Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) - The community of Catholic women religious, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Thailand is celebrating 75 years of service to provide human, cultural and professional education for street children, care for people with AIDS and promote a culture of respect for the dignity of women and the fundamental rights of every person.
On 11 November after a year of spiritual and material preparation - Salesian bulletin ANS reports-two new buildings, Than Phraphon for national and continental FMA meetings and Ban Thidarak Home for young girls in need were blessed and inaugurated by Cardinal Michai Michael Kitbunchu, archbishop of Bangkok, who presided a celebration of the Word followed by a special Mass. Concelebrants included the apostolic Nuncio in Thailand, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, four Thai Bishops and about 50 priests. Many religious men and women, and Catholic school pupils and parents were present for the occasion.
The Salesian Fathers first came to Thailand from Italy and China in the 1930s to serve the fledgling Church in southern Malacca peninsula. With the fathers came also five Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in November 1931, who since then have developed their charisma and their presence. The FMA province Santa Maria Mazzarello of Thailand was canonically established on 26 January 1952. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/11/2006 righe 25 parole 252)
