Hong Kong, 22 August 2016 -- We are Salesians! We are Brothers and Priests! Our identity as consecrated pastors and educators is always expressed in these two ways of living our one Salesian Vocation. Hong Kong 'Aberdeen Technical School' was opened 81 years ago and became over the years like a model - mother to many technical schools in our EAO region. Indeed when the first missionaries came across from China to the Philippines or Vietnam, first technical schools in Victorias or Saigon Go Vap were faithful 'copy' of Aberdeen in Hong Kong.
Also the vocation of Salesian Brother did flourish thanks to many technical school workshop with many different trade experts - those time all of them Brothers. Also ATS school was a fertile ground for flourishing of many Salesian Brother Vocations in the past. However until few weeks ago at the main entrance there was a nice sign board 'Salesian Fathers'. Thanks to many thoughtful Salesians we can now appreciate a make-shift of this sign board as 'Salesian Brothers - Salesian Fathers'. Probably the only such inscription around the Salesian world.
At present time the Aberdeen Technical School is animated by four Salesians - two Priests (Rector and Catechist - in charge of the Aspirant program), one Salesian Brother and one practical trainee. Thanks to the presence of almost 120 boarding students and strong commitment of many Alumni of this School everybody can experience a true Salesian spirit in this compound. Also for the candidates to the Salesian life it is a good opportunity to breath and touch the heart of Don Bosco in the two visible expressions - Salesian Brother and Priest.
Related article:
3560 (Aberdeen Technical School 60 years)
3688 (What makes me truly happy? - Br. Arnold de Groot, 88 years -ATS)
