Nakornpathom, Thailand, 9 May 2021 -- On the 1st of May 2021, Fr. Dheparat Pitisant, the Provincial, presided at the praying of the 'liturgy of the hours' and the reception of the 11 new novices at the Novitiate House in Sampran, Nakorn Pathom. This is a milestone for the Province, since it has been for so many years that the Province did not have such a big number.

Among the 11 new novices, there are 2 who came from Vietnam Province who volunteered as missionaries in Thailand. They are N. Anh Tuan Andrew and N. Van Tao Peter. Before their entry to the novitiate they studied the Thai language for 1 year. This was followed by another year of preparation of studies in philosophy at Saeng Tham College [Lux Mundi Seminary] together with their Thai companions.

The new novices started their novitiate with a spiritual retreat from 3 - 5 May 2021 at the Salesian Novitiate House in Sampran, Nakorn Pathom Province. The retreat was animated by Fr. John Lissandrin [the new rector of Sarasit School and parish priest of St. Joseph Church - Banpong]. In the course of the retreat the novices spent time in meditation, prayer and celebration of the Holy Eucharist in a pious atmosphere. At the end of the spiritual exercise, the novices received the book of the Constitutions and Regulations to be used to learn about Salesian life throughout the year.

At present, Fr. Boonlert Paneetatthayasai is the novice master. We pray and support these novices in order that they progress in holiness and grow in the Salesian religious life, so that they will become an important force for the Salesian Congregation in Thailand in the years to come.