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Holy Week in Ranong
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“Keeping the Faith” requires both grace and effort. As Catholics in Thailand, this is true in a particular way. Publicly, Easter passed unnoticed here. However, Marist Mission Ranong was able to celebrate the events of Holy Week in various places over the past days.
On Wednesday 19 March, Fr John, Fr Damian and Jude attended the Diocese’s Chrism Mass in Suratthani. Later that day through to Thursday afternoon, the Marist Community had a period of recollection along the Andaman Coast.
On Thursday evening, the Mass of the Last Supper was celebrated at the Marist Community house. A special visitor among those present was Sr Wantana, Provincial of Sr Yupa’s congregation, the Infant Jesus Sisters.
The following day, we were joined by four visitors from Ireland, who have helped sponsor our ministry in Ranong. The time they spent with children at Sea Dragon Learning Center, and then with two AIDS patients, gave a special poignancy to Good Friday. That evening, we joined the parish community to liturgically commemorate the Lord’s Passion and Death.
Saturday evening also saw several of us in the parish church for the Easter Vigil. The next morning, we celebrated Mass at the house, followed by lunch. It was a joy to have some of the Buddhist MMR staff members join us for this day most special to us as Christians.
