Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Fides Service) - Vocations to the religious life are increasing among Catholic communities of Karen peoples living in north west Thailand and in Myanmar despite a situation of persistent hardship, poverty and displacement. The Salesian bulletin ANS reports on the first profession of a new Salesian, Anthony Anusit Chanpen, and the perpetual profession of another confrere.
On May 1st in Kunyaum, Mae Hong Son province about 1000 km north of Bangkok, David Vichienseang Kontrakoondee, a Karen, made his perpetual profession as a Salesian surrounded by a joyful community of about 500 local Catholics. The event was lived as a significant fact for the missionary activity of the Salesians in Thailand. Recently a new Home was opened for young men coming from the mountains near Chiangmai, where most Karen people live. The young boys are receive free accommodation and meals as well as professional training courses. Before the end of the year the Salesians plan to open a Home for young students interested to learn more about the Salesian life.
The Karen are an ethnic minority present also in Myanmar where their request for more autonomy produced stern iron fist policies on the part of the military government forcing vast numbers of Karen to flee homes and land. An estimated 200,000 Karen have been uprooted from their land and more than 120,000 have fled for safety across the border to Thailand to live in refugee camps. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/5/2007 righe 25 parole 258)
