Salesian family day – Combodia
Annual
Salesian Family Gathering at Teuk Thla
The 2nd
annual gathering of the Salesian Family in Cambodia took place last 20th
January 2018 at the Salesian Sisters’ school at Teuk Thla. It started with the
Holy Mass presided by the Provincial Delegate, Fr. Roel Soto, and concelebrated
by three other Salesians: Fr. Gerard Ravasco, Fr. Mark Yang and Fr. Charles
Michael Arun.
As in the
previous year, the main objective of the gathering was to have a common study
and deepening on the Rector Major’s Strenna, which this year has the theme “Let
us Cultivate the Art of Listening and of Accompaniment”. The Scriptural basis
of the strenna was the Samaritan woman’s words to Jesus: "Sir, give me this water." (Jn. 4:15).
After the Eucharistic
celebration, the 61 participants gathered in the Don Bosco High School Audio
Visual room. After the Provincial, Sr. Jessica Salvaña’s words of welcome, Sr.
Maria Elena Estacio, coordinator of the event and in charge of the FMA Salesian
Family sector, welcomed a special participant from Thailand, Fr. Carlo Verlado
an Italian missionary who had been working there for more than 40 years. Each participant then introduced him/herself
in a familiar and informal way. This moment alone showed the Salesian Family’s
sense of humor and creativity.
Then came the main event
of the day: Fr. “Gigi” Ravasco’s explanation and practical application of the
strenna. With the help of video clips, Fr. Gigi simplified the Rector Major’s
commentary and somehow enculturated it, giving emphasis to the three elements
of discernment (recognizing, interpreting and making a choice) especially when
helping young people in their vocational discernment and life itinerary.
After a
short break for snacks and reflection, the group met again for sharing and some
announcement of family news. The sharing and discussion was lively and revealed
the diversity and also cohesion of insights among SDBs, FMAs, Salesian
Cooperators, past pupils and lay collaborators. Even Fr. Verlado, who has
worked as director of their skills development center for the blind in Bangkok,
shared on his apostolic experiences with visually-impaired youth.
This year,
it was heart-warming to see the first Cambodian Volunteer of Don Bosco (VDB) among
the participants. A member of the Sister-Servants of the Immaculate Heart, Sr.
Kanlaya Chatbanyong, missionary from Thailand, also represented their
congregation. A representative of the Don Bosco Past Pupils’ Association, Mr.
Pang Poty, announced a forthcoming gathering of SDB alumni to which they
invited the Sisters’ past pupils to join.
The meeting
ended with the presentation of a video on the 25th Anniversary of the
FMAs in Cambodia and this was followed by a hearty lunch where sharings and
friendly discussions continued. Indeed, the spirit of Don Bosco was very much
alive that morning!
-
Sr. Malen Estacio, FMA
