Participating in this experience of presence and closeness on the part of the Rector Major to the local leaders of the Congregation in the Region will be the Provincials of 8 Provinces: Australia (AUL), China (CIN), South Korea (KOR), North Philippines (FIN), South Philippines (FIS), Japan (GIA), Thailand (THA) and Vietnam (VIE); of 4 Vice-Provinces: Myanmar (MYM), Indonesia (INA), Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS), and East Timor (TLS); and of 5 Provincial Delegations: Cambodia, belonging to THA; Mongolia and North Vietnam, both belonging to VIE; Pacific, belonging to AUL; and Pakistan, belonging to FIS.
It is precisely the Region's great cultural and linguistic variety, a source of richness as well as the origin of some challenges, that is one of the most relevant characteristics of the Salesian presence in this part of the world, which extends across 22 countries and six time zones.
Overall, the Region is one of the most flourishing within the Congregation and, according to the latest data from December 31, 2021, is home to 1425 professed Salesians and has 51 novices.
The Rector Major's arrival on Thai soil is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, May 5, in Bangkok. As soon as he arrives, Fr Á.F. Artime, like all the other Provincials and Provincial Councilors participating in the gathering, shall undergo a day of medical check-ups following the regulations in force and the prudential anti-contagion measures of Covid-19.
The day of Friday 6, however, foresees various symbolic and significant moments: the Rector Major will travel to the floating market of Ratchaburi by boat, in the manner in which the first Salesian missionaries used to do so. Then, in the cathedral, he will concelebrate the Eucharist together with the bishop ordinary of the diocese, Msgr. John Bosco Panya, a Salesian past pupil.
Afterward, there will still be time for a tribute to the Salesian missionary pioneers in that region with a visit and prayer at the tombs of Msgr. Gaetano Pasotti, SDB, Prefect (since 1934) and Vicar Apostolic (since 1941) of Ratchaburi, and Msgr. Pietro Caretto, successor of Msgr. Pasotti, who became the first Bishop of the Diocese of Ratchaburi, in 1966.
The day also includes the opportunity for the Rector Major to visit some of the historical works of the Salesians of Don Bosco, as well as the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, religious of the Salesian Family (welcomed as the 14th group in 1987), and founded by Msgr. Pasotti himself.
In the evening they will reach Hua Hin, where the Spiritual Exercises led by the Rector Major will be held from 7 to 12 May at the Salesian retreat house.
As with similar events that have already taken place in other Salesian Regions - Interamerica, South Cone America, and Africa-Madagascar, between last February and March - the Exercises include seven lectures given by Fr Á.F. Artime on the central theme "Salesian consecrated identity in light of General Chapter 28" and four meetings for dialogue between the Rector Major and the assembly on themes of animation and governance of the Congregation.
The daily Eucharistic celebration and the liturgies of Lauds and Vespers, together with the moments of community and fraternity typical of every Salesian assembly, will give substance and body to the intense experience of reflection and prayer proposed for these days.
The trip of the Rector Major to Southeast Asia will not be limited to the Spiritual Exercises: immediately after the conclusion of this appointment, the Tenth Successor of Don Bosco will begin a Visit of Animation to the Province "St. Paul" of Thailand (THA).
