Mother Mazzarello’s Statue in Cambodia

 


A Tribute to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters) on the occasion of their 150th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Institute (1872 – 2022) and 25th Anniversary of their presence in Teuk Thla.

 

Don Bosco School Teuk Thla, Cambodia has a unique story to narrate. Since our first 4 missionary Sisters set foot on Cambodian soil, the Sisters have been working in Cambodia for 30 years. This year, our second house here in Teuk Thla gives thanks for 25 years of its presence. It coincides with the Institute’s jubilee celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first profession of Religious vows of Mother Mazzarello and her companions.

 

Among the different proposals from the planning committee was the idea of having the statue of Mother Mazzarello for the school since we only had the statue of Don Bosco to date. This suggestion was unanimously accepted. In a span of two months, parents, students and staff contributed generously. Mrs. Preut Sivet, our past teacher, designed the statue and Bro. Vy Somnang, a diocesan seminarian and past pupil of the Salesian Fathers, helped to get it crafted in Vietnam. He went out of his way to see that the statue was made according to what we desired. The final product was due to arrive after three months of work, on July 13, the commemoration of Mother Mazzarello, but eventually arrived on the next day. A welcome shout of joy rang out from all of us.

 

The statue of Mother Mazzarello was installed on August 28, 2022, during the of Gratitude day for the parents of our students as we closed the school year. Representatives from among the Sisters, staff, teachers, students and parents came forward to unveil the statue in a gesture of solidarity. Fr. Suon Hang Ly, the then Parish Priest of St. Peter and Paul Church, Phnom Penh Thymai, blessed the statue and the people around. Children of the elementary school presented the dance of gratitude to God for all His blessings. An atmosphere of wonder and grace was felt as expressed by all present. A unique and touching moment in the history of the school. As being the school gratitude day, Parents bought their lunch and we were blessed and gratified to witness families enjoying their simple food together seated on the grass or under the trees in our school compound. Oh! God’s love is so amazing! Evviva Madre Mazzarello!!!

 






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