News
Meeting with the Rector Major
Sampran (Thailand)
The Rector Major, Fr. Pascual Chavez, arrived in Thailand on March 6, for the overall visit to the EAO. On arrival at Bangkok airport, he was welcomed by the Provincials Fr. Prasert Somngam, and Sr. Nipha Rangabpit, and other SDB and FMA. When he reached the SDB provincial house he was welcomed by representatives from all groups of the Salesian Family.
From the time he arrived, the Rector Major expressed to the provincial his desire to meet the FMA.
The following day, March 7, Fr. Pascual, the Vicar, Fr. Adriano Bregolin and his secretary Fr. Juan, with the Provincial Fr. Prasert visited the house of Sampran Ban Than Phraphon. About thirty FMA together with the novices and a group of young people from Ban Thidarak gave him a festive welcome. The provincial, in the name of all present, gave a brief welcome address and offered a bouquet of flowers, while the group sang a joyful welcome. The Rector Major immediately showed his joy in being with them.
After this, the Rector Major presided at the Eucharist. In his homily, he presented Saints Perpetua and Felicity as women who had the courage to witness to their fidelity to Christ with their blood. At the end of the Mass, having heard that the passing of the relics of Don Bosco in Thailand had sown many good seeds, he chose to distribute medals of Don Bosco to all as a reminder of the commitment to live in fidelity to the Salesian spirit.
After lunch, shared in joyful fraternity, the Rector Major gave a talk in which he presented the characteristics of Consecrated Life as represented in the icon of the Transfiguration. He dwelt on three points: a profound experience of God; the service of charity and the sign of fraternity. He also presented the two icons of the Samaritan Woman and the Good Samaritan that recall the passion for God and passion for humanity that Don Bosco expressed so well in his "Da mihi animas cetera tolle". The Sisters of Sampran write: «He stressed that the characteristics of these two icons should be reflected in a special way in our life here in Thailand , where Christians are a minority and lead us to turn towards the poorest and the marginalised. The words of gratitude of our provincial Sr. Nipha and a group photo concluded this precious encounter, leaving in our hearts much joy, the desire for good and great gratitude to the Lord».