Tales from the Bangkok Immigration Detention Centre
25 Mar 2015

Tales from the Bangkok Immigration Detention Centre

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

The Bangkok Immigration Detention Centre is neither a prison nor a jail. It is the last barrier for non-Thais awaiting deportation back to their home countries, after finishing their prison sentences or paying court-imposed fines.

These detainees have, for the most part, entered Thailand illegally.  How long they will be in the detention centre depends on many factors – the regulations of their country’s embassy/consulate, their travel documents, a plane ticket, and whether they are physically fit for the flight home.

Building a church in the middle of nowhere
24 Mar 2015

Building a church in the middle of nowhere

by | posted in: Parishes & Pastoral Work, Province News | 0

In a village in Chiangmai Province sits a new church named after St Willibrord, the patron saint of Luxemburg.   Its name reflects how it came to be.  It had been built with the labour, heart and financial support of friends from Luxemburg, as well as friends from other lands, and no less than the Archbishop of Luxemburg, Jean Claude Hollerich SJ, presided at its blessing.

English camp Thai Jesuit style
16 Dec 2014

English camp Thai Jesuit style

by | posted in: Education | 0

What a difference a change in venue can make.  This year, by holding their English Summer Camp at the Arrupe Centre in Huay Tong, in the Mae Wang District in Chiangmai Province, the Jesuits in Thailand were able to take their camp to a new level.

According to the program’s chaplain Fr Vinai Boonlue SJ, the change of venue was to provide a multidimensional setting for the students to learn, and to help them become more aware of nature and their immediate environment.  The camp is usually held in Seven Fountains, the Jesuit spirituality centre in Chiangmai. 

The purpose of Jesuit studies is apostolic
21 Jul 2014

The purpose of Jesuit studies is apostolic

by | posted in: Formation | 0

Solid formation of Jesuits is critical for the Society of Jesus to effectively carry out of its mission. It was with this uppermost in mind that 20 Jesuits came together in the annual JCAP Formators’ Circle meeting held in Singapore from June 27 to 30. The Jesuits were mainly Formation Delegates of the provinces, regions and missions within the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific as well as rectors of colleges and other key personnel in the area of formation.

Adaptation key to good communication
21 Jul 2014

Adaptation key to good communication

by | posted in: Social Communications | 0

Being able to adapt to new technologies and seize opportunities when they arise are the keys to a successful media organisation, delegates at the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific (JCAP) Social Communications meeting in Taiwan heard last month.

“Media comes from grabbing opportunities,” said Director of Kuangchi Program Service (KPS) Fr Jerry Martinson SJ, in his presentation to delegates on the first day of the meeting, which was hosted by KPS, the Jesuit production centre in Taiwan. 

An experience of synergy among development officers
27 May 2014

An experience of synergy among development officers

by | posted in: JCAP News | 0

In the mathematics of synergy, 1 plus 1 does not equal 2, but 3 or more. The sum total of the experience and practical know-how of the group is greater than just the added up experience and contributions of the individuals. This was the case at the recent Development Officers meeting, which brought together representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, China, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Timor Leste, and Australia with Karen Goh from JCAP and Fr Jorge Serrano SJ from the Curia in Rome joining as resource persons.

A new Jesuit priest in Thailand
27 May 2014

A new Jesuit priest in Thailand

by | posted in: Formation, Province News | 0

The Society of Jesus has a new Thai Jesuit priest. Francis Xavier Manasan Wongvarn (Yoht) SJ was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 2014 by Bishop Silvio Siripong Charatsri DD of Chanthaburi at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bang Saen, Chonburi province.

The church, which is a Jesuit parish and has around 150 parishioners, was filled to overflowing by the 800 family, friends, fellow Jesuits, priests and Religious who gathered to witness the momentous occasion.