A Warm Salesian Welcome
On 16 February, Fr. Bosco Zeya Aung, Provincial of Myanmar, together with Fr. Leo Mang, Vice-Provincial, welcomed the visitors at Mandalay Airport. Later in the afternoon, the Salesian Family gathered at Nazareth Marian Shrine for an official reception attended by the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), their formees, and young people.
The welcome celebration featured a traditional cultural dance performed by FMA formees and SDB pre-novices, followed by the Provincial’s address of greeting. A classic Burmese song on “Mandalay Royal City,” sung by three clerics and accompanied on keyboard by the Provincial himself, added a joyful local touch to the occasion.
In his message of thanks, Fr. Fidel reminded the assembly that the Salesian Congregation is present in 93 Provinces across 137 countries and continues to be a strong force for good centered on the formation of young people. He emphasized that the Salesian mission calls youth to do good in the present moment rather than postponing generosity to the future. Citing the example of poor young people from Papua New Guinea who once shared their small savings to help flood victims in Cebu, he highlighted how even those with limited means can become protagonists of solidarity.
The evening concluded with the Rosary and Vespers, followed by a Good Night Talk. Drawing inspiration from his aspirant years in Cebu, Fr. Fidel compared formation to raw metal in a workshop: what matters is not what the material appears to be now, but what it can become when shaped with skill and care. In the same way, God uses the events and challenges of formation to shape future Salesians according to Don Bosco’s apostolic vision.
Formation and the Digital Challenge
On 17 February, Fr. Fidel and Fr. Paul met with the Novitiate and Pre-Novitiate communities for a morning of reflection and dialogue. Fr. Fidel underlined the seriousness of the formation years, explaining that the struggles and difficulties experienced today prepare Salesians for the future demands of apostolic life.
Reflecting on digital culture, he described communication tools as extensions of the human person—the microphone extending the voice and the camera extending the eyes. While acknowledging their usefulness, he warned that overdependence on technology can weaken natural human capacities. He encouraged the young confreres to remain rooted in Christ through continual discernment, regularly asking themselves whether they are truly responding to God’s call.
Fr. Paul continued the session by recalling the 2025 Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” He encouraged the community to nurture hope through humility, fidelity to conscience, confident prayer, and the ability to appreciate the small joys of daily life. In the afternoon, the visitors proceeded to the Post-Novitiate community, where they were warmly received with songs and heartfelt words from the Rector.
Ash Wednesday: A Call to Renewal
On 18 February, Ash Wednesday, Fr. Fidel presided at the Eucharist at 6:30 a.m., marking the beginning of Lent with the community. In his homily and subsequent formative conference, he invited the confreres to live this liturgical season as a time of renewal, conversion, and renewed missionary commitment.
The visit also included fraternal encounters with nearby FMA communities, strengthening the bonds within the Salesian Family. The Mandalay stage concluded with a fraternal lunch before Fr. Fidel and Fr. Paul returned to the Provincial House to conduct a two-day animation program for perpetually professed confreres.
A Visit of Communion and Mission
More than a formal visit, these days of animation were experienced as a moment of grace for the Province. In the challenging context of Myanmar, the presence of the General Councilor reaffirmed the closeness of the Rector Major and the Salesian Congregation. It also highlighted that formation is a transformative journey, communication is an essential dimension of evangelization, and hope is a daily Salesian virtue.
The confreres were encouraged to continue Don Bosco’s mission with courage and creativity, forming young people who become bearers of faith, solidarity, and hope in society.
Fr Eward Sein Myint, SDB
{gallery}MYM – Visita d Orendain 2026{/gallery}
