4083_Don Bosco in the City of Children (Kalay Myo)

July 30, 2016

By Fr. Camillus Gin Go Suan, SDB

Kalay Myo, Myanmar, 29 july 2016 -- Five years after arrival of the Salesians to Kalay Myo (town near the Chin States in Western Myanmar) we feel that Don Bosco Charism is slowly but surely growing. This unique Salesian presence in the Western part of our country was started in 2011. Only few hundred meters from the Cathedral Church we have already Boarding House for Chin Hill boys (75 of them, grade 8-9) and recently have open a Kindergarten (now with first batch of 37 children).

We are only 4 confreres - 2 Salesian priests and 2 clerics in practical training – Fr. Camillus Gin Go Suan (priest in charge), Fr. Alphonse Aung Naing Shew, Cl. John Thi Ha, Cl. Peter Myo Htoi Li. During past few days we enjoyed a second visit of our Father Regional, this time for the extraordinary visitation.

Apart of the ordinary visitation schedule we were happy to convoke a first meeting of our 20 young ‘Friends of Don Bosco’ – some of our Past Pupils, FMA Past Pupils from Anisakan, some Ex-Salesians as well some University students who were involved in the Youth activities with us during past 5 years. Since there is not yet any group of the Salesian Family in our fresh community we try to start Don Bosco Alumni and/or Salesian Cooperators. In a lively dialogue Fr. Klement had a good chance to interact with the youth (20-30 years of age) and share about the Alumni Association life around the Region. We concluded the whole meeting with a prayer – promise of the Don Bosco Past Pupils take from their ‘Statutes.

Although the construction of our new house (Boarding for Chin Hill students, Salesian house with some space for informal livelihood training) is not yet concluded, the tuition and daily life of our boarders is going on the two floors. Third floor is now (finally) being slowly finished. Thanks be to God!

Chin States with a strong Christian presence is among the poorest states of Myanmar Union. Also many Salesians of Don Bosco were born in this region, although until 2011 there was no Salesian presence. We hope to contribute to the education of the young Catholic generation and to share the Preventive system of Don Bosco with the local Church as well.

Please, pray for our young community, that we may be able to put a solid foundation to Don Bosco Charism in this part our Myanmar!