953 Consecration of Bishop Prathan
austraLasia 953
 
Thailand: Consecration of Salesian Bishop attracts thousands
 
BANGKOK: 28th November '04 --  More than 5,000 Catholics representing the faithful of the ten dioceses of Thailand and particularly of the Diocese of Suratthani were enthusiastic in witnessing the consecration of Salesian Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, the most attended Catholic ceremony in the diocese’s history.

 

On 28 November, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, presided over the ceremony and was assisted by Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio in Thailand and by Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu  of Bangkok in the  3 hour consecration ceremony surrounded by no less than 200 diocesan and religious priests and ten bishops.

 

On the eve of the consecration day (27 Nov.), a colorful light and sound show entitled “The Road of God’s Blessings”,was dramatically performed by the youth and faithful of the diocese.  It depicted and highlighted the missionary journey of the people of God from the time of Bishop Peter Carretto and Bishop Michael Praphon Chaichoreon to the present pastor and bishop. The evening ended with prayerful mementos for the two deceased bishops.

 

On the auspicious day of the consecration itself (28th) hordes of cars and buses headed towards the venue at Fatima Parish Church.  After the consecration ceremony, the new Bishop explained his motto: Fiat Voluntas Tua, a visionary focus on his spiritual journey and pastoral thrust in bringing the Good News of salvation to the peoples of South Thailand.  His Coat of Arms also shows the commitment to bringing God's people to the fullness of life with the two great devotions to Mary and the Holy Eucharist through the power of God's Word.

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