LS Sampran Celebrates Songkran 2021

LEAD Story 358

THAILAND - Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, La Salle Sampran Community in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand celebrates the Songkran this year. Songkran is a famous annual Thai water festival that marks the beginning of the Thai traditional New Year. The candidates prepared activities that formally started with Thai prayer and chants. Then, the adult members of the community, Br. Joseph Klong FSC, Br. Eugene de Luna FSC, and the house gardener gave their new year messages to all. The main message of each adult revolves around prosperity, good health and year-filled courage for vocation.Then, the young candidates show respect to the adults by doing the traditional pouring of flowers and water perfume onto the elders' hands. The whole community alsoblessthe statue of the St. John Baptist de La Salle with flowers and water perfume to pay respects to the Founder. Besides, the true spirit of Songkranis not the extravagant festivities but the importance of family and respect.Finally, amusing games, dances, and a sumptuous meal concludes the event. (Text & Photos: Br. Eugene de Luna FSC)