By SC THA

Banpong, Thailand, 11 September 2024 -- The Salesian Youth Ministry Commission Thailand organized the 2024 Salesian Youth Leaders Gathering from 5-7 September 2024 at Sarasit Pithayalai School, BanPong District, Ratchaburi Province. The camp was attended by 140 youth from schools affiliated with the Salesian Congregation and the Salesian Family, including 20 teachers, brothers, sisters, and staff members, under the leadership of Father Warayut Charoenphoom, the person in charge of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), and Father Nopphadon Joseph, the head of the Commission on Youth Ministry for Thailand, along with representatives from various religious communities in the Salesian Family, such as the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Sisters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate, and the Daughters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate, who came together to walk alongside the youth leaders, most of whom were members of the student councils from each school.

This event is a special youth gathering to prepare them for the celebration of the launching of the preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Salesian Congregation’s mission in Thailand (1927-2027). The activities during this gathering encouraged the youth to know and understand the role and circumstances of leadership according to the Salesian spirit. In addition, the youth also had the opportunity to reflect on the essence of Don Bosco’s dream at 9 years old. As leaders, they must help others to continue their dreams, especially the dream of those in need, by “listening to the voices of the poor”, as emphasized by Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letters Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum. This is an opportunity for the Salesian youth leaders to open their eyes to new perspectives on the challenges of Laudato Si’, which, in addition to campaigning for environmental conservation and the wise use of resources, also includes aspects of social justice and listening to the voices of the poor. To respond to this challenge in a tangible way, the youth traveled to “Uncle Sanit’s House” in Ratchaburi Province, which is a home for the elderly who have been abandoned and neglected by their families and by society. Each youth had the opportunity to learn by listening to the voices of those in need through talking with and listening to the elderly living in this house. In addition, the youth also practiced organizing recreational activities that can be applied to various initiatives in their schools.

The Salesian Youth Leaders Camp ended with a trip to join the 2024 Salesian Provincial Day at Don Bosco Technological College, Bangkok. Coupled with this celebration was the launching of the three-year preparation for the 100th anniversary of the Salesian mission in Thailand. In this event, the impact of the Salesian youth united with the Salesians and the members of the Salesian Family was manifested. The launching ceremony offered gratitude to God for His inspiration and guidance. This also honored the Salesian missionaries, the pioneers, who had made the Salesian Province relevant and active to this day.

The youth leadership camp proceeded smoothly and achieved its stated objective: “Salesian youth leaders unite to make the dreams of others come true, especially the dreams of the poor and those who need help the most.”

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