Cambodia Delegation Assembly 2017

By Cambodia Delegation Soc.Com.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 16 August 2017 -- On the Assumption Feastday (August 15) and on the 202th Birthday of Don Bosco (August 16) the young Delegation of Cambodia celebrated the Delegation Assembly of Confreres. With the arrival of Br. Martin Tai after five years absence (specific formation of Salesian Brothers, BA degree study in education in he Philippines) and of one new practical trainee from Vietnam, Cl. Anthony Hoang there are already 14 SDB present in Cambodia (8 priests, 2 Salesian Brothers and 4 practical trainees).

In the morning hours of August 15 the two visitors from Bangkok - Fr. John Bosco Theparat (Provincial of THA) and Fr. Klement (EAO Regional councilor) met the Delegate Fr. Roel and in the afternoon hours was held the Delegation Council meeting. The meeting focused on the current critical economic situation of the Delegation.

During the Assumption Day Eucharist celebrated together with the DBTS Boarding students Cl. Joshua Pilaku renewed his Salesian religious vows and received a special gift from Father Provincial. A festive meal was attended also by the numerous missionary volunteers (mainly from Cagliero Project, AUL) at the Phnom Penh SDB community refectory.

The Don Bosco 202th Birthday in the morning was dedicated to quarterly recollection. A recollection talk was shared by Fr. Klement with two questions for personal reflection - How to keep alive the missionary fire in our hearts? How to make our education truly a Gospel witness and sharing? During the morning Eucharist there was a very meaningful homily shared by some senior Salesians.

The afternoon of August 16 was dedicated to the Assembly of the confreres. After a brief introduction of the EAO regional councilor followed an open forum around the "What do you consider important – relevant- necessary for the future of the Delegation?" A rich sharing participated by all 14 Salesians, starting from the first two Khmer practical trainees (Cl. Nari and Cl. Mony) focused on various aspects of the 'Reshaping of Salesian Mission' like formation of the Lay Mission Partners, creating of vocation culture and active vocation promotion, suggestions related to the current development plan, ongoing formation and qualification of the Salesians. The whole Assembly was a deep experience of communion among the confreres living in Sihanoukville-Kep, Phnom Penh and Battambang-Poipet.

During the Assembly were remembered also other 8 confreres studying or working abroad at the moment: Fr. Cef Ledesma (coming back in September), Cl. Daniel and Cl. Michael (Melbourne-Australia, theology studies), Cl. Ieth, Cl. Chandara and Br. Sarorng (Sam Phran-Thailand), Cl. Joseph Khoa (Manila-Philippines) and prenovice Moun (Cebu-Philippines).

Cambodia Delegation confreres are happy with the close accompaniment from their Provincial and EAO Regional councilor and continue their journey of consolidating the communities and strengthening the mission within the fast changing context of Cambodia society and youth.

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