Thailand - “Don Bosco Home is your home. You too have a future” – Rector Major at Don Bosco Home, Bangsak

17 May 2022

(ANS – Bangsak) The afternoon of 16 May 2022 witnessed the paternal gaze and heart of the Rector Major as he visited the Don Bosco Home, Bangsak along with the Regional, led by the provincial Fr. Dheparat Pitisant.

Don Bosco Home is unique as it nurtures the lives of all those poor and orphaned children, wrought by the tsunami on 26 December 2004.  This home is managed by a lay person, a member of the Salesian Family under the care of the Salesians, and this area falls under the pastoral ministry of Suratthani Diocese.

The Rector Major received a warm welcome from Khun Surarak Chainiramol,  the administrator,  Khun Phornsawat Lertvithayavivat,  the staff members and the children.  On this occasion,  the Rector Major also planted a tree as a symbol of this historic visit.  He was then offered a guided tour around the place.

During the Holy Mass that he celebrated at Don Bosco Home, Bangsak, Fr. Angel in a very paternal tone, affirmed: "I am very happy to have visited you. Fr. Dheparat told me about this most beautiful place in the Province and briefed me about you. It is very much true, as I can see on your lovely smiling faces, so much of warmth, beauty and goodness emanating.

The Rector Major narrated two incidents, that left a lasting impression on him. He narrated the memory of his visit to a salesian house in Sierra Leone: “It was a place that takes care of children, similar to yours, and there I met a very beautiful woman, and she was the Minister of Education.  She visited that house and spoke to the children, about her days in that home where she came to know of Don Bosco, and experienced true love and care.  She had an opportunity to study and make choices in life that could shape her future.  She told the children to be the same, and encouraged them assuring that they could also do what she had done.  I felt so happy and impressed hearing this life story”.


The children responded with so much of hope and comfort in their eyes, as the Rector Major proceeded to narrate another incident that had left a deep impression on him. In his words, he stated: “I remember a man, who came to visit the Don Bosco home in the Philippines. He came to visit the children and spoke to them. He said that he was the manager of a tour company, with about 3000 people as staff, and the company had a cruise ship.  The man spoke to the children of his days at the home and affirmed that it was there that he received love, care and opportunity to study and prepare for his future. He moreover added that he was now married and had two children.  He reiterated that his first home experience gave him life and future”.


He also assured the inmates stating: “I told you these two stories, to tell you that Don Bosco Home is your home.  Here you have a wonderful Salesian Family made up of members of the VDB, the Cooperators and the staff.  You should always remember that we love you all, and we wish you all good. You should remember that from now on I will always be your friend, including Fr. Joseph Phuoc too. You should take this opportunity to prepare for your future.  God loves you. You all are always precious to God."


The dinner was followed by a spectacular performance on the part of the children with a number of cultural items. In his familiar ‘Good Night’ he affirmed: "You all should remember that you are loved and special in this Don Bosco home. I am glad to see that the one leading the night prayer is an elder one among you.  It is good that the elder ones help the younger ones, like in a family. In the house of Don Bosco, there was Mamma Margaret.  Here, you have teachers who are like Mamma Margaret.  You are all valuable gifts of God, and I would like to say in the name of God that we will take good care of you, and do feel that it is your home.  May this house of Don Bosco be like a home where there is warmth, love and care. I feel very happy and I love you”.  He thanked the teachers and Salesian family members for their dedication and great service.

Don Bosco Home Bangsak, was officially opened 15 years  ago (2007-2022) and till date many batches of needy children have passed through the Don Bosco Bangsak home.  Interesting to note, that many have received their bachelor's degree, have secured work and family, and are living a dignified social life.

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