English: Summary January News, 2023
CHAPEL BLESSING
St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ban Mae Satae, Tambon Nakian, Amphoe Omkoi, Chiang Mai Province was blessed by His Excellency Bishop Vira Arpondratana on the 30th December 2022.
It would take 6 hours trip on the road from Chiangmai city to reach the place with a stop in between. This Chapel took 2 years to be completed due to the Pandemic. Father Thongchai Wiwatchaophan started its construction and was completed by Father Joseph Sattawat Faihakoonatham who is the current parish priest of Saint Paul Church, Nakian. The parish has 4 Chapel branches and this new Chapel situated on a majestic mountain scenery gave great joy to the Karen Phlong community in that area with 29 Catholic families.
(Summary translation from: Chiangmai Diocese FB January 5, 2023 post)
HMONG CATHOLIC INTERNATIONAL CENTER and LOVE AND SHARE FOUNDATION
The opening of the International Hmong Catholic Center & Love and Share Foundation located at Doi Kaew, Chomthong, Chiangmai with the Eucharistic celebration was presided by the Bishop of Chiangmai on January 14,2023. Through the cooperation of the Hmong teachers and some lay people with the support of Brother Anurak Nithipattaraphon, SG; the building has progressed in these last 5 years and completed into a place where the Hmong Community are very proud to call their own.
This center aims to provide a place for youth formation, dormitory for male youth, offer services and help in Pastoral activities such as provide lodging for sick people and the aged who come to the city seeking for medical care and other personal matters. Many came to congratulate and celebrate from different villages of the north; Hmong Catholics coming from America, Vietnam, Phetchabun and other places were present for the occasion as well. His Excellency Bishop Vira Arpondratana admired the perseverance and cooperation of Hmong Catechists and the Hmong community.
(Summary translation from: Chiangmai Diocese FB January 19, 2023 post)
Feast of the Epiphany Church
On Sunday, January 8th 2023 was the feast day of the Epiphany Church (Zone 3) located in Amphoe Fang, Chiang Mai. Fr. Peter Nonthaphat Mayoe, the parish pastor, Fr. Peter Rawee Permpoonwicha- assistant pastor and 4 Presentation Sisters; together they serve in the pastoral care of 19 Chapel branches belonging to this parish, 70 children in the Youth center and around 500 people in the village receiving religious teachings regularly. On this occasion, the Sacrament of Confirmation for 30 youth during the Mass was presided by His Excellency Bishop Vira Arpondratana. A big feast followed with a sumptuous meal, 10 performances and singing by children, youth and Thai Lanna housewives.
In the afternoon, Sports games were held to complete the Feast day. An estimated 400 villagers attended and next year many more will be expected to join as 50th anniversary of the Epiphany Church will be celebrated.
The Holy Child Missionary Group composed of children was able to collect 1,000.00 baht as their contribution to the Holy Child Missionary Fund. They celebrated the Missionary Childhood Anniversary with lively songs and the children sang the loudest at the ceremony. May all the Parish Churches have the opportunity to celebrate each Feast Day.
(Summary translation from: Chiangmai Diocese FB January 12, 2023 post)
