by Weena Kowitwanij

The bishops invited Thai priests to renew the faith and promote pastoral care that reflects the problems of society. The inauguration presided over by Benedict XVI was followed via internet in the headquarters of the Bishops' Conference. The Church must learn how to grasp the importance of consecrated life.

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - A good opportunity for priests to reflect on the vocational choice, and renew the mandate to promote a pastoral activity that is in step with society today. With this in mind the Catholic Church in Thailand is preparing to live the Year for the Priest inaugurated last June 19th by Benedict XVI, and officially celebrated on June 28 next in the country.  

The opening ceremony in Rome was followed via internet in the home of Headquarters of the Thai Bishops' Conference (CBCT). During the liturgy, the bishops saw the announcement of the pope and the reading of the letter by card. Claudio Hummes, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, addressed to priests. Each diocese in the country has organized functions at a local level.   Bishop George Yod Phimphisan, president of the bishops conference, said that the Thai Church must seize the opportunity "to rediscover the importance of a priestly vocation" trying to cope with the "current problems". Bishop John Bosco Panya Kritcharoen, vice-secretary general of the CBCT, stresses the need "to strengthen spirituality” and for priests to their live vocation “with greater commitment than before."

Father Anthony Vorayuth Kitbamrung, Secretary of the Commission for the Catholic clergy, reports the distribution among the priests of a book on the life of St. Jean Marie Vianney - chosen by the pope as the patron of all parish priests - for "further study and discussion." He also calls on the members of the clergy to spread among Catholics and believers of other religions, the reasons behind the choice of the priesthood and the lifestyle that a good priest must maintain.  

An example of a priestly vocation is marked by poverty is father Joseph Phibun Visitnonthachai, director of the Catholic Commission for Refugees and the consideration of the local Caritas (the Coerr) appointed by Benedict XVI on June 19th last, Bishop of Nakhon Sawan in the north of the country. He is famous for his sober style of living and has been a model for the seminarians in the years when he led the minor seminary of St. Joseph. 

In Thailand, Catholics are just over 0.6% from a total of over 65milioni inhabitants. There are 442 diocesan priests, 253 religious priests, 121 religious and 1428 women religious, they take care of 470 churches around the country.

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