Thai Catholics celebrate seniors with Masses and pastoral initiatives
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - The Water Festival traditionally marks the beginning of the New Year in Thailand and other Asian countries. This year, it falls on 13 April, which coincides with the National Day of the Elderly. For this occasion, Mgr Chaiyara, bishop of Ubon Ratchathani, in the northeast, and president of the Catholic Commission Catholic Commission for Social Development, Department of Health Care, sent a message to all the faithful, underlying the importance of senior citizens in society and the family. Various events and celebrations are planned in all of the country's dioceses to strengthen ties of kinship and honour the memory of those who have passed away.
In his letter to the faithful, Mgr Philip Banchong Chaiyara said the elderly play a primary role in the Church and society, and that they enjoy deep respect and admiration.
Back in 2000, Thai bishops had launched a ten-year pastoral plan (2000-2010) for the elderly, in which they urged family members to take care of them, body and spirit. This included a commitment to their health care costs, as well as help to organise their recreational activities, deepen their spiritual care and prepare them "with faith and hope" for death.
On the occasion of the festival, the prelate noted that Thai bishops' pastoral directives for the current five-period (2010-2014) include among their primary goals "the mission of taking care of the elderly" at the national, diocesan and parish because "it will encourage people in their spiritual growth" and help them deal with "rapid social changes".
Many events are planned across Thailand for the weekend of the Water Festival (Songkran in Sanskrit) and the National Day of the Elderly. This Saturday, after Mass, elders will perform the traditional greeting directed at young people. Boys and girls will fill their hands with water, and they will use it to bless them and offer them their best wishes for the New Year.
The next day, the family will be at the centre of festive activities. On this occasion, tradition dictates that students and workers go back to their parents for a moment of conviviality.
The festivity also includes gifts of food to monks that they may pray for the souls of the dearly departed. As a blessing, water is also poured over statues of Buddha and small birds or fishes are released as a token of purification for past sins.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics and Social Development Board, Thai senior citizens represent 11.2 per cent of the country's 64 million people, one of the highest percentages in all of Asia, making Thailand a "society of the elderly", one that is growing too. In fact, seniors who were 7.4 million in 2008 are expected to reach 17.7 in 2020.
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