FIRST SALESIAN FAMILY DAY IN CAMBODIA

Early this year- 14th January 2017- the Salesian Family in Cambodia, comprising six sectors, spent half a day on a common study-reflection on this year's Strenna of the Rector Major. 
The auspicious day started with the Holy Mass concelebrated  by Fr. Roel Soto (SDB Delegate and Rector of Don Bosco Technical School) Fr. Albeiro Rodas (main celebrant), Fr.Gigi Ravasco, SDB  and Fr. Charles Arun Michael, SDB. After the Mass and snacks, the group of 50 Salesian Family members moved to the audio-visual room of Don Bosco High School, Teuk Thla where Fr. Rodas (also called Fr. “Somnang”) expounded on the theme “Family: a School of Life and of Love”, .

 

The sectors represented were the SDBs, FMAs, SCs (Salesian Cooperators), VDBs (Volunteers of Don Bosco), PPs (Past Pupils) and the SSIHMs (Sister-Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary), a religious congregation for women founded by a Salesian Bishop (Msgr. Passotti) in Thailand. Sr. Ponthip Keoking, a missionary in Cambodia, and two of their students represented their group.

 The meeting had all the ingredients of a wholesome family (and extended family) gathering: the eagerness to meet one another, the pleasant smiles and greetings, the presence of Fathers who gave some wise thoughts, the Brothers, Sisters, Cooperators, Past Pupils who were desirous to listen, share and learn from each other, and of course, a well-prepared meal that delighted everyone. At the end, the participants were just too excited to meet again. They decided that the annual Salesian Family Day would be held every third Saturday of January, starting next year. However, smaller gatherings or meetings could be organized during the year for common or shared activities and events like the celebration of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, study and planning on family ministry and further reflections on the 2017 Strenna. The event was organized and hosted by the Salesian Sisters.