SILIGURI (MattersIndia): The 12th Asia-Oceania on-line Regional Congress of Don Bosco Past Pupils themed, Moved by the Spirit, marking the 150th anniversary of World Association of Past Pupils concluded on June 26.
The two-day event boasted participants from 23 out of 28 countries of the region, bringing together some 120 delegates via Zoom, including 40 Salesians and three Salesian provincials from Australia, Indonesia and Thailand. First timers included participants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Mongolia, the Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka. Also participating were Regional councillor, Father Joseph Phuoc, and more than 1,500 views of the LIVE Congress streaming in six other languages on YouTube.
Anyone who received an education in a Don Bosco Family institution is considered a Past Pupil.
World Confederation president, Michal Hort, from Slovakia; Rajesh Gupta, world councillor for Adult Past Pupils of Asia-Oceania, based in Kolkata; Sergio Lopez-Roy (Europe-Spain) and Brother Dominic Nam sdb, world confederation delegate, offered fresh Salesian spirit inspiration to all participants.
The breakout group sharing with 17 mixed groups, on June 25 and June 26, deepened common bonds and ironed out challenges for more effective communication and networking with Young Past Pupils (GEX) groups.
“Probably never before, the rich sharing of a Past Pupil Congress is so much clearly available to all members: about 40 videos (reports, situation, activity, culture) coming from 15 different countries,” former East Asia Oceania regional councillor and congress facilitator, Father Vaclav Klements, said.
‘Probably never before, the rich sharing of a Past Pupil Congress is so much clearly available to all members: about 40 videos (reports, situation, activity, culture) coming from 15 different countries’
Father Vaclav Klements
The seven resolutions of the congress include: the role of delegates in animation and formation, starting the past pupil association in new areas, networking among past pupils, making use of digital platforms, forming business chambers, sense of belonging to the Salesian family and having more activities for Young Past Pupils.
The synthesis of the congress was shared by Father Phuoc, and four very inspiring messages were delivered by rector major, Father Angel Artime; Salesian Family world delegate, Father Joan Lluis Playa; Michal Hort; Brother Nam and Rajesh Gupta; two inspiring personal life sharings from Japan and a life-mission story from the first Don Bosco Past Pupil and founder of the Association, Carlo Gastini.
Among the long list of these volunteers mentioned by Young Past Pupils’ Asia Oceania councilor, Niel Evangelista, were translators in eight countries, IT groups in Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, delegates and past pupils who prepared input in video format, and keynote speakers during three sessions of three-hour segments over two days, messages, recap and synthesis, goodnight and prayers.
“It was really very interesting and good congress, an inspiring experience. We are encouraged on our journey as Don Bosco Past Pupils amidst all challenges,” said a past pupil from Mongolia.
Another message in a WhatsApp group said, “Hope some of you who watched the meeting on YouTube will try to be in the innermost circle of the association. Helping another young at risk. Let the work of DB [Don Bosco] continue through you.” C. M. Paul
