20150129_THA

Opening the new building “Don Bosco Bicentenary” (THA)

By Thanad Anan

Udon Thani: January 26, 2015 will be remembered as a historic day for Don Bosco Vithaya School in Udon Thani town, Northeast Thailand.

On the occasion of Don Bosco’s Bicentenary celebrations, a new 6-floor building was solemnly inaugurated and blessed. The event was graced by the presence of the Local Ordinary, Bishop Joseph Luechai, Fr Paul Prasert, the Provincial of Thailand, many confreres, parents, teachers and of course, many students. The ceremony began at 9 with the welcome anthem played by our School Band. After the short ceremony of cutting the inaugural ribbon by the Bishop and Fr Provincial, followed by a thunderous applause, the procession moved slowly into the large open space covered with a huge roof on top of the sixth floor of the new building. The Bishop and Fr Provincial officiated on the stage at the solemn service of the Word of God for the Blessing of the new building. Then, followed the touching ceremony of giving a special award to some teachers who had served the school for more than 25 years. A few of them have been teaching in our school for more that 40 years. A youthful presentation on the stage of a medley of songs and dances helped create the atmosphere of joy which is so characteristic of our Salesian family spirit. Afterwards, there was a refreshment at the sixth floor where an exhibition with beautiful panels about the school activities attracted the interest of the guests.

When the Bishop, the confreres and the other distinguished guests left, we could easily notice their faces smiling and radiating joy. All expressed appreciation for having taken part in the celebration of Don Bosco’s Bicentenary which was highlighted by the solemn blessing of the new school building.

Don Bosco Vithaya School is one of the seven large Salesian schools in Thailand with almost 3,000 students from kindergarten to pre-University. The new building can accommodate more than 2,000 students, but at present only about 1,500 students are using the building, which, besides the many class-rooms, has also a large and beautiful library, computer rooms and, soon will also have a large science room. Our school is well-known in Udonthani town and in the neighboring provinces for the good academic and moral formation we give to our students. For us Salesians, education is a true service of love that we give to the young; but, on one condition: that we remain faithful to Don Bosco’s Preventive System.