"It was I who chose you, to go forth and bear fruit. 

Your fruit must endure." [Jn 15.16]

By Mr Thanya Sirottanyachock

Bangkok, Thailand, 15 June 2020 -- On 13 June 2020, the council of the Salesian Cooperators - Thailand organized the annual retreat 'online' to give formation, to pray and renew the spiritual life of the members who dedicate their lives for the young and the Church of Thailand.

The spiritual exercise was guided by the theme "Salesian Cooperators Are Holy" and was under the guidance of Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, SDB, the Bishop of Surat Thani Catholic Diocese. This was done by live-streaming through You Tube, arranged by the Social Communications Commission of Surat Thani Diocese.

The online retreat began at 06.30 hrs. with the celebration of the Holy Mass offered by the Bishop himself. The cooperators offered this Mass for the eternal repose of all the deceased members of the Association. From 09.00 - 11.00 hrs, the main theme on "Salesian Cooperators Are Holy" was shared by all the 11 groups of the Salesian Cooperators, numbering 95 members, led by Mr Pornsawat Lertvitayavivat. There were another 4 non-members who also joined. The groups were gathered in their various areas where they are affiliated, both in the houses of the Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

After the sharing, Bishop Prathan led the group to pray the prayer of entrustment of the world to Mary Help of Christians, a prayer on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the apostolic exhortation "Laudato Si'". The prayer for the renewal of the promises of the members followed thereafter.

During the sharing in this spiritual renewal, the Bishop dwelt on the important theme by leading the participants to reflect and be aware of the vocation to holiness of the salesian cooperator. The cooperator should be strong in living the Salesian spirituality and charism according to the spirit of Don Bosco, especially in spreading the good news, by being a 'holy person', meaning, by being a good person and by doing good', in order to be a good example in thought and action, for the society and the young to see, even in the midst of difficulties. The important work is to sacrifice, to offer oneself to the education and the pastoral ministry of the young, especially the poor and those most in need. The 'preventive system' of Don Bosco has religion as an important pillar to lead the young away from the temptations of the digital society which is slowly becoming dangerous to the soul of the good christian and an honest citizen.

It is, therefore, imperative for the cooperator to live as a true disciple of Christ in order to be true to one's vocation according to the will of God, by means of the Word of God, devotion to the Holy Eucharist, constant in the sacrament of reconciliation, in prayer, in studying the teachings and documents of the Church, of the Pope, in unity with the Salesian Family, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in order to have strength to live one's life, so that the education and work for the young will bear good fruits and help their conversion and growth in faith, in being a good christian, a good citizen according to the salesian spirit of St. John Bosco.

For the Salesian Cooperators in Thailand, at present there are 192 full-pledged members in 13 various groups, and one group in Phnom Penh, with Mr Pornsawat Lertvitayavivat as the provincial coordinator, Fr Dominic Suphot Riungam as SDB provincial delegate and Sr Suphawan Chotiphol, FMA  provincial delegate.

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