Cambodia: Salesian Sisters renew their vows before teachers, staff and students

On May 24, the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also known as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, renewed their vows before their teachers, staff and more than 1500 students. 

The event took place at Don Bosco Teuk Thla, O’beak Ka-om commune, Sen Sok district in Phnom Penh City. 

“Today’s program was a response to the request of Mother Chiara Cazzuola, FMA, Mother General of the Salesian Sisters (Head) in Italy, who invited all the members of the congregation in the different parts of the world to renew their vows before teachers, staff and students,” said Sister Teresa Tuale.

She also underscored, “in reality, a member of Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco is reminded to live the vows with joyful commitment as she meditates on her call and mission and renews the vows during the monthly recollection. 

“But since this year the whole Institute celebrates its 150th anniversary of foundation, it was deemed meaningful to renew the vows before teachers, staff and students with new enthusiasm, gratitude and joy. We are called to be faithful to the Salesian charism, vocation, and our belonging to the Institute and the Church.” 

Set Lang, a high school teacher at Don Bosco School for more than seven years, shares, "When we came here, we feel loved. We like the way the Sisters lead us as well as their mission for the poor and disadvantaged young people." 

She was impressed by the nuns’ passion, determination and sense of mission.

According to Sister Teresa, the primary goal of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco is to educate the youth and children so that they will be formed to be good persons and “upright citizens” more than just acquiring knowledge.

At present, in O'Beak Ka-om commune, the Salesian Sisters have schools from kindergarten to high school with a population of about 1,500 students and 100 teaching and non-teaching staff.

Other schools are located in Chress village serving kindergarten and elementary children, Tuol Kork which offers kindergarten and Vocational Training Courses for young women and another one in Battambang Province with a kindergarten and a boarding center for young girls. - Kagnha Keo/RVA Cambodia