The Jesuits in Thailand and Vietnam rejoiced with the ordination to the priesthood of Deacons Matthew Narongrit Daorueangphadung SJ and Thomas Pham Ngo Hoang Dung SJ at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Chiang Mai on 27 August. Most Rev Francis Xavier Vira Appondratana, Bishop of Chiang Mai Diocese, presided over the liturgy together with the Bishop of Chiang Rai Diocese, Most Rev Joseph Vuthilert Haelom.
In his homily, Bishop Vira related how he was struck by the Gospel reading (John 10:1-18) on how to be a good shepherd. “The good shepherd has to know his flock well, even remembering each of their names. The good shepherd also has to sacrifice his life. If you want to be a good leader, a good shepherd, a good server, you have to sacrifice yourselves as Jesus taught us,” he said addressing the ordinands.
Bishop Vira also cited a passage from 2 Corinthians 12:9: “‘My grace is sufficient for you’ to do what you are responsible for.” He recalled how St Paul experienced many obstacles after following Jesus. Yet, “he was able face all of them because he trusted in God,” he said. “I am glad that the Jesuits have two new priests to do the mission in Thailand. We will come to know our mission as priests very well if we learn from our experiences,” he added.
At the end of the Mass, Fr Miguel Garaizabal SJ, the Regional Superior of the Jesuits in Thailand, gave thanks to the two bishops, as well as the priests, religious, and the families, friends, and colleagues of the newly ordained who attended.
Fr Narongrit and Fr Dung are of different nationalities. Fr Narongrit is from Baan Na Kian village in Amphoe Omkoi, Chiang Mai, and the youngest of five children. He entered the Maria Della Strada Novitiate in Taunggyi, Myanmar in 2009. Meanwhile, Fr Dung is from An Son, Can Tho, Vietnam, and the oldest of four children. He entered the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Ho Chi Minh in 2010, and came to Thailand as a missionary after finishing his philosophy studies.
The most awaited part of the ordination was the announcement of the assignments of the new priests by Fr Garaizabal. Fr Narongrit will be sent to Xavier Learning Community in Chiang Rai, while Fr Dung has been missioned to accompany Catholic students in Chiang Mai.
After the Mass, the new priests gave their first blessing. Then all the guests were invited to a lunch reception at the church, where they were entertained by performances from young people. [Kriangkrai Tesena SJ]