(ANS – Bangkok) – Responding to the invitation made by the Rector Major Fr Pascual Chávez, during the Centenary Congress of the Association of Past Pupils of Don Bosco  earlier this year, the Tenth Congress of the Asia-Australia region was held in Bangkok from 22nd to 25th February. The event was carried out under the motto "you are the light of the world" (Mt 5.14) and on the theme "Identity and social commitment, political, economical and religious work of the Past Pupil of Don Bosco".

The meeting was attended by the Presidents and Delegates, whether National, Provincial, of the Federations of Thailand, India, South Korea, Japan, East Timor, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and, for the first time, Laos: a total of 24 delegates, who accompanied a total of 160 participating members. Also present was Dr. Francesco Muceo, Confederal President; Angel Gudiña, Vice President of the young expupils (GEX), Councillors of the Asia-Australia Region, Rajesh Gupta and for GEX, Rajiv Tikmany, World Delegate, Fr José Pastor Ramírez, and representatives of European federations.

At the Congress, coordinated by Mr. Francis Wichai, Secretary of the Thai Federation, there were also some Past Pupils of other groups of the Salesian Family, highlighting the beauty of sharing within the one family of Don Bosco.

On February 23rd, after introductory greetings from the Provincial of Thailand, Fr Paul Prassert Somngam, and the President of the Thai Federation, Dr. Wanlop Chiaravanont, Fr Pastor Ramírez started the main Conference: "Identity and social commitment, political, economical and religious work of the Past Pupil of Don Bosco in the Asia-Australia Region", which was followed by the reports of the National Federations.

On Sunday 24th February, 4 Sub-themes were studied in depth, relating to technical and professional education in Salesian schools in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia; how to create a culture of innovation in education; business and leadership skills in the digital age; networking opportunities for educational-pastoral commitment in the region. Throughout the day there was also time for a trip on the Chao Praya River and the archaeological site at Ayutthaya.

Solemn Mass was celebrated on Monday 25th at the Don Bosco Institute Technological College church,presided over by Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, Salesian Bishop of Surat Thani, and concelebrated by Salesian Past Pupils, Bishop Silvio Siripong Charatsri, Bishop of Chanthaburi, and Bishop John Bosco Panya Kritcharoen, Bishop of Ratchaburi, Thailand, together with the Provincial and about 30 other priests. A 113 member choir – composed of students, aspirants and postulants from groups of the Salesian Family provided the music.

Subsequently various performances of traditional Thai dances and a performance of the musical band of the Salesian Institute were held.

At the end of the gathering the resolutions of the Congress were delivered: to promote rights, especially of young people and women, creating a culture for dignified life; create network systems that use social media to grow ethically, spiritually, socially, economically and culturally; to form a business club in each country for the socio-economic development of Past Pupils.

Published 01/03/2013