The Salesian Delegation of Cambodia and the THA Province celebrated the 60th anniversary of priesthood for Fr. John Visser, SDB. Fr. John was ordained on June 29, 1964, in Germany. The celebration took place at the Don Bosco Phnom Penh chapel, where Fr. John, accompanied by Salesian confreres, teachers, volunteers, and past pupils, participated in a solemn ceremony during the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Eugene Xalxo, delegate superior.

Fr. John Visser, born in the Netherlands on August 2, 1933, shared his journey: “I was sent as a young missionary to Thailand, and my theology studies were initially supposed to be in India. However, due to the India-Chinese war in 1962, I was transferred to Germany.” Fr. John was ordained as a priest at the age of 31 and later returned to Thailand. In 1991, despite his reservations about age, he accepted the provincial’s invitation to come to Cambodia. “I am grateful to be a Salesian and to be among you,” he reflected.

Following the Mass, the community gathered for a dinner, providing an opportunity for Fr. John to share with his fellow Salesians in Phnom Penh.