The Asia-Oceania Regional Congress of Don Bosco Past Pupils marking the 150th anniversary of the World Association of Past Pupils took place on 25th & 26th of June 2021. Pastpupils and Salesian Delegates from 23 countries of the Asia-Oceania region participated in the Congress. With the theme, ”Moved by the Spirit,” the Congress brought together online about 120 participants which included 40 Salesians, 3 Salesian Provincials and Regional Councillor Fr. Joseph Phuoc. More than 1,500 viewed the Congress live on the YouTube channels. Mr Michal Hort (World President of Past Pupils), Mr. Rajesh Gupta (World Councillor for Adult Past Pupils of Asia-Oceania), Mr Sergio Lopez-Roy (Europe-Spain) and Br Dominic Nam (World Confederation Delegate) addressed the Congress.
The Congress began with the beautiful song ‘Don Bosco Ritorna’ which is well-known to the participants. Yes, Don Bosco returned in the hearts of each of the participants on 25th & 26th of June 2021, inspiring the delegates and Past Pupils to reach out in service to the poor. In his message, the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime reaffirmed the great value of the association of Past Pupils as the arms of Don Bosco, bringing Gospel values into the world. After highlighting the meaning the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Association, the World President of the Past Pupils Mr Michal Hort invited all to implement the common lines of action of the Federation with specific acts of solidarity. Mr. Rajesh Gupta, World Councillor for Adult Past Pupils of Asia-Oceania, stressed on the importance of communication and the necessity of collecting data of Past Pupils. He exhorted the participants to reach out to young Past Pupils with various programmes. The audio-visuals and reports from different provinces and countries were evidences of how Salesian Past Pupils became signs of hope and the incarnation of God’s love to the poor especially in these Covid times. The Congress emphasized the role of the Salesian Delegates in animation and formation, starting of Past pupil’s associations in all our institutions, networking among the past pupils, use of digital platforms, forming of business chambers, creating a sense of belonging to the Salesian Family and organizing of activities for Young Past Pupils.
Fr. Babu Varghese SDB