1ST – 15th JULY, 2023 ENGLISH NEWS SUMMARY- CHIANG MAI DIOCESE
St. Francis Xavier Minor Seminary Monthly Retreat
The minor seminarians of St. Francis Xavier Seminary- Lampang had their June retreat with Father Joseph Raphasit Thongkam, OFM (Order of Friars Minor) on 3rd July, 2023. The theme of the retreat was about “Humility”, one of the outstanding virtues lived out by their founder, Saint Francis of Assisi.
The Sower Project - # 7th Edition
The Bible Department of the Archdiocese of Bangkok with Rev. Father Tasanu Hattakarnkul- the Manager and Mr. Monsing Kraisomsuk organized the 7th edition of The Sower Project from 1st June – 10th July 2023. The aim of this project is to form personnel who would work on the promotion of the Bible. The first 28 days was held in Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Centre of the Bangkok Archdiocese and another 10 days at the Catholic Mission Center of Chiang Mai. The participants were 2 priests, 1 deacon, 12 sisters and 3 teachers – totaling 18 persons. Saint Jerome once said; “Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ.” When one knows and loves Jesus, that person would love the brothers and sisters who are around them; give encouragement and sharing the Good News becomes easier and teaching Religious Education will be more interesting.
“Global Climate Emergency : Capacity building of Tertiary Students to be advocated for environmental , social, cultural , political and economic justice “
Members of the International Movement of Catholic Students -Pax Romana from 23 countries, totaling 68 people, met on the topic “Global Climate Emergency: Capacity building of Tertiary Students to be advocated for environmental , social, cultural , political and economic justice”. It is admirable that these foreign student leaders travelled all the way to Chiang Mai to help their fellow Catholic students strengthen their faith together resolve the present global climate crisis the world is facing. The event is hosted by St. Gabriel’s Foundation through Brother Anurak Pattaraphorn who is the main organizer. The group was warmly welcomed by dances of the students and housewives in the community. It was well attended by the Jesuit priests from the 7 Fountain Retreat Center from 3rd-9th July, 2023.
60th year Anniversary of Sister Yoko Abe, FSP
Sr. Yoko, a Japanese sister of Daughters of Saint Paul, has been in Thailand for almost 30 years. Last 1st July, 2023, a Thanksgiving mass was held in Saphan Mai Parish Church, Bangkok. In all these years she had been translating books from Japanese to Thai including Cartoons, promoting the Catholic faith to as many Thai children,young people and not so young. She has coordinated Japanese youth and seminarians to come to Chiang Mai Diocese and experience the life of the villagers; many young people have come to understand the value of life and some have even found their vocation to become priests. At present there are 3 young ladies joining their congregation and 2 of them came from Chiang Mai Diocese. Thank you Sr. Yoko for your life.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
On the occasion of the Feast Day of the St. Paul Church, Huai Tong, Fr. Pornchai Sukjai, SCJ together with his fellow Betharram priests from India and Italy who were here for the general assembly; was celebrated on the 2nd of July, 2023. The Confirmation was administered by H.E. Bishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana. The total number of the children and adults confirmed was 60 and the villagers feasted with their best local food prepared by them, dancing and singing to honor their guests. St. Paul, the patron saint of the parish said; “I do everything for the sake of the Good News” (1 Corinthians 9:23). We thank the priests, sisters and catechists who have done everything to spread the Good News.
Chiang Mai Diocese Women’s Section
The Chiang Mai Diocese Catholic Committee for Development of Women’s Section organized a 3 days seminar. This section was set up in order to promote and develop the potential women leaders. The seminar was held in the Catholic Mission Center on June 30 – July 2, 2023. These are the aims:
1. To promote and develop the potential and strengthen women leaders in IT.
2. To create knowledge and awareness on the roles and responsibilities of women in Surveillance Violence in the community and the environment.
3. For women leaders to analyze the current social situation that affects human dignity and creation.
4. To meet and exchange experiences in the lives and jobs of women and those involved in the work process.
The Participants were the Leaders of Women Committees from 4 districts, representatives from organizations and institutions; priests, and sisters totaling 60 people. The topics addressed; “Enhancement of IT Media Skills”, “Situation, Environment and Practices (Laudato Si)”, “Laws and Rights Affecting Violence”. They have drawn out plans for their work in all the 4 districts with the theme in mind, “Walking Together Equally Today, for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.
SACERDOTAL ORDINATIONS
We congratulate the Congregation of the Society of Jesus or Jesuits as they are called who have 3 new priests in their community; 2 Thais and 1 Vietnamese:
1. Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Pantharaks Rueangswasdi SJ,
2. Rev. Fr. David Sakda Saenbanchoedsuk. SJ,
3. Rev. Fr. Joseph Nguyen Van Luong, SJ
They were ordained by Bishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Chiang Mai, Thailand on 15th July, 2023.
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Last 8th July, 2023 on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of Chiang Rai Diocese, two priests were ordained by H.E. Bishop Joseph Vuthilert Haelom.
1. Rev. Fr. Dominic Savio Rittikorn Wehachan
2. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Theerawat Thienrungsang
Both of them are from the Diocese of Chiang Mai. The Nuncio, Archbishop Peter Wells, was present to grace the occasion. Many priests, seminarians and people from nearby provinces attended. There were around 2,000 people who came for the event. We are thankful to God who continues to call on young people to be laborers of His vineyard especially to the indigenous people of the north of Thailand.
