Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – The Redemptorist missionaries in Thailand are working in the local community, living in the midst of difficulties, lack of resources, facilities, and personnel. Among some of their objectives is to help the Church in Laos in her development process, in her pastoral work, formation of priests, religious, and laity, and more.
It was His Excellency Sommeng Vorachak, Apostolic Vicar of Savannakhet, who invited the Redemptorist missionaries of Thailand to come to Laos, as some of the brothers there had already helped out in pastoral activities on previous occasions, teaching and giving formation to the seminarians. The Bishop expressed his desire to have a stable presence of religious in his Vicariate, in representation of the religious family of the Redemptorists, the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, which is composed of priests, religious, and laity and that could give renewed energy to the evangelization effort in the area.
The Redemptorists reached the peninsula in 1948 and, with the passing of the years, they extended their presence and their charism to the various states of southeastern Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia), offering their services in parishes, schools, and social activities, and evangelizing. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary of service in this area. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2008)
