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!!!
