The Catholic Student Network in the North of Thailand opened our academic year with a Retreat on the Way. Although we make this retreat annually, this year we followed a new route, travelling on motorbikes from the Seven Fountains Spirituality Center to Pa Pong Piang Villages in Chiang Mai Province—a distance of around 120 km, which we covered on the weekend of 7 and 8 September.
We did not expect many students, so we were pleasantly surprised when thirty-five pilgrims joined us. Most were first year students from different universities in Chiang Mai city and Lampang province, and about one third were participants of last year’s Retreat on the Way.
During the journey, we embraced an atmosphere of “finding God in all things”. We had three scheduled stops for guided prayer reflections led by Fr Beda SJ, followed by a short period of personal quiet time. We spent our night at Huai Sai Luang Waterfall in the National Park. Although not everyone in the group was Catholic—some were Buddhists, Protestants, and Animists—we all came together for the Mass. It was the highlight of our journey, where we were united as one.
The evening continued with exciting performances and BBQ. We were divided into three groups, each representing one of the prayer stops. Through drama, each group showcased what they had learned and experienced. Their performances depicted understanding of oneself, encountering enduring friendships, and finding happiness in their family.
The BBQ was also a time for bonding more deeply. Some of us shared personal stories in small groups, while others sang karaoke or helped prepare food. For many of us, the retreat was our first opportunity to meet one another, and these activities allowed us to connect more meaningfully.
We started the second day with a Mass, followed by breakfast and a stop at Wang Muang Waterfall for reflection before returning home.
Most of the students expressed excitement about this kind of retreat, saying that the journey made them feel relaxed. It was also an excellent opportunity for them to escape the stress of school and the noise of the city. They appreciated the time to reflect and realised how much time they had been wasting on unnecessary things, such as playing games and social media. They said they should spend more time reading books and focusing on their studies. None regretted joining the retreat, and many promised to participate in more Northern Catholic Student Network activities. This year, our network has eight planned projects, including a sports day and a cultural exchange programme in Cambodia with Cambodian and Vietnamese students.
We thank God for an exciting and safe trip. The joy and smiles we shared reflected God’s presence among us. God accompanied us on the road, through the beauty of nature we beheld, the new friends we made, and the silent moments of personal reflection.
Pham Ngo Hoang Dung SJ, known to all as Dzung, is a young Vietnamese Jesuit priest who has committed himself to serving in Thailand. He is currently the university chaplain of the Catholic Student Network in the North of Thailand and director of the Seven Fountains Scholarship Fund.