Cooperators of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos Province organized the annual retreat at the Salesian Retreat House in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, under the theme “Walking in Hope with the Power of Jesus”. Father Anusit Chanphen animated the retreat to guide the group members in returning to the starting point of their vocation, with a heart full of hope in Christ, and to understand the vocation of the Salesian Cooperator who plays an important role and has a duty in the Salesian Family. 91 participants attended the event.

During the three days of the annual retreat, in addition to the inspiring spiritual inputs, there were also group sharing, prayers, Eucharistic vigils, the Rosary, and the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. These enhanced the spiritual renewal of the members amid nature, silence, and fraternal fellowship. In addition, the retreat also had an important agenda: the election of a new Provincial Advisory Council to replace the old one whose term had expired, to jointly continue and determine the direction of the Salesian Cooperators for the next term (2025-2028).

Another important event of this year’s retreat was the pledge-giving ceremony of seven new Salesian Cooperators, which took place during the evening Mass on Saturday, 1 June 2025. The pledges were received by Fr. Aaron Alcoseba, who was delegated by the Provincial for this purpose. This pledge-giving ceremony marked the beginning of a serious engagement in the Salesian spirit with a mission to serve the young, with faith, love, and family spirit. The increase in new members reflects the awakening of the laity’s vocation and the growth of the Salesian Family, which is not limited only to the clergy but rather includes laypeople who are ready to devote their lives to the young, following the spirit of Don Bosco, the founder of the Congregation.

At present, there are 189 Salesian Cooperators in Thailand, with Father Niphon Sarachit as the chaplain on the side of the Salesians of Don Bosco [SDB] and Sister Suphawan Chotiphon as the spiritual guide on the side of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians [FMA].

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