Saint Dominic Savio a life model in Thailand also today

By Thanakorn Thongprasom

Hat Yai, Thailand, 14 September 2018 -- St. Dominic Savio is also after 160 years an attractive life model for the young people all around the world. The short but thrilling biography written by Don Bosco almost immediately after his death on March 9, 1857 is translated in dozens of languages, his image and name is spread in all Salesian education and pastoral communities in all five continents.

Also in Thailand Don Bosco schools the Feast of St. Dominic Savio is celebrated with few days of preparation by the whole EPC (Educative - pastoral community) and does make impact on the life of the students. Saengthong Vitthaya school in the city of Hat Yai (Southern Thailand) is not an exception. Althoug the vast majority of the 3600+ students are Buddhist, with few Catholics and Muslims, Dominic is quite alive.

Also this year on September 14 (Friday) culminated his 5 days celebrations of the whole school community with a special daily morning time for prayer, reading Dominic's Life story, personal reflection, resolutions, art and writing contest songs and some cultural items. On the main feastday most of the students were involved in the two hours long celebration.

Thanks to the vibrant animation by the school pastoral group, most of the students share their resolution and some were even awarded. One six grade student Thanakorn Thongprasom shares:

"I have three commitments to follow Dominic Savio.




First, I'm going to be faithful by being a good Buddhist, believe in Buddha's teaching and practice Budhism, because Dominic Savio was faithful, too. He was so faithful, that when his frind did not want to go to church due to cold weather, he took off his gloves and coat and gave it to his friend.




Second, I'm going to be a good friend by not betraying my friends, not talking behind them back, and helping them when they have problems, because Dominic Savio was a good friend, too. He was so good, that when there was a fight between two friends he was able to stop it.




Third, my last commitment is to show respect to other people like Dominic paid respect to Don Bosco. I'm going to show respect to other people by respecting their private zone and not making fun of them.




In conclusion, being faithful, being a good friend, and showing respect to other people are my three commitments to follow Dominic Savio.

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