Sam Phran (Thailand). On October 17-22, 2019, the FMA of Thailand celebrated the Provincial Chapter at Sam Phran Ban Than Phraphon. The theme proposed by the General Council for GC XXIV: “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn 2: 5) “Communities that generate life in the heart of contemporaneity” was the object of reflection and study during these days of grace.
The Solemn opening Mass of the Provincial Chapter was presided by the Salesian Provincial, Fr. Thepharat Pitisant. Participating were 35 FMA chapter members and one representative for the teachers, the past pupils, the students, and the Salesian Cooperators. The FMA entered the Chapel in procession carrying to the altar the symbols connected to the theme of the Wedding Feast of Cana. Present for the occasion was Sr. Maria Grazia Caputo, who on the preceding day had enlightened the participants on the theme: “The dignity of the human person”.
Mother General, Sr. Yvonne Reungoat, and the Visiting Councilor, Sr. Maria Assunta Inoue Sumiko, reached us with a message of greeting, assuring us of their prayers. The Provincial, Sr. Nipha Rangabpit, read the report of the situation of the Province. The Moderator, Sr. Thong-yoo Kitsakul, and two other moderators, Sr. Nitaya Yawasang and Sr. Srisuda Sutthiratanakorn, guided the work.
Fr. Miguel Garaizabal SJ shared with competence and depth an illuminating reflection on the theme of the Chapter. A group of lay people: past pupils, Salesian Cooperators, teachers, and students, after having studied and reflected on the theme and the questions regarding the Chapter, shared their thoughts on our presence with the assembly, asking us to be closer to them, more open to listening and to the language of the young.
The days of group work were laborious and demanding to identify challenges, paths, and choices to reach the goal of GC XXIV: to reawaken the original freshness of the vocational fruitfulness of the Institute and to continue our mission among the youth with renewed commitment.
At the conclusion, the participants praised the Lord for His help. They thanked the Provincial, Sr. Nipha, for ‘being there with a mother’s heart’ and all the sisters who, according to their role, led the Chapter with great skill and competence.
