In the last twenty years, a significant part of religious and priestly vocations has come precisely from the diocese of Chiang Mai. Also in the light of this, the city's bishop, Msgr. Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, expressed his willingness to open a new Catholic school in this province. One of his priorities is in fact to promote a solid education of local youth. Bishop Vira then began the search for a suitable place that could house the new school.
Guided by Salesian Brother Phaitoon, the Regional Councilor for East Asia-Oceania, Fr Václav Klement, was able to visit the only Catholic school in the province, namely the one run by the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres. Opened 20 years ago as a boarding school for children, the school currently has 6 sisters (three of which are of Karen ethnicity) and 20 teachers. It offers education to around 400 boys and girls.
The second day of the visit led the two Salesians to Khun Mae Lai, where there is a lively Catholic community, but still no school. On the third day, the church of Huai Ton Noon was visited. After a moment of reflection, with the morning prayers, the local public school was visited, where more than 40 Catholic boys study.
On the way back, there was the possibility of visiting the family of the first Salesian priest of the Karen ethnic group, Fr David Vichiengsang, and of seeing another town parish, that of Mae Sariang, to understand the lives of young Catholics who have to come down from the mountain to go to school every day.
Currently the Salesians of Chiang Mai serve the youth of Mae Rim, Doi Saket and Doi Siew. Now, perhaps, even the young people of Mae Hong Son can expect the Salesians!
