Happy New Year!

I hope 2008 (or 2551, as it is here in Thailand) is off to a good start for you.

Christmas is an ordinary working day here in Thailand. However, we were definitely among the few who celebrated the day here in Ranong.

The Bishop of Suratthani, Joseph Prattan SDB, celebrated the Vigil Christmas Mass here in the Parish. It was my first time to meet him, and he impressed me as a very good man. Ordained bishop one month before the tsunami in 2004, he told me he felt like he was “baptized a bishop” by the tsunami. All the affected areas were within his diocese.

For some in the community, this was the first Christmas away from their own country, and there was a little homesickness in the lead-up. However, the prayer, gifts, food and drink we shared made it an enjoyable day in each other’s company.  

Unlike Christmas, celebrating the New Year (according to the Gregorian Calendar) does seem to be a big thing here. Ourcommunity had a retreat day on 31 December, and then went out for a meal that evening. The town was abuzz with people enjoying the street market, public concert, and fireworks.

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, we had a planning meeting, facilitated by Sr Anne Sklenars RNDM. Originally from New Zealand, Anne has also worked in the Philippines and Myanmar, and is now with Jesuit Refugee Services in Cambodia. They were a useful couple of days, helping us to further discern ways in which we might be able to develop the ministries of Marist Mission Ranong.

Speaking of which, thanks for your interest in our mission.We very much appreciate the support of good people like yourself in different parts of the world. Know that we regularly pray for our benefactors.

All the best,

Fr Damian SM

The short holiday is over, and now I'm back into Thai language classes with Sr Yupa!