austraLasia #3201
Phnom Penh: 6 March 2013 -- After 23 years of Salesian presence in Cambodia, it is worth looking briefly at where things stand, and taking a broader view. We are already well aware of interesting and positive developments in the kind of work that has made 'Don Bosco' recognised as the best NGO in Cmabodia: this week sees the formal opening of the Kep complex, as indicated in a recent austraLasia, and the Agro-vocational Centre in Battambang, close to the Thai border, was also officially opened last month. The school is a response to the huge number of young people who are forced by circumstances of poverty and lack of skills into labour in brick factories or paddy fields. But all these wonderful and very important activities in Cambodian society depend very much on a consolidated Salesian presence.
Recently Fr Klement made his second visit to Cambodia as Missions Councillor (he had visited several times earlier in his capacity as EAO Regional, and in 2008 carried out the Extraordinary Visitation). With his background knowledge and his by now very wide experience of Salesian mission activity, he was able to provide that broader view for austraLasia. What follows are a few indicators from discussions with him:
It is important to note that 'Salesian' Cambodia is actually about 36 strong and internationally diverse: 24 Salesian Sisters from 14 countries, and already with some young Cambodian Sisters in initial formation; 12 Salesians from 7 nations (9 currently physically working in Cambodia, 3 in initial formation out of the country for the moment) and the prospect of the first 2 Cambodian novices making their first profession this year (in Thailand) with 2 prenovices in the wings and a number of aspirants.
'Salesian' Cambodia is making a huge impact in the country, including in terms of faith and evangelisation. 300 new Catholics are likely to be baptised this coming Easter, many of them coming from Sdb and FMA settings.
Despite the smaller number of Salesians SDB, the development of Salesian work in the country has been enormous: Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville as the two major centres, with various offshoots in places like Kep, Battambang, Poipet.... Our work is offering young Cambodian boys and girls, men and women the very best in educational terms and moral, physical, intellectual and spiritual development. Certainly everyone working in this scene sees that it is time that Cambodia take on formal Delegation status, and that too is close to being finalised: statutes exist, are just in need of some further development especially now that the whole initial formation scene is opening up for them, and once formal application is made, everything then depends of course on the Rector Major and his Council.
There is no question that Salesian Cambodia has been an excellent example of the contribution and continuing importance of Don Bosco Mission partners - people from around the world who have backed the development in terms of financial solidarity in planning and execution of plans; volunteers both young and old, who have given of their time and labour. And of course, the Salesians missionaries themselves. They need more!
Cambodian crossroads! The catchword for now is probably consolidation and direction, but the scene is positive, the good will is there, to balance the reality of so much and such complex activity, with Don Bosco's typical flexibility. And it would seem that potential vocations are also there - the great need being to ensure that these can be properly accompanied over the short and long term. The need for further missionary input is also clear.
Cambodian Crossroads
Phnom Penh: 6 March 2013 -- After 23 years of Salesian presence in Cambodia, it is worth looking briefly at where things stand, and taking a broader view. We are already well aware of interesting and positive developments in the kind of work that has made 'Don Bosco' recognised as the best NGO in Cmabodia: this week sees the formal opening of the Kep complex, as indicated in a recent austraLasia, and the Agro-vocational Centre in Battambang, close to the Thai border, was also officially opened last month. The school is a response to the huge number of young people who are forced by circumstances of poverty and lack of skills into labour in brick factories or paddy fields. But all these wonderful and very important activities in Cambodian society depend very much on a consolidated Salesian presence.
Recently Fr Klement made his second visit to Cambodia as Missions Councillor (he had visited several times earlier in his capacity as EAO Regional, and in 2008 carried out the Extraordinary Visitation). With his background knowledge and his by now very wide experience of Salesian mission activity, he was able to provide that broader view for austraLasia. What follows are a few indicators from discussions with him:
It is important to note that 'Salesian' Cambodia is actually about 36 strong and internationally diverse: 24 Salesian Sisters from 14 countries, and already with some young Cambodian Sisters in initial formation; 12 Salesians from 7 nations (9 currently physically working in Cambodia, 3 in initial formation out of the country for the moment) and the prospect of the first 2 Cambodian novices making their first profession this year (in Thailand) with 2 prenovices in the wings and a number of aspirants.
'Salesian' Cambodia is making a huge impact in the country, including in terms of faith and evangelisation. 300 new Catholics are likely to be baptised this coming Easter, many of them coming from Sdb and FMA settings.
Despite the smaller number of Salesians SDB, the development of Salesian work in the country has been enormous: Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville as the two major centres, with various offshoots in places like Kep, Battambang, Poipet.... Our work is offering young Cambodian boys and girls, men and women the very best in educational terms and moral, physical, intellectual and spiritual development. Certainly everyone working in this scene sees that it is time that Cambodia take on formal Delegation status, and that too is close to being finalised: statutes exist, are just in need of some further development especially now that the whole initial formation scene is opening up for them, and once formal application is made, everything then depends of course on the Rector Major and his Council.
There is no question that Salesian Cambodia has been an excellent example of the contribution and continuing importance of Don Bosco Mission partners - people from around the world who have backed the development in terms of financial solidarity in planning and execution of plans; volunteers both young and old, who have given of their time and labour. And of course, the Salesians missionaries themselves. They need more!
Cambodian crossroads! The catchword for now is probably consolidation and direction, but the scene is positive, the good will is there, to balance the reality of so much and such complex activity, with Don Bosco's typical flexibility. And it would seem that potential vocations are also there - the great need being to ensure that these can be properly accompanied over the short and long term. The need for further missionary input is also clear.
