4957(II)_Whispering the Gospel at Christmas time?

Thai Salesian schools

December 22, 2018

By THA SC

Bangkok, Thailand, 22 December 2018 -- Christmas time is a good opportunity to 'whisper the Gospel' among those who have never met Jesus face to face. For example, for millions of Filipino overseas workers living among non-Christians, their Christmas Novena Masses, 'Simbang Gabi', are a good opportunity to witness to their love for Jesus. When we see the massive crowd at St Mary's Church (Oud Metha) in Dubai, in United Arab Emirates, attending the third 'Simbang Gabi', here is proof that long-established traditions remain at the core of Pinoy Christmas, we start to think. (United Arab Emirates)

However in our Thai context, with 0.3% of Catholics among the majority 69 million Buddhist population, it is not so easy to 'whisper' the really good news of God's coming among us in Jesus.There are seven Thai Don Bosco schools. Consider that of the 3600 students at Hat Yai school alone, just 43 are Catholics.

Christmas time offers an opportunity, and with the creativity, animation skills and pastoral zeal of our Salesians and each school pastoral team we can witness to a wonderful experience in our five large schools in Udonthani, Hua Hin, Banpong, Bangkok and Hat Yai: a Christmas drama performed by our students, a carol-singing contest, a beautiful Christmas crib decoration in the school compound or a school band concert.

God made man: the mystery of Jesus Christ celebrated every year offer us a good occasion for the initial proclamation through personal witness, music, drama or art. Let's offer a chance to make Jesus more visible through our humble cooperation, and whisper his Gospel this Christmas.