It is great to know that in a country where Catholics are 0.58% of the total population, there are young men who want to serve Christ through the priestly ministry. In this regard, we are happy to inform that on Friday, December 10, 2021, to mark the feast of the Immaculate, Mary Mother of Vocations, and the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Major Catholic Seminary in Thailand, thirty-two seminarians received the ministries of lectorate, acolytate and diaconate. Among them, Rueangdet Sombunphunphoem, an Idente Missionary from Thailand, who received the Ministry of Lector from the hands of H.E. Most Rev. Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, Bishop of the Diocese of Surat Thani. The ceremony was celebrated at the Major Catholic Seminary of Saengtham and H.E. Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, Cardinal of Bangkok, and H.E. Most Rev. Francis Xavier Weera Apornrat, bishop of Chiangmai, were also present.
Due to the Covid-19 health restrictions, a limited number of people were actually present at the ceremony, however, thanks to current technologies, many people were able to participate in it through its online broadcasting. Rueangdet, attracted to community life as a loving family of brothers, entered the community fifteen years ago, at the age of twenty eight. He had always had an interest in religious life, however, being the eldest son of eight siblings, his entrance was delayed as he helped support the family. His father died three years ago. His mother lives in a village far from the city, but thanks to our modern-day technologies she was able to participate virtually in the ceremony. His family is very happy to see him grow in his dedication to God. After the celebration, Rueangdet shared, with those present and with us, his great joy at being able to exercise this service for Christ and for the Church through his Idente vocation.
