By SC THA

Bangkok, Thailand, 12 September 2024 -- On 7 September 2024, the Salesian Province of Saint Paul (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos) organized the celebration of Provincial Day 2024, which also included the Opening Ceremony for the preparation years leading up to the Salesian Centenary celebration in Thailand (1927-2027). The event took place at the Don Bosco Technological College in Bangkok. Approximately 500 participants attended this celebration, including the Salesian Confreres, members of the Salesian Family, Past Pupils, and numerous young people. Certainly, the Provincial of the THA Province, Fr Anthony Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, was the focal point of the celebration.

The event commenced with the introductory remarks delivered by Fr Joseph Manachai Tharachai, the Vice-Provincial and the Coordinator of festivities. The event was organized into three distinct segments. The initial segment was the introduction, arranged by the SYM Leaders from Sarasit Phithayalai School. Subsequently, the students from Saint Dominic School Bangkok guided the attendees in contemplating the Dream of John Bosco at the age of nine. The latter section focused on honoring the commitment of the Salesian missionaries and confreres from the Province who devoted themselves wholeheartedly to its development in the past years. This ceremonial moment was profoundly impacted by the symphony orchestra comprised of students from Don Bosco Vitthaya School, Udonthani, under the direction of Fr Smith Daengampan, the Rector of the School, who delivered memorable reflections through music and presentation. The third segment focused on expressing gratitude to Fr Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, the Provincial, who was surrounded by the confreres and young people. The Provincial has emphasized the importance of embodying the celebration through the phrase “do your duty well,” as this reflects the path to holiness, much like the teachings of Don Bosco. The ceremony concluded with the entrustment prayer to Our Lady.

The Opening Ceremony marking the preparation years for the Celebration of the Salesian Centenary in Thailand was concluded by the Eucharistic Celebration, which was presided over by Fr Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, the Provincial, alongside former Provincials who served as the main concelebrants. The Holy Mass also included Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, and numerous young people.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to this celebration. We also extend our gratitude to Fr. Phonchit Phoolvithayakij, the Rector of Don Bosco Technological College, and his community for the generous hospitality and the excellent facilities provided. May the celebration continue to resonate with the confreres, encouraging them to prepare diligently to honor the love of God for the Thai Province. Let them draw inspiration from the exemplary dedication of the missionaries who devoted themselves entirely to the welfare of the youth and the flourishing of Don Bosco’s Charism in Thailand.

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