Tagaytay, Philippines — December 29–31, 2025. Salesian seminarians from Thailand and Cambodia, accompanied by their formator, gathered in Tagaytay for a Christmas outing that became a memorable celebration of fraternity, simplicity, and shared vocation. The highlight of the trip was the climb to Mount Batulao, an experience that symbolized not only physical endurance but also the joy of walking together as brothers in the Salesian family.

The group, led by Fr. Roel, included Rev. Bao and Brothers Raymond, Surachai, Suchao, Thuan, Ieth, Goot, Ter, and Tai. Coming from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the seminarians carried with them stories, traditions, and perspectives shaped by their own countries. Throughout the outing, these differences became sources of enrichment, strengthening the sense of belonging to one Salesian family that transcends borders.

A Living Metaphor of Salesian Life

The climb up Mount Batulao was both challenging and joyful. Along the trail, moments of silence alternated with laughter, encouragement, and shared effort. Helping one another along steep paths and resting together at scenic points fostered a deep sense of companionship. The mountain journey became a living metaphor for Salesian life and vocation: a path that requires perseverance, mutual support, and trust in one another.

Beyond the hike, the days in Tagaytay were marked by simple joys—shared meals, conversations, and moments of relaxation. Freed from the usual rhythm of seminary schedules, the brothers had the opportunity to relate more personally, exchanging stories about their vocation journeys, pastoral experiences, and hopes for the future. These moments allowed fraternity to grow naturally and authentically.

The Spirit of Don Bosco Alive

The spirit of St. John Bosco was clearly present throughout the outing. His vision of a joyful, family-like community was reflected in the warmth, openness, and genuine care shared among the brothers. Joy was not something planned or forced; it emerged spontaneously from being together. As the year came to a close, the Christmas outing in Tagaytay offered more than recreation. It became a moment of grace, reminding everyone that the mystery of Christmas is lived most deeply in fraternity. In climbing together, laughing together, and sharing life together, the seminarians experienced anew the presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us, in their Salesian journey.

Salesian Missions in Cambodia and Thailand

This experience in the Philippines is deeply connected to the Salesian missions in Cambodia and Thailand. Since the arrival of the Salesians in Southeast Asia, the mission has been marked by a commitment to education, vocational training, and pastoral care for young people, especially the poor and marginalized. Don Bosco schools and centers in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kep, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai have become places where young men and women discover their dignity, develop their talents, and grow in faith.

Historically, the Salesian presence in Cambodia began after the painful years of conflict, offering hope and rebuilding through education. In Thailand, the Salesians have long been companions of the youth, forming generations of leaders and workers with competence and conscience. Today, the seminarians from both countries represent the fruit of this mission: young men preparing to be pastors of the youth, rooted in their cultures yet united in the Salesian charism.

Hope for the Future

The outing in Tagaytay is more than a memory; it is a sign of hope. It shows that the formation of Asian young men as future Salesian priests and brothers is not only possible but flourishing. Their journey reflects the vision of an evangelization that respects cultures, embraces diversity, and proclaims the Gospel with love, peace, and hope. In their simplicity and fraternity, they embody the dream of Don Bosco: to form “good Christians and upright citizens” who will guide the youth of Asia with hearts full of joy.

Strenna 2026: “Do Whatever He Tells You”

Looking ahead, the Rector Major’s Strenna for 2026 invites the Salesian family to meditate on the passage of the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11). Mary’s words—“Do whatever he tells you”—resonate deeply with the seminarians’ journey. Just as Jesus transformed water into wine, the Salesian mission in Asia seeks to transform the lives of young people through education, accompaniment, and pastoral care. The outing in Tagaytay becomes a living parable of this transformation: ordinary days turned into extraordinary experiences of grace, fraternity, and joy.

The Christmas outing in Tagaytay was not only a time of recreation but a prophetic sign of the Salesian mission in Asia. It revealed the beauty of walking together as brothers, the richness of intercultural fraternity, and the hope of forming new pastors for the youth. With Mary’s guidance and Don Bosco’s spirit, the seminarians of Cambodia and Thailand continue their journey, ready to serve the young with love, peace, and hope.