Thai priests in St. Peter’s Square: Pope Francis, "power in service of others"
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - The "Vicar of Christ" on earth emerges in the words and actions of Pope Francis, capable "through the simple testimony of his everyday life of showing the faithful the true concept of power: "being of service to others. " This is what some young Thai priests who, in recent days, attended the Easter celebrations presided over by the Pope in St. Peter's Square, have told AsiaNews. From different areas of the country, they are in Rome to further their studies in theology and canon law. Their presence is a further testimony of the bond of affection and communion which was immediately established between Thai Catholics and Pope Francis, after special prayers in Bangkok for Palm Sunday for a pastor who is a "sign and light" of the universal Church.
Fr. Chatchai Ruemaram, priest and journalist, also serves as a correspondent for the Udomsarn Catholic Weekly. He thanks God for the new pontiff, who is able to "evangelize with the witness of his life and simplicity, which infuses joy in the hearts of the faithful."
Among the many priests present in St. Peter's there was also Fr. Veerasak Yongsripratan, from the tribal areas of the Diocese of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. He is in Rome to further his studies in theology. He is very enthusiastic about Pope Francis' homily, in which he emphasized that "real power" is "serving others." The priest recalled the feeling of "unity" among the faithful in the square, in spite of flags and colors of different nationalities.
A native of the Diocese of Chanthaburi, in the east of Thailand, Fr. Ungkarn Charoensatsiri is specializing in Canon Law. "I was impressed - said the priest - to see Pope Francis so close to the people, [watching him] kiss the handicapped." He is a true "Pope of pastoral care" who will "reform the Church looking to St. Francis of Assisi." "In Pope Francis - said Fr. Ungkarn - you can see the face of Jesus Christ on earth."
.png)
