Saengthong Wittaya School held a solemn religious celebration on May 22 in honor of Mary Help of Christians, principal patroness of the Salesian Family, to mark the opening of the new academic year and its 75th founding anniversary.
Located in Hat Yai, about 950 kilometers south of Bangkok, the Catholic institution is widely regarded as one of the leading schools in southern Thailand and currently serves more than 3,000 primary and secondary students.
The celebration reflected the Marian spirituality at the heart of the Salesian tradition, founded by Saint John Bosco, who entrusted his congregations and educational mission to the maternal protection of Mary Help of Christians.
Don Bosco often referred to Mary as the “inspirer and teacher” of his mission to educate and guide young people.
The ceremony was presided over by Father Kriengsak Chaiyapornkaew amid an atmosphere of faith, joy, and unity among members of the Salesian community.
School administrators, teachers, students, and alumni gathered in prayer to seek the Blessed Mother’s guidance and protection for the new academic year, renewing their commitment to live according to the Gospel values of faith, hope, and charity.
The celebration centered on the biblical theme from the Wedding at Cana: “Whatever He tells you, do it” (John 2:5), a verse that also serves as the 2026 motto of Father Fabio Attard, superior general of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
Inspired by Mary’s words at Cana, the theme calls on members of the Salesian Family to become active servants of Christ in bringing hope, faith, and joy to society, especially to young people.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the school distributed ice cream to teachers and students, creating moments of fellowship during the opening days of the academic year.
Following the religious service, the school also held a blessing ceremony for the newly renovated Saengthong Alumni Association office.
The event was attended by Alumni Association President Phudis Pongarcha, who inaugurated the “Michael Rua” meeting room and the administration office.
Phudis said the initiative aims to strengthen cooperation and solidarity between the school and its alumni network in continuing the educational mission of Don Bosco.
Several alumni also shared reflections on how the school shaped their lives and values.
“I am proud to have belonged to the first graduating class of Saengthong Wittaya School, and even prouder to have later taught here,” said Charoensilp Lertwittayawiwat.
“The school instilled discipline and quality in every student, helping them become successful in many fields. Saengthong Wittaya continues to grow and remains a source of pride for generations of alumni.”
Another alumnus, Anek Sae-Tang, recalled that discipline, responsibility, and service were central to the school’s formation.
“What remains most vivid in my memory is the spirit of sacrifice and loving care shown by the Salesian priests toward the young,” he said.
Sommai Jengthaworn also credited the school for teaching students the importance of sharing and serving society.
“Saengthong Wittaya taught me the meaning of giving to others in every aspect of life,” he said. “I promise to continue doing so for the rest of my life.”
Founded in 1951 and administered by the Salesians of Don Bosco, the school combines academic formation with moral and spiritual education rooted in the Salesian preventive system of loving kindness.
The institution offers multiple academic tracks tailored to students’ abilities and interests, including English-language programs and advanced science and mathematics curricula.
Its campus features modern science laboratories, libraries, computer labs, and robotics facilities designed to encourage hands-on learning and innovation.
Beyond academics, the school places strong emphasis on character formation, discipline, sports, music, and extracurricular activities, hallmarks of Salesian education worldwide.
The Salesians of Don Bosco first arrived in Thailand in 1927 and today serve under the St. Paul Province, which also oversees missions in Cambodia and Laos.
Their ministries focus primarily on education, vocational training, youth development, and pastoral care.
For nearly a century, Salesian schools in Thailand have played a significant role in shaping generations of students who later became leaders in business, public service, education, and other sectors of society.
Church leaders and educators say the enduring strength of Salesian education lies not only in academic excellence, but also in its spirit of family, joy, service, and faith, values that continue to inspire young people across Thailand.
