The Jesuits in Thailand joyfully celebrated the priesthood ordination of three of their men (left to right in the photo): Joseph Nguyen Van Luong SJ, Francis Xavier Pantharaks Rueangswasdi SJ, and David Sakda Saenbanchoedsuk SJ. The ordination took place during a Mass held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral on 15 July, with Most Rev Fr Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, Bishop of Chiang Mai, as the ordaining prelate.
Bishop Vira began his homily by thanking the families who had raised, nurtured, and dedicated their children to God. The new priests hail from diverse backgrounds. Fr David Sakda was born on the border of Thailand and Myanmar and has experienced difficulties since his early years; Fr Francis Xavier Pantharaks left a successful career to embrace the call of his vocation; and Fr Joseph Nguyen Van Luong is originally from Vietnam. Despite their varied paths, God called each of them to be his disciples, and Bishop Vira acknowledged the families for their exceptional care and support.
The prelate’s joy was evident as he looked upon the newly ordained priests before him. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of John, he encouraged the new priests to be good shepherds, just as our Lord Jesus Christ emphasised, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
“We are all sheep, and as good sheep, we must always pay attention to the shepherd’s voice,” said Bishop Vira. Highlighting their role as good shepherds, he urged them to share the Gospel with the underprivileged, the sorrowful, and the oppressed while constantly asking God for strength and encouragement. He stressed that while there are many struggles, pains, challenges, and infirmities in life, all adversities can be overcome with prayer, the support of others, and God’s grace.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Miguel Garaizabal SJ, the Regional Superior of the Jesuits in Thailand, gave thanks to Bishop Vira, the priests and religious who were present at the ordination, as well as the families, friends, and coworkers of the newly ordained. After the Mass, the new priests gave the congregation their first blessing. Afterwards, all the guests were invited to the cathedral’s canteen for lunch and performances to celebrate the gift of new priests.
A few days before the ordination, Fr Garaizabal announced the assignments on the newly ordained priests. Fr Pantharaks will serve as the region’s archivist, minister of the house (Xavier Hall), and assistant pastor of the chapel at Xavier Hall in Bangkok. Fr Luong will serve as student chaplain, as well as care for the Magis community while also working with Jesuit Refugee Service. Fr Sakda will take charge of the retreat ministry and serve as assistant for Student Affairs and the candidacy program at Xavier Learning Community in Chiang Rai province. [Jesuits in Thailand]