Marist Brothers considering a mission in Surat Thani Diocese, Thailand.

From the very earliest times of Marist history, the early 1800’s, there was an idea that the Marist Family would work together to benefit the most people.

There were always the Marist Brothers and Marist Sisters (at least two families there!), the Marist Laity and the Marist Fathers.

In various parts of the world at various times there have been various combinations. But always the same Marist inspiration.

We are separate families, but one Family, like cousins.

Well, here in Ranong for the last few years the Marist Fathers and the Marist Laity have been working so closely together we are almost indistinguishable. We have been working together with our dedicated staff and with many generous volunteers coming and going.

All the time we have been working with the blessing and encouragement of our Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil SDB in his diocese of Surat Thani. Surat Than is a city in the south of Thailand about three hours by road from Ranong and the diocese by the same name covers most of the south of Thailand.

This April 2009 the Marist Mission in Ranong (Fathers and Lay Missionaries) was delighted to welcome a team of Marist Brothers who came to stay with us here as part of their exploratory trip to the diocese of Surat Thani. They are looking at the possibility of coming to this same diocese and working among the people here.

The Marist Brothers have a special charism to work among young people especially in the area of education. There is no shortage of work for them here!

We hope and pray that they will come and stay in the diocese of Surat Thani in the south of Thailand.

This will be faithful to the earliest Marist Traditions of our Marist Family working side-by-side.

Marists: Father John Larsen, Brother Ventura and Rafael together with Bishop Joseph Pratan Sridarunsil
under an image of Mary Queen of Missionaries