Vinai Boonlue was ordained by Bishop of Chiangmai, Joseph Sangval, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral of Chiangmai on the 19th of November 2005. The date was chosen because it was Saturday after the 17th of November 2005, the date that marked the 51st Anniversary of the second mission of the Jesuits in Thailand. A Regional Triduum preceded the ordination to end the Region’s Golden Anniversary and to prepare for the Jubilee of St. Ignatius, St. Francis Xavier, and Blessed Peter Favre. Around 100 priests concelebrated while almost 700 people happily participated at the solemn ceremony with beautiful songs and prayers. The Bishop observed in his homily that the lack of quantity of the Jesuits in Thailand is well compensated by their high qualities. The Jesuits are few, because it is really difficult to become a Jesuit, the Bishop said. He is very much impressed by the Jesuit novices who walked a long distance without any money in their pilgrimage. It is very much in contrast to the tendency of today’s people who search for convenient and luxurious life. He then encouraged all those who were present to live according to the evangelical counsels. After the ordination, hundreds and hundreds of people lined up patiently to get a personal blessing from Khunpho Vinai.
