Xavier Learning Community (XLC) in Chiang Rai, Thailand, warmly hosted Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, Archbishop of Luxembourg, together with priests and 30 young people from Luxembourg. Their visit from 10 to 13 August was marked by warm encounters, cultural exchange, and faith-filled celebrations that strengthened international ties.
On 11 August, Cardinal Hollerich, the Luxembourg youth, and members of XLC’s faculty and staff organised activities at Ban Thap Kuman Thong primary school. The programme included games, English lessons, and painting of the school’s walls. These efforts were warmly supported by the local teachers and villagers.
That afternoon, the Luxembourg youth travelled to the Golden Triangle, crossing the Mekong River to Laos, for a cultural immersion to deepen their understanding of Southeast Asian traditions and regional diversity.
The day concluded with a community Mass at St John de Britto Chapel, presided over by Cardinal Hollerich. This chapel holds special significance, as it was built through collaboration between Luxembourg youth and the local community during XLC’s early years.
The next morning, XLC Director Fr Vinai Boonlue SJ accompanied the delegation to the Akha ethnic community at St Paul Parish, Ban Lo Cha. The villagers greeted them with vibrant Akha music and dance, and a meal was shared in an atmosphere of faith and joy. The visit included the blessing of a new church bell and a Eucharistic celebration.
That evening, XLC hosted a cultural celebration with bishops, priests, students, and guests from Thailand and Luxembourg. Under the theme “Encountering Love at the Heart, Encountering Life-Giving Grace,” XLC students from all four year levels, alongside the Luxembourg youth, showcased various cultural performances. The highlight of the evening was the release of sky lanterns, symbolising hope, unity, and prayers shared across borders, cultures, and nations.
On the final day, guests attended the inauguration and blessing of XLC’s new Netr Keeree building. Cardinal Hollerich presided over the ceremony together with Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, joined by bishops and priests. The event included a traditional Northern Thai blessing dance performed by XLC students and drew local people from nearby villages and partner communities.
The two-storey Netr Keeree building houses the administrative offices, a research centre, classrooms, and a conference hall. The building was named in memory of Mr Netr Keeree, a generous benefactor whose family has long supported the Jesuit mission in Thailand.
After the Mass, XLC presented commemorative medals to longstanding supporters in gratitude for their generosity and encouragement.
Cardinal Hollerich and the Luxembourg youth’s visit left a profound impact on XLC and surrounding villages. Over four days, participants prayed together, shared meals, engaged in service, and celebrated their diverse cultures. For many, the experience was a living testimony to the spirit of fraternity: there were neither countries, borders, nor races—only unity as brothers and sisters in Christ.
