GOD ALONE 70TH Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Louis Marie De Montfort

70TH Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Louis Marie De Montfort 20 - 7 - 2017

G OD A LONE

Volume 28 Montfortian Associates Activities July 2017

ASSOCIATES THAILAND 10th Message from the MA President.

Dear Montfort Associates (MA)

“There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love” Bryant H. Mc. Gill

“Forgiveness brings joy where sorrow has produced sadness; healing where sorrow has caused disease" Pope Francise

The above saying is self-explanatory in itself. When you have no love, how can you forgive your brothers and sisters? This is the hardest pill to swallow for the people of the world, but not our Christian brothers who believe in Christ Jesus. He sets the example for all of us, when on the cross, has forgiven all those who tortured him and crucified him!

Welcome to all of us to our annual Meeting dated July 30, 2017 at the Provincial House, Soi Thong Loh. It is a memorial day for all of us to get together to celebrate and commemorate the big event of the canonization of our blessed Founder, St. Louis Marie de Montfort, Which falls on the month of July 20, 1947 by Pope Pius XII

Last year, we celebrated the “TERCENTENARY” (1716-2016) of our Blessed Founder. All went well with our celebration. Does anyone of us recognize this year as a special Event or not? Yes! It is the 70th Anniversary of our Founder’s Canonization. (20 July 1947- 20 July 2017). Let us take this opportunity to invoke our Founder’s blessing.

St. Louis Marie de Montfort a man who sought obscurity and nothingness, a man who seemed to ignore himself, so completely was caught up in the Service of his Redeemer and his blessed Mother, and yet a man who despite himself was one of the most talked of, and most criticized priest of his day “ …. Quoted by Rev. Edward Bolger, SMM.

Therefore, we beg our Founder to grant us, his rich blessing to all the Brothers of Saint Gabriel, and of course to each and every one of MA members. It is chiefly in the power of God, the Almighty that we place our trust, and we know that our hope will not be confounded. Oh! Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, we trust you by your intercession, lead the world to an ever greater love of the Blessed Mother and of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Once again, may our Blessed Founder, Saint Louis Marie de Montfort bless our MA members, and keep us always in the holy path of Jesus’ love until our death in Him and with Him. Amen!!

Yours in Xt. Jesus Bosco Praphot Rak-Arom. The MA President 2015-2017.

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Message from the Provincial Superior

Dear respected Nok Noi members,

It is my pleasure to have another opportunity to communicate to you again. We do not regularly meet all members but with a few from time to time. It is so good and healthy to get news from each other. For me, up to now, I am in good health, body, mind and soul. God is to me the mereful and compassionate Abba, Daddy. He calls me, every day and sends me to give services to all my confreres and all the people who get involved with me. They are gifts from God for me to take good care especially those who are in need of help. I have been blessed with many good things. So, I need to render services all the more to my brothers and sister in return.

In the footstep of Montfort, we all must try our best to be close to Jesus Christ every day. From this main source of strength, we can live healthy life first with God and then we cannot remain idle but go out from our comfort zone to live, feel, understand and become compassionate person to all people we meet. As Jesus' disciple, we must proclaim good news / the Kingdom of God by our good living with consciousness because role model preaches louder than words of mouth. All the Baptized, Bishops, Priest, Religious are all invited to work for the same mission that the Kingdom of God is at hand. So, repent and reconcile to God and to our neighbours and observe the Law of love always so that people will see our good works, give glory to God and thank God with sincere gratitude.

All friends / associates of Montfort Brothers of Saint Gabriel should know and learn the meaning of the Decree of the Plenary Council of the Catholic Church in Thailand (A.D. 2015) that Christ's disciple must live His spirit (and teachings) and proclaim the good news. This Decree is for every baptized faithful to live Christ's life in accordance with the will of the Father. All must proclaim the good news / the Kingdom of God with their words and especially with their good lives that can explicitly be shown in public. We must help nourish the spiritual life of those faithful to their baptismal promises, those who once believed but now live a stray life. We must go out to proclaim the good news to those of different faith too. I believe that you and I have to follow such instruction.

May the Good Lord ever bless us with His merciful and compassionate love.

Yours in Christ

(Brother Surasit Sukchai) Your friend

3 Birth of Montfortian Associates in Thailand By Somchai Charoenwanich, B. Ed., MACA

Initiated by the Brothers of St. Gabriel, Province of Thailand, Montfortian Associates (MA) were conceived in 1997 to mobilize those associated with St. Louis de Montfort, whether they are teachers, students, alumni or parents in our schools or those who used to serve as Brothers in the Congregation or once lived in a juniorate and tasted the life of St. Montfort in order to live their layman life in the spirit and charisma of St. Louis de Montfort.

The association was basically aimed to do good and charitable to society, especially the poor, needy and the disadvantaged.

The first charter was drafted in December 1997 and small gatherings among Brothers, ex-Brothers and former juvenists were informally held every now and then. The formal one was first organized in July 1999 when we celebrated Fr. Montfort’s canonization at the Provincial House, where today we have an annual MA gathering. Since then Montfortian Associates were established as an association with a president and executive committee elected by MA for a 2-years’ term.

During the period of almost two decades of MA, a lot of activities were carried out for the better living standards of our aged MA’s. We even extended our generosity to the orphans, elderly at the Home for the old age and other disadvantaged people in addition to moral support to current juvenists, postulants, novices or Brothers and periodical retreats and recollections among MA’s or with the Brothers of St. Gabriel in Thailand.

Thanks to Fr. Montfort who has led our way of severity and humiliation – No cross what a cross. Thanks to Fr. Montfort who has shown us full dedication to God – God alone.

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Associés montfortains (Thaïlande) Translation by Phaithun Manchai

Pour se conformer à l'esprit de famille montfortaine internationale, Frères de Saint Gabriel, Province de Thaïlande ont mis au point un ensemble "Club des amis de Saint Montfort» et le propos des règles du club en Décembre 1997 dans le but de fournir ceux qui participent à la vie et le travail d'une famille des religieux montfortains, y compris les enseignants, les étudiants, les parents, les anciens élèves, anciens frères, anciens juvenistes. de se réunir en groupe, pour vivre selon l'esprit du Saint Montfort , y compris le pouvoir de faire du bien à la société, les pauvres, les enfants défavorisés, et de participer à la mission de l'Eglise, et de soutenir les æuvres des Frères.

Après la réunion des anciens frères, des anciens juvenistes et les Frères à la Maison provinciale , Soi Thonglor, Bangkok, à l'occasion de la fête de Saint Mont Fort en Juillet 1999, la question de l’établissement, " Club des amis de Saint Montfort " a été bien discuté. Un comite de suivi a été créé pour en assurer. Plus tard, quand au rencontre pour la fête de Saint Montfort en Juillet 2000, le groupe des associés monfortains en Thaïlande a été formellement organizé. Le groupe des Associés est administré par un conseil d’administration élu tous les deux ans, dont le président en exercice est M.Praphot Rakarom.

Depuis Décembre 1997, maintenant un 20 anniversaire. Tout au long des dix dernières années, des anciens frères et d'anciens juvenistes à l'invitation et la direction du Frère Superior Provincial ont réuni un groupe pour faire revivre la famille fraternelle monfortaine et aider mutuellement à vivre la spiritualité de Saint Mont Fort.

Dans le contexte de la Congregation «Associés montfortains» est un groupe de personnes qui avaient été suscitées par le Saint-Esprit à venir participer et à coopérer avec les Frères. en vivant dans un contexte séculaire de sa vie.

For More information please visit our website at www.Montfortian.com

5 Patron of Montfortian Associates Attaines Fullness

HIS EMENENCE IV AN CARDINAL DIAS, Prefect of Vatican’s Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples from 2006 - 2011, died in Rome on June 19, at the age of 81. Though a secular priest of Mumbai, he lived the Montfortian Spirituality from his early years of priestly life. He formed his own associates to promote the same. In 2003 he presided over the Centenary Celebrations of Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel in India as the then Cardinal of Mumbai, during which he was declared and honoured as the PATRON OF MONTFORTIAN ASSOCIATES. Following the example of Pope John Paul II, he truly nurtured the Marian teachings of Montfort, and manifested the Montfortian greatness in his authenticity of life and guidance of the Spirit. In 2015 when I met him in his retirement in Rome he was filled with joy about his identity as a Montfortian and his desire to see them flourish in their mission. Cardinal Ivan was in the Diplomatic service of the Vatican in various countries till he was appointed as the Archbishop of Mumbai in 1996. In India he helped the Brothers at some very crucial moments and always remained close to our concerns like a family member. In 2006 he was appointed Prefect for the Evangelization of Peoples and Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbanian University. In the persons of Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Ivan Dias, and many others like them, the Spirit of the Lord has manifested that Montfortian Family is larger than the congregations and the time has come to promote inclusive apostolic and missionary communities. We have moved ahead from the resistance of the nineties - to the acceptance of the last decade - to the innovative spirit of the present. Some have joined the heavenly choir but those of us who are around have much to do to refound the Montfortians of the 21st century. With the advocacy of the heavenly heroes, and benevolence of earthly mortals, we have better chance than ever, to let the Montfortian gift to the world flourish and bloom. It includes a Church of brotherhood as proclaimed by Jesus and advocated by Pope Francis.

Through the kind courtesy of Bro. Mani Mekkunnel.

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th 17 Council Of The Institute 2017 – Bangkok, Thailand

INAUGURAL ADDRESS: 09.01.2017 fruitful session during the upcoming days. I wish to say a special word of welcome to Fr. Jean- Claude Lavigne, the Facilitator for the 32nd General elcome: W Chapter, who will be joining us by the end of the Good morning and welcome week, and to the members of the General Chapter to you all for the 17th Council Preparatory Committee: Bros. René Delorme, Jean- of the Institute. I assume Marie Ndour, Mariannan M., and Jimmy Kalapurayil. that you all had a pleasant I do it at this stage as a gentle reminder to them of and refreshing weekend, the need to be alert and attentive during the days after the three days of intense of the Council of the Institute! work during the sessions of the Formation of the Provincial Superiors. I wish to Objectives of the 17th Council of the Institute: begin thanking the Liturgy Committee, headed by As stated in the Letter of Convocation, dated Bro. Michael Thinaratna, for the inspiring Prayer 10th June 2016, the Agenda of the 17th Council Session that sets the tone for the events of the of the Institute will be: “The Evaluation of the days that follow. Secondly, on behalf of all the Implementation of the Message and Orientations participants of the 17th Council of the Institute I of the 31st General Chapter and the Proposals of the wish to say a big thanks to the Province of Thailand 16th Council of the Institute, and the Preparation for all the energy and enthusiasm it has spent in for the 32nd General Chapter scheduled for April organizing the whole program of the 17th Council 2018”. Let me take the liberty of repeating that of the Institute, and the CAFMA Meeting and the our Congregation is truly at the crossroads and General Chapter Preparatory Committee Meeting the 17th Council of the Institute is an appropriate that follow. One can imagine the amount of time time “to look at the past with gratitude, to live that was spent by the Provincial Administration the present with passion and to embrace the in planning for the whole event. On behalf of the future with hope”. During the 16th Council of the Central Administration, my special thanks go to Institute, as leaders of our Congregation, we asked the Provincial Administration of Thailand, and in ourselves whether the following bold statements particular Bro. Surasit, the Provincial Superior, and we made in the Preamble of the Message of the Bro. Phiraphongs, who have been coordinating the 31st General Chapter have brought about a renewal whole preparation, right from the issuing of the in the lives of our Brothers: “We acknowledge the Letters of Invitation, planning for all the logistics at need for an in-depth introspection of our religious the location, taking care of the travel arrangements commitment and the need to reorient our life and and the accommodation of the participants, who mission… We acknowledge that the influence of the have been arriving at different timings, including modern world is very present in our personal lives at odd hours! So, while extending to you all a and in our religious communities… Therefore we are very hearty welcome, on behalf of the Central called to transform ourselves”. In the beginning of Administration, I wish you all a pleasant stay and

7 the Council of the Institute itself we take a look sectors, on the relationship between the Central at two important elements of the Message of the Administration and the different entities, etc. General Chapter, namely Authentic Leadership and Good Governance, especially in the context 3) As was already done in the 16th Council of the of the Circular Letters 1 and 2 from the Central Institute, as well as in the Provincial Chapters Administration. recently, in the light of the new realities of “the influence of the modern world being present in Program for the 17th Council of the Institute: our lives and in our religious communities”, we will 1) One of the expectations repeated by several of also have a review of the present practice of the the participants of these sessions is the opportunity consultation/election/appointment processes to get to know more about other entities, and the in the Congregation, in order to arrive at some possibilities of interacting with them, not only practical proposals to counter these negative to learn about their strengths but also to learn trends or influences. from one another the coping mechanisms in moments of difficulties. For over 3 days we have 4) As stated at the beginning, the 17th Council of the opportunities to listen to our confreres from the Institute also has a second important objective: the different entities sharing about their life and to prepare for the important event of the 32nd mission, their efforts to implement the Message General Chapter, scheduled for April 2018. Fr. Jean- and Orientations of the General Chapter, and the Claude Lavigne, OP, our Facilitator and the Chapter Proposals of the 16th Council of the Institute, their Preparatory Committee will lead us through this hopes and aspirations, their fears and anxieties, etc. process of arriving at a theme to focus on, and This will be followed by Workshops in language spelling out the strategies needed, in order to make groups and in the General Assemblies, in order to the preparations a truly participatory process, further reflect on the positive and negative trends involving all the members of the Congregation. that are emerging in the entities and some of the major difficulties you encounter in discharging your Conclusion: responsibilities as animators and administrators. It is my earnest hope that these two weeks spent together as leaders of our Congregation, will be 2) During the Council of the Institute, we will also an occasion to strengthen our bond as members have opportunities to take a look at a number of of one large family, to have an experience of living practical aspects on Formation, on our Education out our fraternity and common brotherhood, and Mission, on our commitment to the Justice and to make a realistic appraisal of our life and mission, Peace Mission, on Partnership and Collaboration, against the backdrop of the Gospel values and the on the Financial aspects and on the need to Founder’s charism. Let me repeat that we are truly build stronger bonds of solidarity within the at the turning point of history. 300 years of living Congregation, on the current realities of our “mission out our Montfortian charism should enable us “to ad-gentes”, possibilities of new foundations, on the look at the past with gratitude, to live the present new Structures of the Secretariats for Education, with passion and to embrace the future with hope”. JPIC and Partnership, established in the different As Pope Francis reminds us, consecrated life is

8 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017 certainly facing many difficulties like decreasing by example I would have changed my family. vocations and aging members, particularly in the From their inspiration and encouragement, I western world, but the Holy Spirit continues to would have then been able to better my country guide the destiny of the Church. The Holy Father and, who knows, I may have even changed emphasizes that religious life is not just about the world.” No wonder, Mahatma Gandhi of doing things but doing things differently and about India said, “Be the change that you wish to leading through witness and attractiveness of the quality of relationships and the joy of self-effacing see in the world”! service to the most needy. The Vatican document, As I renew my sincere and warm welcome to each “Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother one of you for the 17th Council of the Institute, I in the Church” also reminds the Brothers of the take this opportunity thank all the members of the prophetic dimension of their lives: “The community Central Administration, who have been spending of Brothers lives its prophetic mission counter- days and weeks preparing for these sessions. culturally, because of its lifestyle, according to the Similarly, I renew my thanks to the Brothers, Gospel, is opposed to what the world promotes… It Associates and Collaborators of the Province of should not be forgotten, however, that community Thailand, for their warm welcome, rich hospitality is a fragile sign: it needs constant renewal; it must and for providing us with a beautiful ambience be lived on the path of holiness and with an for organizing our two international sessions. You evangelical dynamism that enlivens and constantly can certainly look forward to some opportunities remakes the structures”. during the week end to get to meet and interact with more number of Brothers of the Province, In this context, let me take the liberty of quoting to get a glimpse of the beautiful mission being here the statements written on the tomb stone of accomplished by our Brothers, here in Thailand, and an Anglican Bishop in the Crypts of Westminster of course, to get a glimpse of their rich and varied Abbey: culture. Make these opportunities as a learning experience. Thank you and God bless. “When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of Br. John Kallarackal changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, Superior General I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize that if I had only changed myself first, then

9 Thai Montfortian Associates Historical Event by Prakai Cholahan

On January 21st, 2017 the Thai Motfortian Regulations. Our Group is financially independent Associates organized a meeting with the Superior and is run by a selected committee. We elect the General of the Montfortian Brothers of St Gabriel, President of the group every other year and he in Rev Bro. John Kallarackal and his Vicar General turn selects a committee to manage the activities Rev. Bro. Yvan Passebon at the Thai Provincial and operations of the group for a term of two years. House. His assistant General Rev. Bro. K.M. Joseph At present we have about 200 members scattered and the Secretary General Rev. Bro. George Le throughout Thailand. The majority is in Bangkok and Vern also joined this eventful meeting. It was also quite a few are in Chiangmai which is in the North a great honor for all of us that the Former Superior of Thailand where the Brothers have 2 big schools General Rev. Bro. Rene Delorme participated in and a Novitiate. Our members participate in various this gathering too. This historical gathering was activities during the year. The biggest event is the made possible by the help and the coordination of annual general meeting during the Feast Day of St. our Spiritual Director, Rev. Bro. Thinnarat. Louis Mary de Montfort in July. This general meeting The meeting started with a brief report on is organized regularly at the Provincial House and Montfortian Associates, Thailand. A group of ex attended by 80-100 associates. Rev. Bro. Provincial, Brothers and aspirants started the gathering in an Bro. Spiritual Directors and a few Brothers regularly informal way some thirty years ago by organizing join this annual meeting. a get together on a regular basis to meet and share experiences of adjusting to lives outside the All our many regular annual activities are Congregation. We managed to help each other to focused in 4 areas: adjust ourselves to living the secular lives and to - Supporting and collaborating with the Brothers find proper occupations for the living. Not until the in their missions and other projects. Actually many year 1997, under the leadership of the then Rev. Bro. of us are still working full time in the schools of Provincial of Thailand, Bro. Sirichai Foncica and ex the Brothers, some work as resources persons in Bro. Yothin, we were formally organized to become schools as trainers or advisors, a few help in the Montfortian Associates with written Rules and projects such as the Assumption Paradise in Rayong.

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- Helping and sharing our lives and experiences Then our MA President, Khun Praphot, requested with the aspirants in the formation houses of the the Superior General to share with us the future of Brothers through various activities with the juniors, the Congregation and the change that may occur the postulants and the novices. in the future. Rev. Bro. Superior General responded - Helping the less fortunate in the society in by sharing with us that the Council of the Institute the footsteps of St. Louis Mary de Montfort by that was just concluded is very successful. All the spending time and sharing resources with the poor, participants contributed positively in the meetings. the orphans or the elderly people. This Council was meant to prepare them for the - Organizing the activities like bi-monthly next General Chapter that will be held in 2018 in retreat, meeting among our members either in Rome. Lots of change will occur by then. There will small or big group and helping members who need be a great deal of participation from the lay people special assistance on a regular basis in the works of the Congregation and he advised us to work closely with the Brothers in our capacity of After the report the Superior General addressed the Associates. and gave us advices on how to continue our work The meeting was surprisingly adjourned with as Montfortian Associates. We were asked to work a birthday celebration for Rev. Bro. KM Joseph. A closely with the Brothers in their mission and to cake with 7 candles was presented to him amidst support them when the opportunities arise. He also Happy Birthday song followed by the “Glory to encouraged us to live the spirituality of Montfort Thee Montfort” to mark the eventful, simple but in our own ways of unprofessed collaborators in meaningful meeting. the spirit of partnership. Rev. Bro. Yvan Passebon who is in charge of the Associates then gave us advices to continue our good works and shared with us the experiences that he had with the other associates in other parts of the world. Rev. Bro. George Le Vern then addressed us and gave some insights in the work that we do and shared information about the Brothers in the Congregation too. Rev. Bro. KM Joseph, Assistant General, talked to us about human sides of the relationship and advised us to live in brotherly love with all our friends and associates. The Former Superior General, Rev. Bro. Rene Delorme addressed us with the warm experiences he always received when he visited Thailand recalling the many trips that he came and spent time with us.

11 Thai Montfortian Associates Historical Event

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A Quick Glance at Montfort Education Centre, New Delhi India Reported by Praphot

In the morning of June 15, 2017, Bro. Thinnarat went out again for a short sightseeing for a few and myself got off at Indira Gandhi International places. Airport. Bro. Mani Mekkunnel was so kind to fetch us at the Airport. It is quite a big and busy It was time to part and we said Good -bye to our Airport in the sub- continent Region. kind Bro. Mani, who again came to send us off at the Airport, enrouting to Guwahati” Bye! Bye! Bro. This is the Province of Delhi where there are about Mani. Thanks you so much for your kind hospitality 69 brothers, working in various places. One of them and generosity. is in Delhi, the Capital of India, Whose name is the “Montfort Education Centre” where it comes under the management of Bro. Mani Mekkunnel. A few of our Thai MA are quite familiar to him. He was a Socius at Echinkadu, and after that he was posted at the Central Administrative in Rome, as the Assistant General. If you wish to know more in details, what is “Montfort Education Centre” doing and its activities, please feel free to go into the website: www.meinet.org

Through the courtesy of Bro. Mani, we have come to know that our Brothers of St. Gabriel is officially registered, as a part of NGO with Consultative Status at the UNESCO. Also, we the Brothers of St. Gabriel have become, a part of an official Catholic NGO, recognized by the Vatican as well. It is a great Job and a good reputation to be in the International Arena world-wide recognition.

We had a sight-seeing at the Indian Gate and the Red forte by our Tour – leader, Bro. Mani. He explained to us, the historical back-ground, each of the place we visited. Many tourists came in thousand and thousand, very hard to walk around.

June 16, 2017 We had Mass together in the Community chapel, followed by breakfast. We

13 Meeting of the National Partnership Commission Reported by Praphot Rak-Arom

Venue : Montfort Provincial House. Guwahati, ASSAM State Convener : Bro. M.K Devassy, the Provincial of N.E India

June 17, 2017 The meeting began with prayer, appointment of the secretary, approving the time-table, fixing ground rule, welcome speech, followed by self-Introduction of the participants from each of the Province (Total: 9 Provinces. 7 from India. 1 from Thailand and 1 from Singapore/Malaysia)

Bro. Thomas Paul of Singapore/ Malaysia province initiated the talk first, of how this meeting had to be convened, and for what purpose!! Bro. Thomas Paul made his Novitiate and professed at SAN-SAI, Chieng Mai, together with Bro. Siam and Bro. Awut.

The meeting discussed on the following Agenda :- 1. What is Partnership and why partnership with Laity. 2. History and Theology of Partnership. 3. What is Montfort Gabrielite partnership. 4. Historical steps and networking. 5. Montfort and Laity. 6. Associate Members. 7. Collaborators. 8. Presenting of Province Report. 9. Drawing Action Plan for future meetings on National and Province level. 10. Felicitation in the Hostel by Convent girls.

The Minute of this meeting is being prepared by the same charisma of our Blessed Founder. It is the Secretary of the meeting, Bro. P.K. James who easy to communicate in terms of Charisma of will send the final conclusion to the Provincial of Montfort’s teaching. We have the activities all the N.E and each of the participants. I don’t know when year round, such as the Retreats, the social works with the needy, the orphanage, and the old ages. it will be ready in my hands to share with our MA Besides we organized among ourselves, the X’ Mas members in Thailand. Re-Union, The Home-coming to the Juniorate. We have common funds which come from our own Touching on the Associate Members in Thailand, I contribution of all the MA Associates which is right told the meeting that our Associates are numbered now, amounting to Rs.400,000.- Please note that nearly 200, and all members are former brothers, in this meeting, I am the only one Former Brother, postulants and Juvenists and no Laity. The reason while the rest are the Brothers who represent each is that we are all of the same spirituality and have of their respective provinces.

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At the end of the meeting, we had the felicitation with majestic Cathedral standing on the hilly-side ceremony from the Convent girls in their hostel. with many faithfuls coming for their devotion. The girls gave us the stage performance with the Needless to say, by the power of the Holy Spirit, a variety of dances and sing songs by both boys and lot of conversion into Catholic religion is going on. girls. They showed their talents to the best of their I can notice, many people come to the Cathedral ability. To me, I observed that both boys and girls, by thousand and thousand. They have a strong faith their face-like, looked like the Thai people. After in God and God alone. all, the Assam State is very near to Thai border. Besides the Don Bosco Museum, there is a building June 18, 2017 of four-story nearby, which houses the different After early mass and breakfast with the community, kinds of book nearly 400,000 copies on many we headed to the nearby city called “SHILLONG”, languages and hill-tribes of North- East of India. It the Scotland of the East. The small city situates on is a big Library. Just a few months ago, our Princess the hilly place with cool temperature throughout of Sirinthorn visited both Don Bosco Museum and the year round. There are colleges, one run by the the Library. Even the former Head of the Indian Sister of RDM and the other one, run by the Salesian Congress Party, Mrs. Sonia also visited this Museum Fathers. Five Brothers of St. Gabriel are studying too. Words cannot express its grandeure, or its here in their respective colleges. Notably, the well splendor, only you have to come and see with your –known one is, “The Sacred Heart of Theology own eyes. A statue of the first hill-tribe converted, college” also run by the Salesian Fathers. Most of became a Salesian Father. He died long time ago, the candidates who are studying in this college, are and the Vatican has venerated him as, the “Blessed” Fathers and religious brothers and sisters. We met A lot of miracles are going on now, especially for one Thai Sister from Raj- Cha- buri province who those who come to pray at his tomb. is making her Master degree in Theology. She was very happy to meet Bro.Thinnarat and invited us to We paid a short visit to “Cherapun Jee”, the wettest have a cup of coffee in her convent. of the Assam State. It is situates on the mountain. Naturally, the weather is wet because of rain, and Another place near-by worth seeing and visit, is it is misty most of the time, and hardly see each the Don Bosco Museum. It is a seven-story building other in the distance of 30 meters. It is dammed with the Sky-walk on the seven floor, where we wet and drizzling most of the time. can see the scenery of the city of Shillong. Inside the Don Bosco Museum, it is well arranged and We stayed in Guwahati and Shillong for four classified according to the hill-tribes, with all the days and had to say good-bye to the kind Bro. modern technology included. Many people of Provincial, Bro. Principal of the Montfort School, different races are visiting this Museum everyday. and the Brothers in the Community for their kind To my understanding, the North-East of India is hospitality with “BIG THANK YOU”. The Provincial under the Salesian Fathers for quite a long time, House and the Montfort school are on the hill-top well established in Educational field and the of the mountain, of which we called it, MOUNT religion domination. Catholic religion is well spread TARBOR. From far away distance, we could view

15 the Montfort School first, majestically situates on the hill-side, and further up is the Provincial House, amidst the natural scenery of mountain-ranges and various kinds of green trees. What a beautiful scenery to be remembered for many years to come.!!!

Thank you, Rev. Bro. M.K Devassy, the Provincial of North-East India

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Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel Asian Level Partnership Commission Meeting Report by Bro. P.K. James

Venue: Montfort Provincial House, Guwahati, Assam Date: 17th June 2017

MEMBERS PRESENT : 1. Bro. M.K. Devassy, National Convener 2. Bro. Thomas Paul, Secretary, Sub-Secretariat, Partnership Commission 3. Bro. Michael Thinaratana, Convener, Thailand Province 4. Mr. Praphot Rak-Arom, President, Montfort Associates, Thailand Province 5. Bro. Paulose Mekkunnel, Convener, Ranchi Province 6. Bro. K.M. Thomas, Convener, Yercaud Province 7. Bro. M.K. Mathew, Representative, Hyderabad Province 8. Bro. Arun Prakash L., Convener, Pune Province 9. Bro. James Paulraj, Convener, Trichy Province 10. Bro. James Pasala, Representative, Delhi Province 11. Bro. P.K. James, Convenor, North East Province

01. SELECTION OF SECRETARY: The National Convener Bro. Devassy proposed that we select a Secretary for the meeting. After brief discussion Bro. P.K. James of the Province of North East India was unanimously selected as the Secretary.

02. PRAYER AND WELCOME The First National Partnership Commission meeting started at 9 am with a prayer by Bro. Arun Prakash, the Convener of Pune Province. Bro. M.K. Devassy, the National Convener for Partnership Commission welcomed the participants for the meeting. He mentioned that it is a historic event to hold the first Asian Level Meeting of the Partnership Commission at the Provincial House at Guwahati in Assam. Though it was planned to have such a meeting at the national level, this happened to be international with the representatives of Malaysia-Singapore and Thailand Provinces being present for the same. He warmly welcomed the coordinators / representatives of nine Asian Provinces to the North East of India and to the Provincial House. A warm welcome was extended to Bro. Thomas Paul, Secretary, Sub-Secretariat, Partnership Commission, for the meeting and thanked him specially for making it possible to visit the communities of the Province to get a first-hand information of the Associates Movement and to interact with the Brothers and the Associates in various institutions of the Province of North East.

He expressed that in the Indian context, there is a kind of keeping the Associates at a little away from the life and mission of the Brothers in general and do not involve them as many Brothers do not feel the real

19 need to involve them in our Mission. He wished that this meeting is a beginning for many great things to happen in the future in strengthening the Associates Movement in all our nine Asian Provinces. He also added that if we want to see the change happening in the mindset of the Brothers and in our Provinces, the coordinators present here need to take the first step in that direction. He wished all the best for the meeting and insisted the need for drawing up an Action Plan which he can take it to the National Council for approval and implementation.

03. SELF INTRODUCTION Bro. Devassy requested the members to introduce themselves to familiarise with each other.

04. SHARING BY BRO. THOMAS PAUL Bro. Thomas Paul expressed his happiness to have been invited to be present for the International Level meeting of the Conveners of the Partnership Commission and expressed his smallness in the presence of Bro. Paulose who had been the main person in drafting the booklet on ‘Partnership, General Guidelines’ and Bro. Michael Thinaratana who had been his professor in the Novitiate.

He gave the way the Associate movement is taking shape in his Province and expressed his wish that the Associates of all our Provinces would be given spiritual formation so that the Spirituality and legacy of St. Montfort which is a gift not only to the Montfortian Family but to the whole Church is spread to as many people as possible. He also reminded the members that, while each Province has its own uniqueness it should be our endeavour to strengthen the movement in our own places of mission.

05. PRESENTATION OF THE BOOKLET PARTNERSHIP GENERAL GUIDELINES Bro. James presented the ‘Partnership, General Guidelines’ in PPT form. A short discussion was taken up to understand the content of the booklet in a better way. The Members expressed their views on the various aspects of the content of the booklet. The following are some of the main sharing of the members present; a. Mathurin was not a professed Brother during the time of St. Montfort but continued as an associate till his death. Therefore, the role of the Associates is important and their presence is not just because of the drop in the number of Brothers but as an integral and extended part of the congregation. b. There is a need to look into the very term ‘Associates’ as it does not convey the real meaning that we want to convey. There is a confusion between the term ‘Collaborators and Associates’. It looks that there is need to reduce the gap between these two terms. As such, every Christian is called to continue the mission of Jesus and the Montfortians have the mission of following Jesus in the footsteps of Montfort. c. With the present trend of not having many youngsters coming forward to embrace the Religious Brotherhood we need to be aware and ask ourselves what will happen to our congregation after 25 years.

20 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017 d. In the Indian context, we the Brothers have not yet felt the need to have the Associates as many have taken it to continue the educative mission of Montfort Brothers. But, the real reason to have associates to keep alive the spirituality and the legacy of St. Montfort among the people of good will who will associate themselves with the Brothers in one way or the other. Therefore, it should not be a pious organisation but an organisation grounded on the spirituality of Montfort which will benefit the people around. e. A day will come when the Montfortian Associates will be more than the number of Brothers in the Congregation. Today the Brothers support the Associates but a day will come when the Associates will support the Brothers. f. There are signs that the present way of Religious Life may come to end and a new way of Religious Life may emerge. If we as Montfort Brothers can foresee when the Brothers and the consecrated married people live together as Montfortians as the new form of being Montfortians, it will be a new beginning for the Montfortians of the future. g. The guidelines that we have at present may need a revision before it is finalised.

06. REPORTS FROM THE PROVINCES a. Yercaud Province The Commission is headed by Bro. K.M. Thomas and has 4 other Brothers as members. Bro. Thomas expressed that since much of his life had been spent in Fiji Islands, he is slowly getting into the life in India and need a little more time. Apart from common programmes conducted at the Province level, the movement is being introduced in all the Communities / Institutions. b. Ranchi Province The Commission of the Province is headed by Bro. Paulose Mekkunnel in whose time as the Vicar General, the movement had begun and he was one of the members who had been instrumental in framing the booklet ‘Partnership, the Guidelines’. He expressed that as he had been out of the Province for a long time and he is planning various things to rejuvenate the Movement which had been working very well but had come to stand still for some time. Therefore, he had presented the history of the movement in the Province and had explained how it had been working in the past. He is planning to start a centre where the Associates will have a training / formation just like that of the Brothers. After the formation, the probable candidates would probably join the Brothers as Associates. He has a plan to set up the Centre in the community where he is posted as a pilot project. c. Trichy Province The commission is headed by Bro. James Paulraj and has 4 other Brothers and 5 laymen as members of the

21 commission. The Province has a big group of 80 members and has added the members of the Legion of Mary too. At the beginning of every academic year, the members gather together for a retreat and during month of October / November they come for the General Body meeting. He also mentioned that Associates are functioning well in different communities at St. Peter’s, Royapuram, Chennai, Campion, Trichy, St. James, Palakurichi and Santhome, Chennai. Efforts are being taken to extend to all other institutions as well. They also undertake yearly pilgrimage to Marian Shrines. Apart from the present teachers many former teachers too are members of the Association. A few years back, some parents and relatives of the Brothers too were members of the Association. d. Pune Province Bro. Arun Prakash, is the Convener of the Associates share that in seven communities, the movement is active and in other communities, efforts are being taken to activate them. At the Province, the members usually have seminar twice a year. It was mainly to bring them together for prayer and animation. e. Hyderabad Province Bro. M.K. Mathew, a pioneer in the social service represented the Province of Hyderabad as Bro. Varghese Thekkenath was away from the Province. Since he received the information late, he could not present any report. f. Delhi Province The Province was represented by Bro. James Pasala, a scholastic at Shillong as Bro. George Pottakaran was unable to attend the programme due to the reopening of the School. Bro. George and two of the Associates will be attending the retreat to be held in Singapore in July 2017. (They will attend the Programme in October 2017, as they had some difficulties attending the programme in July) g. North East Province In the Province of North East, the commission has Bro. P.K. James as its Convener and he takes members from each of the four sectors. He informed the group that out of the 13 communities, the Association is active in 6 communities and in 6 other communities the Principals had conducted a meeting recently to rejuvenate the movement which had not been very active. He also informed the members that he would be taking two associate members along with him to Singapore in July 2017 to attend the Retreat conducted for the Associates at the Sub-Secretariat. (They will attend the Programme in October 2017, as they had some difficulties attending the programme in July) h. Singapore Province The Province has separate units in Malaysia and Singapore. Though it was functioning at certain levels it was officially inaugurated on 21st January 2015. They conduct training programmes for the Associates on a regular basis at Montfort Centre. Though Bro. Thomas Paul has a lot of other assignments he is the full- time convener for the Province as well as the Secretary of the Sub-Secretariat, Partnership Commission

22 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017 at the Congregational level. The Province has published a Handbook for the Associates which becomes the guidelines for life and activities of the Associates of the Province. The Association functions in close collaboration with the Provincial Superior with lot of independence. In Singapore and Malaysia Province, the presence of the Associates is an important aspect of strengthening the congregation, the admittance of the associates is being done with 33 days of intense preparation before they consecrate themselves in the way St. Montfort has taught us. i. Thailand Province Bro. Michael, the Convener of the Associates Movement of the Province of Thailand gave a brief description of the movement saying that it had started in 1997 as Friends of Montfort. The idea of Associates in Thailand is slightly different from that of India. Every teacher is considered as an associate and they are given two days of orientation as they join the Montfortian Institutions. They are briefed about the Congregation and about the life of St. Montfort. So that they are introduced into the Montfortian way of education. He also expressed that it was Bro. Amnuay Yoonprayong who was in charge of the Associates till recently. As he has been busy with the Assumption University the responsibility has been entrusted to Bro. Michael.

The former Brothers, novices and candidates have organised themselves as Montfortian Associates. Mr. Praphot Rak-Arom, a former Brother is the President of the Montfortian Associates of Thailand Province. He expressed that there are 200 members in the Association which has a working Committee consisting of a Secretary, Treasurer apart from the President. They are elected members and they function in close collaboration with the Provincial Administration. They meet together once in 3 months to pray together and to plan for the various activities. They raise funds through different ways to be used for various charitable purposes which they take up from time to time.

The Associates also publish a News Letter called ‘Nok Noi’, which means small bird. The name is given as the News Letter of the Brothers is known as ‘Nok’ which means bird.

During the Tercentenary Year they had designed a T Shirt for its members which were found to be very symbolic and attractive. They were also distributed to various Intuitions which had raised money for the Association. The associates also talk to youngsters to promote vocation to our Congregation. They also talk to the Juniors in our Juniorate as well. At times, the members join the Brothers for retreats and take time to interact with the Junior Brothers to support and to encourage them. The Name of the movement is ‘Montfort Associates (MA)’.

07. ACTION PLAN (2017 – 19) The National Convener requested the members to draw up an action plan for the next two years so as to strengthen the Montfortian Associates Movement in all our Asian Provinces. The following are the proposals to be taken up at the National level to rejuvenate the Association before the General Chapter

23 a. A series of study in Montfortian Spirituality to be undertaken by the Brothers and Associates to understand the life and Mission of St. Montfort. (Bro. Lawrence Joseph has agreed to write a book on Montfortian Spirituality which will be shorter and simpler than the one he has sent to the press now) b. Identify resource persons at the Province level to help the Associates to disseminate the Spirituality of St. Montfort. c. The Province Units of the Associates to send the news to Bro. Thomas Paul which can be sent to the Generalate to be circulated d. Before the next General Chapter, we should have a Conference of Montfortian Associates at National/ Asian Level. It could have 4 to 5 Associates and one Brother from each Province. e. There should be an annual meeting of the Associates at the Province / Sector level. f. The Province Conveners need to get a quarterly report from the institutions which in turn is sent to the National Convener. g. Former Brothers of each Province can to be contacted to include them in the movement. h. Junior Associates Movement consisting of Students to be organised wherever possible. It is functioning in certain Provinces.

08. CONCLUDING PRAYER: The meeting ended with a prayer led by Bro. M.K. Devassy, the National Convener and the Provincial Superior of the North-East Province. He also thanked all the members for having taken trouble to be present for the Asian Level meeting of the Conveners of the Partnership Commission. He also thanked Bro. Thomas Paul who is on a visit to the Province of North East and had attended the meeting. A special word of gratitude was extended to Bro. Michael and Mr. Praphot, the Convener and President of the Associates Movement respectively from the Province of Thailand for taking much efforts to be present for the meeting.

In the evening, the Montfort Hostel boys and girls organised a felicitation programme for the members.

(BRO. P.K. JAMES) (BRO.M.K. DEVASSY) Secretary National Convener

24 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017

Montfortian Associates (MA) : Assumption Paradise (AP) Experience

By Dr.Damrong Kijsamrej : [email protected] start off with Organic Fertilizers made for use in AP with the help and the promotion of Chanthaburi e have heard enough and more about W Land Development Department. Frog feeding and Montfortian Partnership wherein a close rearing for workers’ consumption in the site and relationship among the Religious Brothers of visitors who may spend their time to stay therein St. Gabriel, the Montfortian Associates and the is another attempts of ours. Organic vegetables Montfortian Collaborators is known, cultivated and and local herbal growing like Siam Cardamom are grown continuously in the Montfortian Spirit. With initially learned and earned. Our cooperation with this belief in mind we, the MAs stepped forward Chanthaburi Fishery Department to search and to help AP to develop the Learning Center and learn about AP spirutina sea weed is underway. The the Fruit Plantation in Chanthaburi Province, the garbage management and treatment at AP is still Eastern Part of Thailand. understudy. 3 waste incinerators were put up and successfully tested for use. Mushroom growing for In June 2016, the Project was kicked off with workers’ food and food the Saint Gabriel center is on a trial basis. Foundation (SGF) as A close coordination Partner in Chief and the with local Educational Owner, the Assumption Institutions in the field of College Sriracha (ACS) tissue culture plantation as Financial Caretaker, will bring great research Residential Manager benefits to AP and local and Supporting Service planters alike. Units Provider, and the Montfortian Associates (MA) as the Co-runner of Such are our attempts to raise up learning activities the Project in areas entrusted. Planned Policies, the in AP to a certain extent. More of these will Organization Chart with a yearly Budget Expense be further developed and grown if and when had been proposed by the MAs and accepted for opportunities given. Last but not least, our main operation on a yearly basis. concern about Energy Saving at AP could be a major source of learning for the people at large. Different plans and projects were mapped out and With the help of MA Tanadet and Khun Rung, keen cooperation went through the test of time. Baan Solar Cell (BSC) Executives, the setting up of Trials and attempted techniques were employed a 36 Kws. of Solar Cell System was possible and in our Development and Production Processes. successfully completed all the 3 phases in June Schedules of MA Time Report and workload 2017. This free contribution of SC System and a long were well recorded and the regular Weekly term maintenance services could save AP monthly Progress Reports had been made and passed on to electricity bill by half. respected Partners for their mutual understandings and follow ups. Orchard Plantation : Our Endeavors In orchard plantation, tropical fruits like Long Learning Activities : Our Attempts Kong, Mangosteen, Longan, Rambutan, Durian On the part of Learning Center, we ventured to

25 and Santol are grown and produced not available. Even a tonnage of for sales. Improvements have been increase of fruit crops produced done with care and attention on water in 2017 still could hardly be found system and pest control. Researches due to changes in the New Policies and tests for use of organic fertilizers to rent or to co-invest for profits are our main concerns and practices. with the New Partners. Direct contacts with our soil and fruit crop experts help improve in land Our Move and Good Wishes development and lessen pest diseases We, the MAs tried to contribute to a large extent. what we can and what we must to improve the Project assigned It took almost 7 months to get longan to bear and budgeted. Majority Partners may decide fruits ready to be sold in the market. Much had issues on Partnership Continuity and its Existence. been attributed to these successful operations The time concept of plantation improvement: a and techniques to get longan off season. We problem solving for the 1st year, result testing for spent considerable time and energy to nurture the 2nd year and the final appraisal for the rd3 year AP longan to grow in size and weight. Problems is not applicable and neither in use. We are not on sales of fruit crops with different contracts outsourced nationals or internationals. We are of kinds and conditions may be encountered. AP MAs trained to live in the Spirit and in the soul of fruit crop records in tonnage for statistical use are Montfort our Founder. We cherish the love of God Alone and a True Devotion to Mary. We are what we are and we promise to do the best we can to be the followers of Montfort.

This move on AP Project does not discourage us in any way but on the contrary it helps us to move forward and to loom larger the challenges and opportunities lying ahead of us while in pursuit of Montfortian Partnership and Montfortian Spirit both in words and in deeds. Stay united in God, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Louis Mary. Love and be loved friends of Montfort! Cheers to all MAs.

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26 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017

Catholic Church in Cambodia By Somchai Charoenwanich, B. Ed., MACA

The Catholic Church in Chong Knies, Cambodia

62,000 Christians lived in Cambodia. According to orking for Metro Machinery Co., Ltd., W Vatican statistics, in 1953, members of the Roman the authorized Caterpillar dealership in Thailand Catholic Church in Cambodia numbered 120,000, as well as Laos, Cambodia and Southwest China making it at the time, the second largest religion. for almost three decades, I was asked to cover In Thailand, there are about 300,000 Catholics Cambodia early 2017 in addition to the machinery or about 0.46% of the entire population. sales across Thailand. After a few trips to Cambodia, Catholicism in Thailand was first recorded in the I start to wonder how many Catholics remain in Ayutthaya Period when Portuguese missionaries Cambodia today, most of whose population used came to Siam. In 1552 St. Francis Xavier, writing to be Catholics in the 19th century during the from Sancian to his friend Diego Pereira, expressed French colonization. his desire to go to Siam, but his death on In addition, a few Catholic communities in December, 2, 1552, prevented him. Just imagine, Thailand were Catholic migrants from Cambodia, if the great preacher like St. Francis Xavier had the Conception Church in Samsen is a good made his way to Siam, the number of Catholics in example. Thailand might have been 4 or 5 times more than Today, there are around 20,000 Catholics in the current figure. Cambodia which represents only 0.15% of the However, if we, followers of our Lord Jesus total population (total population is about 15 Christ and of course our Father Montfort live million). In 1972 there were probably about 20,000 and shine in the Thai Buddhist communities, the Christians in Cambodia, most of whom were number won’t mean much but the Catholic and Roman Catholics. Before the repatriation of the Montfortian spirit will definitely impress non- Vietnamese in 1970 and 1971, possibly as many as Catholics around us.

27 Thanks to God must be multiplied by P. Mana

It took me quite some time in experience, including me. That made deciding to write this Article. I was me finally come to the conclusion really afraid to hear “Ai Na maeng that God is not only the baa ieek laeow” from several of unlimited sin-forgiver, he is you readers. But since the Holy also the most reliable secret- Spirit has started working in me, keeper of our sins. That means I have to write. So come along the matter of sin is indeed and “baa” with me. What I am a personal and private matter going write here below derived from between Him and us. Nobody will my prayer and meditation on kindness have a chance to know if it is not His will. and unlimited love of God I have received and experienced so far. Many times, I thought of what “Shall we be shivering with shame, if any of our would have happened to my life, if there had been sin was no longer a secret?” no helping hand from Him. How many times we felt we were in the most When we happened to commit a sin, we used critical situations. We deserved big shame or to rush and look for any available priest to make severe punishment due to our sins or mistakes? But confession as soon as possible, didn’t we? The only God remained neutral, ignoring the punishment condition to be forgiven from sin was always the and kept on granting us necessary graces as ever. same; that is “To repent”. Knowing quite well about How many of our sins have been kept as unknown the nature of sin, the existing condition leading to secrets till today. How many times we were deadly sin again, including our own weakness we were fully scared whether they would be disclosed or not. aware of-----How many of us would be able to pray Of course, I don’t deny that most of us are good bravely; “I am sorry and sincerely repent for my sin”. children of God. We always have good relation with Or we were just afraid how others would look at us Him all our life. We are free from all the disgusting if we did not receive communion the next day, or sins. We deserve all the appreciation. being worried whether our sin would be known or But for those who happened to fall or mistake noticeable to others, etc. now and then but are continuously under God‘s I rather believe that we were sometimes still protection and care, may I invite everyone to revise in a dilemma; we are sorry having committed our thanks to Him again. Just only one simple a sin or we want to escape from shame. thanks seems not to be enough. I assume He Anyway we normally tried to compromise deserves multiple thanks from us. And here is my w i t h G o d a n d a s k e d f o r m e r c y . A n d w e f e lprayer, t extremely relieved when the priest lifted up his hand to announce Absolution. We became the “Thanks be to you Lord for forgiving and innocent and lovely children of God again. loving me unlimitedly; kindly accept multiple thanks from me for having kept my sins and That is what has been happening from the past mistakes as secrets up to now.” up to today. I am sure many of us have had this

28 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017

History of Blessed Joseph Uthai Pong Pum Compiled by Father Daniel Kwan Tinwan. Translation by Phaithun Manchai Among the 17 Laotians who were appointed wife died while giving birth, and three months later “Blessed” at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, his daughter died following her mother. Vientiane, on December 11, 2016 (B.E.2559), there was a Thai man named Joseph Uthai. Pong Pum, After about a year, Father Noël Teno, former parish a parishionerof St. Joseph Kamkerm Church, a priest, then as assistant bishop of Thakaek, returned cathechist and assistant of Father Noël Teno, also a to visit the faithful at Kamkerm, and was looking martyr at Palarn, Sepone district, Savannakhet. And for an assistant to help him in a vast area of his was appointed “Blessed” at the same time. new mission. Father Noël persuaded Uthai to work as catechists in Laos. And he became an important Uthai Pongpum was born at Ban Kamkerm, Tambon helper in teaching catechism, visiting the villagers, Aj Samart, Amphoe Muang, Nakhon Phanom, an helping those who were in distress and sickness in ancient Christian community that was once the the villages, especially at Ban Pong Kiew, Nongbok center of evangelization. We do not know exactly district, Khammuan Province for 4 years during AD when Uthai was born due to lack of document? 1955-1958 (B.E. 2498-2501). Only one evidence was a document that referred to the date of baptism, on Christmas Day December Approximately April 1958 (B.E.2501), Father Noël 25, 1933 (B.E.2476) at St. Joseph Kamkerm Church, returned to France for a year. It was the time of trial son of Paul Kreu and Anna Pan Pongpum. for Uthai Phong Pum who decided to return to his hometown. And he met with Father Michael Kian In the time of World War II and the Indo-Chinese Sameuphitak who said Mass at Kamkerm Church dispute in 1940, French missionaries were expelled and later appointed as bishop of Tharae diocese. from the country including Father Noël Teno, parish He asked Uthai to work with him in the apostolic priest of St. Joseph Kamkerm Church. The church mission team. was closed and the religious persecution began. At the age of 7, Uthai Pongpum was aware of the Teacher Uthai Pongpum stayed with Bishop Kian for difficult atmosphere alongside his father. When the a short time. When Father Noël Teno returned from war and the persecution ended in 1945 (B.E.2488) France, he was assigned to pioneer a new mission Uthai Pongpum, age 12, was sent to the seminary. in Savannakhet. Father Noël asked Uthai Pongpum from Bishop Kian. When they met they embraced After finishing high school, Uthai Pongpum had left each other with tears of joy. Father Noël told Uthai the seminary to return to Kamkerm, helping his Pong Pum: "We will die together and go to heaven family and the Church as catechist. Later he found together. "as if knowing in advance to be martyrs love and married with Maria Kamtan Thongkam together. on February 17, 1953 (B.E.2498). Later, his wife was pregnant and gave birth to a daughter. But there At last Uthai Pong Pum followed Father Noël was a very depressing and tragic event when his to Laos again for apostolic mission at Chepone

29 where there was no church nor a single catholic. In April 1961 (B.E.2504), while Father Noël Teno and Uthai Phong Pum were visiting some people who are learning catechism between Savannakhet and Che Pone, the North Vietnamese troops captured both of them and delivered them to the Laotian Communist troops near Palarn. And no one met them ever since. It is assumed that both were shot dead on April 29, 1961 (B.E.2504), and it was their last non-return trip.

Blessed Joseph Uthai Pongpum led a life true to the Christian faith, serving the people of God courageously, and bearing witness to Jesus Christ, recognizing His love, good news of His peace, justice, mercy and forgiveness. He imitated the Master who died on the cross. And it shows that death is not a scary thing and a waste. But it has become a good seed that has helped the Church grow and flourish.

Although we find very little information and evidence about Joseph Uthai Pongpum. But it is clear that he and the other 16 martyrs have been raised by Pope Francis to be the "Blessed", the bravery that should be praised and the joy of the whole Church, especially for the faithful of St. Joseph Kamkerm Church and those in the Archdiocese of Tharae - Nong Sang. His heroic courage and faithfulness should be imitated and pray for blessings from God through his intercessions to be able to sustain this heritage of faith.

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MA Activities

Aug 5, 2016 Northern MAs celebrate St. Louis's tricentenary at MC Some 20 northern MAs on August 5, 2016 celebrated St. Louis Marie de Montfort's tricentenary with notices and postulants from Sansai, led by Bro. Sakda Sakonthawat at Montfort College, Chiang Mai. The evening ended with a fun-filled dinner, not second to the celebrations in Bangkok.

Aug 14, 2016 Pranic healing by Rev. MA Phot Conducted by one of our most respected senior MAs, Phot Laohakiert, the "Pranic Healing Course," was held on August 14, 2016 at the Provincial House as an alternative remedy to various diseases. Quite a number of MAs attended that useful and informative course.

Dec 10, 2016 Presenting learning kits and sport gears to poor rural students. Young MA in December 2016 joined rural students in their farming activities, prayed with them and presented learning kits and sports gears to them 31 Christmas at Home for the orphans Some 50 MA on Dec 17, 2016 visited orphans and children from broken families to celebrate the Christmas 2016 with them. Presents from the Holy Infant Jesus were distributed to all the 60 poor children under the care of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Ex-Brother Thade turns 95 Ex-Brother Thade turned 95 in Dec 2016, still strong and healthy. After serving in the Congregation for about 3 decades, he’s now under the care of a Sister in Northeast Thailand. MA representativesoften picked him to join our activities in Bangkok to celebrate St. Montfort’s canonization anniversary and visited him at his house. At every visit, we presented some money to support his daily life.

32 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017

Celebrating Christmas with the Provincial Superior 25 MA turned out at the Provincial House Dec 22, 2016 to celebrate early Christmas mass, presided by Bro. Priest Tinnarat and dinner together. Present exchange in the Montfortian spirit marked the closing of the celebrations.

Feb 1, 201 7 Celebrate Father Montfort's birthday Some 20 northern MAs with their family members on February 1, 2017 celebrated Father Montfort's birthday (Jan 31) with the Brothers and novices at Montfort Novitiate, San Sai District, Chiang Mai. They brought some food to share with the novices. MA Damrong's address about St. Louis de Montfort's philosophy was impressed by all. The celebrations ended with MA Prakong's words of thanks to parties involved.

Feb 5, 201 7 Homecoming Day at St. Louis Juniorate, Sriracha Some 15 MA representatives held a homecoming day at St. Louis Juniorate, Sriracha on February 5, 2017 with some 60 juvenists. MAs shared their experience with young juvenists, encouraging them to persevere in their vocation. A lot of dynamic activities and games asiddes from evening prayers were held with and for the juvenists. Sumptuous dinner was served for juvenists to enjoy something different from their daily meals.

33 June 19, 2016 25-26 Feb 2017

13-15 April 2017

Periodical retreats and recollections Montfortian Associates hold regular retreats and recollections at the Provincial House, retreat house in Chiang Mai, a resort owned by an MA, etc. to strengthen our love for Montfort and make Montfortian spirit better known among grown-up people, rather than students in our schools.

MA renovate chapel at the Home for the Orphans ( Jan 10 -20, 2017) Montfortian Associates made another contribution to the Home for the Orphans after holding Christmas celebrations for the 60 orphans and needy children by renovating the chapel in the Home for the Orphans – paving new floor tiles and repainting. Thanks for MA who are always cooperative in making cash contributions for the disadvantaged.

34 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017

MA DAY JULY 31, 2016

35 Brotherly gathering among MAs in 2016 Some 70 MAs, young and old, turned out at the annual Montfortian Associates' gathering and meeting on Sunday, July 31, 2016 at the provincial house to commemorate our founder, Father Montfort's canonization on July 20, 1947 by Pope Pius XII. The activities started at 13.00 hrs. with a footsal match among junior MAs. Of course, senior MAs were around the field cheering and drinking. All of us wore a white or blue T-shirt, made to mark St Louis de Montfort's tricentenary. The tricentenary T-shirts were sold to teachers and students to raise funds for MA and we offered more than a hundred T-shirts to all the juvenists, postulants and novices, free of charge. After a shower, we return to the meeting room and let newcomers introduce themselves and share with the group their life during the juniorate, novitiate, brotherhood and after leaving the congregation. The formal meeting followed that introduction. Asides from financial reports, Dr. Damrong shared his experience in developing the Assumption Paradise in Chanthaburi for Assumption College Sriracha. That open session was really fruitful in which MAs shared their opinions and suggestions openly and frankly but in a brotherly atmosphere. The mass started at 18.30 and was presided by Brother Priest Tinnaratana and Father Preecha, who used to be our juvenist. The mass was especially said for the departed souls of MAs. That evening ended with a delicious dinner and sweet karaoke singing.

36 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017

Recollection at the Provincial House conducted for MA by Rev Bro Paul Raj Reported Hemm R., Mana P. translation Jan 25, 2017 Paul Raj reminded us to ask ourselves "While Jesus What happened at the Provincial House during the was being crucified, where were we in that area?" morning session yesterday? Were we the soldiers? Were we standing beside Many asked about the impressions they had our mother, consoling her? Were we Saint John received. Some said it's a kind of Retreat. Many who was never far away from Jesus? Or were we said it's a spiritual sharing. A number of seniors said hiding among the crowd, not daring to show up it's a spiritual rehabilitation. It seemed there is ourselves, due to fear that the soldiers might also everything therein. take us to be crucified?

Bro. Paul Raj is in the same batch of Chatchaval Let us meditate shortly and alternately ask ourselves and many others in the room yesterday. He was now and then in order to rehabilitate what we have the youngest Brother who joined Eachinkadu learnt. January 26 was Bro. Paul Raj's birthday. We Novitiate. It seemed that his talk could most likely therefore prepared a birthday cake for him and be classified as "Seniors are being taught", as all wished him Happy Birthday. We all dispersed with those contents had already been heard, and all are good impression. He is going back to Rome today. from the same institution, but when he was invited Hope you have more or less been furnished with to say something, everyone had to listen to him sufficient and satisfactory replies. attentively.

The whole morning, he focused on what we experience in our daily life, that is The Cross. Seeing Jesus died on the cross, some other religious believers might question "Couldn't He choose some other better places to die? He died with two robbers, what a pity. Moreover, he was born among the herd, poor Jesus." He also said the cross which was formerly a sign of big disgrace, has now become a daily burden that everyone has to carry, more heavy or light differently, depending on the graces endowed from God. But we must believe that the graces granted from God are always enough for each of us. God is always at our side, sustaining us to walk ahead. The most important thing is that we must find out and realize what our cross really is. Our father Louis Mary thus always loved the cross, loved our mother Mary whole-heartedly.

37 WHO WHEN WHERE WHY by Chalardserm Decharat

THE YEAR 2015 Aug. 6, 15 Anusorn, Komtuan, Chalardserm, Somchai have joined the “FOJP” (Friend of Jesus Performers) at AC Bangkok, (7.30 - 9.30) between Protestants & Catholics. The hall Is nearly full. Evangelization is concerned. Aug. 8, 15 Montfortian Associates Committee meeting. Total attendants 14, Newly Selected president, Mr. Praphot Rakaro took the lead. Aug.24, 15 Praphot, Samor, Prasert, Phinit, have gone to Conception Church, Bkk. At 10 am. For the funeral of a senior MA by the name of Chamlong Thiangchanya, afflicted by Paralysis for 10 years, Aug.30, 15 Praphot, Songkram, Charoon, Dr. Damrong, have gone to inspect container (40 ft) at Central Bangna for the BaanRai Kanchana Project at Rayong Province, the project belongs to Rev.Bro. Tinnarat. It s agricultural area of 40 rai. (1 rai =…. Acres) It s the leased land area. Sep. 6, 15 Baan Rai Kanchana Project members meeting at Soi Thonglor to report and to Prepare for the job of each person especially the container footing. The price rates have been presented and many members attended and had dinner together paying Baht 200 each. Rev.Bro.Provincial Fonseka donated Baht. 20,000 for the project. Sep. 8, 15 6 MA members have gone to say prayer for one of the departed “Lertvilai” at ‘St. Louis Church. Rev.Bro. LOUIS Channel joined in the prayer. Sep. 10, 15 Praphot, Komtuan Dr. Damrong, Anoosorn, Chalardserm, have gone for the cremation of the father of our MA members Mr. Khemmaratf, at Wat Bueng Thong Lang, Ladprao 101. The mother and the children are practiced Catholic. Sep.13, 15 Rev. Bro. Thinnarat, Dr. Damrong, Phinit, Charoon and few others went for container down payment and to be carried from Bangna K.M. 19 to Khao Chamao area, Rayong. Assistant Superior General, Joseph, an Indian, visited the MA. Center Soi Thonglor. He is of the same group with Prakai, Phiphat, Som-moh, Boonserm, Chaiwan, Boonthai, Prasit. 14 MA members have joined the dinner at 6 p.m. K.M. Joseph has stressed on unity. Among MA. Members and has spoken on Secular Religious. Provincial Rev. Bro. Surasit Joined the meeting. Sep.27, 15 The Fund raising Committee members, 8 persons, have planned to raise fund for The Baan Rai Kanchana group. Chalerm raised Lottery idea for the fund. Each committee member brings one piece of gift each. Rev. Bro. Thinnarat approved the idea. Oct. 11, 15 19 MA committee members have joined the monthly meetingat 1.30.p.m. We Have visited Rev. Bro. Martin at ABAC. Nov. 1, 15 The monthly meeting of MA committee members at 3 p.m. The gold cards cost Baht. 200 each x 1000 = 200,000. The 9 MA members have taken the cards. Nov.8, 15 The MA Membershave gone to Sriracha to celebrate 50, 25 years renovation of vows of 5 Bros. with Anusorn and Prachak Nov. 15, 15 MA committee member meeting on the selling of the gold tickets. Nov. 22, 15 Praphot, Anusorn, Visut, Phinit, Chalardserm, have gone to honour the Blessing of Carmelite (male) House at Sampran at 10 am. Dec. 10, 15 Constitution Day MA committee members meeting to summarize various projects. Dec. 20, 15 70 MA members have joined in football Match and Chinese dinner at Juniorate Sampran. Every one enjoys the lucky drawn. Dec. 30, 15 The three last digits of Lottery on Dec. 30 is for gold winner, conducted by Khun Chalerm. Somprasong friend got the gold award. (No. 217)

THE YEAR 2016 Jan. 24, 16 14 MA Committee Members have a special meeting at Soi Thonglor to assess the Performance of MA group. Feb. 4, 16 8 MA members haqve come to Soi Thonglor to have a special welcome meeting. As requested with the Vicar General, French, and Rev. Bro. Paul Raj an Indian coming from Rome for Provincial conference Chapter. Feb. 13, 16 25 MA members have gone to celebrate 300 years St. Louis Mary at Sriracha Juniorate with Chinese table for lunch. MA donated Baht 31,000 to the directorof the Juniors. They all enjoyed. At 3 pm. There was a meeting with the provincial, Rev. Bro. Surasit, and the director of ACS, Rev. Bro. Chamnan for the joint venture project at Chanthaburi (AP Paradise project) Feb. 27, 16 MA recollection/Retreat at Wang Nam Khieo Resort of Mr. Charoon Kaewmeekha, Free of charge. The parish priest presided over the retreat. Dr. Damrong , Mr. SongkramTook great care of our food. Mar. 10, 16 MA Representatives have joined Rev. Bro. Provincial and Rev. Bro. Chamnan on Assumption Paradise Fruit Orchard Project at Soi Thonglor. MA members would run the Project free of charge. Any expense belongs to Sriracha. ACS would control the product.

38 Nok Noi Vol. 28 July 2017

Mar. 13, 16 Prakob Dr. Damrong, Anusorn, Prakai, Rev. Bro. Chamnan , Rev. Bro. Surasit had a Meeting on Paradise President Praphot has called for special meeting of the MA Committee Members on the issue of Assumption Paradise, 12 members turned up. Feb. 16 President Praphot and 2 other MA members had gone to visit our Brothers in Eachinkadu, India. Mar. 24-27, 16 A retreat with the Brothers of St. Gabriel at Doi Suthep. MA members are Khanueng, Anusorn Pa Serm, Prachak, Suphavit, Khomtuan, Visuth, Prayoon, Boonthai. The transfer of the brothers had to be delayed. Apr. 2-3, 16 MA members have stayed overnight at Assumption Paradise Chanthaburi to Survey the numbers of fruit trees. They are Songkram, Dr. Damrong, Chalerm, Pa Serm, Phaitoon Pricha Tor, Nont and Pitthaya along with delicious crabs from him. The total numbers of fruit trees are 1200 units. Apr. 24, 16 Special MA Committee member meeting to report of Assumption Paradise (AP) Dr. Damrong and Songkram have been assigned to take care of the AP Project. Apr. 30, 16 Dr. Damrong, Songkram, Pa Serm, Anusorn and others visited AP and Trad garden Jul. 31, 16 MA Annual meeting 1.30-8.30 pm. Holy Mass at 6 pm. Nearly 100 members turnedup at Soi Thonglor. A group Photo has been taken before dinner and then lucky drawn. Aug. 14, 16 Special MA member meeting to assess the Annual meeting at 4 pm. In the Morning Acharn Phot Laohakiert has given seminar on Pranic Therapy. The 10 MA Members asttended: Praphot, Phaitoon, Songkram, Sirinant, Samor, Dr. Damrong, Pa Serm, Prayoon, Hemarakj. Aug. 22, 16 Archarn Phot has brought some flower shoots to be planted at AP. Oct, 13m 16 The monthly MA committee meeting has been shifted to AP at Chanthaburi. The expenses are drawn from burzaar of MA and some members has raised the question on suitability. Dec. 10-11, 16 Young Generation, Hemaraj group, got together at Wang Nam Khieo. Sleep in tent with A LOT OF DEW DROPS OVER THE TENT IN THE MORNING is A rare experience. It is on Prasit Srisura Center, near Charoon Center. Dec. 16, 16 Hemaraj and friends Visited Rev.Bro. Suradej at Bangkok Hospital. Dec. 17, 16 MA members 16 persons visited the Hathi Karoon Orphanage 53 orphans, boys and girls at Chachoengsao. We enjoyed lunch and games with them. Donation of Baht 50,000 from our members. Dec. 21, 16 Some MA members are free to say prayers for the departed sister of Mr. Prakai Cholhan, Khun Praphin at Samsen Church. Dec. 22, 16 MA members gathered at Soi Thonglor to join in the Christmas Celebration and to wish Provincial at Soi Thonglor at 6 pm. There is an exchange of presents.

THE YEAR 2017 Jan. 7, 17 Many MA members have gone to Sriracha for the burial of Rev. Bro. Suradej and had lunch at the juniorate together.

th Jan. 2-24, 17 The Provincials all over the world, totaling 32, arrived at Soi Thonglor for the 17 Provincial Council of the Institute of St. Gabriel” Bangkok, Thailanfd. Jan.15, 17 MA members have met with the Superior General, The Assistant General from Rome and Ex-Superior General. Jan.21, 17 MA members have been honoured to meet with a group of 5 Provincials who are Interested in the successful get together of MA group. Jan. 25, 17 Recollection with Rev. Bro. Paul Raj and Rev. Bro. Devassy, Province of NE India. 11 MA members have joined from 8.20-12.00 am. Rev Bro. Paul Raj 54th birthday is on Jan. 26 Feb. 4, 17 Hemaraj brought Home Coming Day Team to give lunch to juniors at Sriracha. Feb. 25-26, 17 13 MA members arranged a recollection /retreat at Charoon Center, Wang Nam Khieo “Ruan Kaeo” and visited the Center of Hemaraj. Rev. Fr. Suthep, the parish priest officially closed the retreat with the Holy Mass at 6 pm. On Sunday we visited Malberry farm, fruit for anti-Choresteral and had brought some shoots to be planted at Soi Thonglor Mar. 18, 17 The Monthly Committee meeting at Soi Thonglor Jun 16-21, 17 President Praphot and Rev.Bro. Tinnarat have gone to Indian Provinces to demonstrate on MA get together Jun. 21, 17 MA members with Anusorn have gone to say prayers for the departed sister of Rev. Bro. Peeraphong at Wat St. Louis, Bangkhae Jun 25, 17 Special monthly MA committee meeting to prepare for annual MA meeting in July

39 July 2017 www.Montfortian.com