NOK Volume 46
“NOK” is a Publication of The Brothers of Saint Gabriel, First Semester
Province of Thailand May 2021 - October 2021
Celebrating 120 Years
of the Pioneers’ first Arrival:
October 20, 1901
Life’s Journey & Spirit
of the MISSIONARIES
Contents
Message from Bro. Dechachai Sripicharn, Provincial Superior 1
4
Celebrating 120 Years... • Celebrating 120 Years 5
8
• The Pioneers 20
24
• Life’s Journey & Spirit of the Missionaries 26
30
• BSG Provincial Archives Database 36
40
The Animation • The Brothers’ Cemetery Blessing 42
• Minutes of the 1st Superiors’ and Directors’ Meeting 45
47
• Minutes of the 2nd Superiors’ and Directors’ Meeting 50
53
• Minutes of the 3rd Superiors’ and Directors’ Meeting 56
59
Commission on Progress • Commission on Imprementation and Follow up ..... 64
66
• Commission on Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation
69
Communities: Life and Living 71
Bangkok Region 74
76
• Gabrielite Provincial Community
• Assumption University Community 79
• Assumption College Community 81
• Assumption Commercial College Community 86
• Saint Gabriel’s College Community
• Assumption College Samut Prakan Community 89
• Assumption College English Program Community 92
• Saint Gabriel’s Scholasticate Community 94
Eastern Region 96
• Assumption College Sriracha Community
• Assumption College Rayong Community
• Saint Louis Chachoengsao Community
• Saint Louis Mary’s Juniorate Community
Northern Region
• Montfort College Community
• De Montfort Novitiate Community
• Assumption College Lampang Community
Northeastern Region
• Assumption College Nakhon Ratchasrima Community
• Assumption College Ubon Ratchathani Community
• Assumption Technical School Nakhon Phanom Community
In Loving Memory and Gratitude
Message from Bro. Dechachai Sripicharn 1
Provincial Superior
Dear Brothers in Christ,
Greetings from the desk of Brother Provincial Superior. I believe as we
have been embarking on our Apostolic Journey while continued COVID-19
pandemic is lingering. We are still strong in our faith in the Lord and
faithfully follow His teaching. Therefore, my dear Brothers I would like
to take this opportunity to encourage each one of you with the words of
St. Paul written to the Romans that says : “who will separate us from the
love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or
nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: for your sake we are being
killed all day long, we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
(Rom. 8: 35-37)
I too believe that amidst the situation of the 3rd wave of Covid we are
facing we will not stop to learn and grow as Montfortian. Do we look for
the needy and try to lend our hands to them or not? Do we learn to spend
less for our own need and save for those in trouble? Or do we try to find
ways and means to earn an extra income to subsidize for some loss of our
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fees? Our present Pope, Pope Francis reminds a decisive theme for the life and mission of
us in his encyclical “Laudato si” on our obliga- the Church.” This Synod therefore will not
tion to care for all that has been given out of only be celebrated in the Vatican but in each
love and respect for the Creator who gave it, and particular Church of the five continents, following
love and respect for those with whom it is to be a three-year itinerary divided into three phases:
shared. And other his encyclical “Fratelli tutti” diocesan, continental and universal. We as part
he also tells us that “the COVID-19 pandemic has of the Church are too invited to reflect and share
“momentarily revived the sense that we are a on our mission which we are called to love and
global community” with the realization that serve:
“we can only be saved together.” • Do we live it accordingly or not? and
• Do we do our duty to strengthen and
In line with the address of Pope Francis given cooperate with one another in fulfilling
to the Delegates of the 32nd General Chapter, it?
the Pope reminds us that “the challenges of
transmitting the faith and living together can Another matter that I would like to raise to
be faced with creativity through pedagogy, the your concern is that our celebration of the 120th
educational and social project of the institutes. Anniversary of the Brothers’ Arrival in Thailand
At the center of the mission, there has always which will fall on the 20th October 2021 together
been attention to the Poor and the marginalized. with the Silver Jubilee Celebration of our Brothers
Continue to help them be agents of their future have to be postponed. This is due to the preventive
so as to take their place in society.” measures of COVID-19 announced by the Center
for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)
Bearing the above in mind we are also and Bangkok Metropolitan Authority. The proper
inspired by the life and example of St. Francis date will be sought out and informed when the
of Assisi together with the teaching from the situation of COVID-19 improves.
encyclical letter of Laudato si all of you together
with teachers-collaborators are requested to Another reminder I like to make is to
collaborate with Bro. Arwut the chairperson of encourage you to be more concerned of our
Ad hoc committee on ‘Montfortian Action for communion with God. As said in our Rule of Life
Total Sustainability’ (MATS) to make a study on that goes: “In the turmoil of hectic labours you
these two assigned documents and draw Action may find prayer difficult. Pray always, never give
Plans to be implemented in our schools. up. Be humble and childlike in your dealings
with Him if words do not come, remain silently
Besides I would like to inform you of the in His presence: the Spirit Himself intercedes for
important event that will start from October you.” (Art. 77)
2021 - October 2023 that is the Celebration of
the Synod of Bishops which comes under the Besides our continuous prayer we also need
theme of “For a Synodal Church: Communion, to read spiritual books to cherish our taste of
Participation and Mission.” The Pope invites the spirituality and deepen our knowledge of God
whole Church to question itself on “synodality: and our Founder. The Books that are listed below
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are already printed out and distributed to your ments but also gaining experiences in living and
community. They are waited for your Read: serving the Poor in the rural areas of Chiang-
• God Alone mai. We believe they soon after being sown with
• Love of Eternal Wisdom the seed of becoming like Christ in their heart
• Prayer for Missionaries they will feel more enthusiastic to love and to
• The Secret of Rosary serve wherever they may be. We are expecting
• Maxim and Lessons of Divine Wisdom that their fruit will soon bear and their respec-
• Montfort Hymns tive communities will reap the harvest. Thank
• Letters to the People of Montbenage to Fr. Pitiyo, Fr. Vinai and their staff to make this
• Saint Louis Marie De Montfort’s Will. course a success.
Etc.
Last but not least is to join the ceremony of
I hope you will find time to strengthen your admitting our candidates to the Novitiate. On the
spiritual nourishment so as to become deepen- September 11, 2021 the Formation team under
ing in the knowledge of our founder and love of the leadership of Bro. Provincial accompanied
God and our Lady and become more fervent in by Bro. Bhuvarindhara and Bro. Nontacha came
your service. up to Saint Louis Novitiate Sansai to witness the
Admittance of Candidates to the Novitiate. The
For your information. As far as my knowl- ceremony was simple but solemn. We soon will
edge goes there are many schools of ours like have a new batch of our dedicated Brothers who
ACC, ACSP, SG, ACR, and MC have taken this will help shoulder our responsibilities. Thanks
opportunity to share their concern withthose to Bro. Thankorn and Bro. Anuwat for prepar-
affected by the Covid. They share some requi- ing them for this stage. We believe at the end
sites with the needy like giving survival bags of their Novitiate they will be equipped with
and donating some money to the rehabilitation all the necessary means to become a good and
Center. Our GPC here too never hesitates tohave efficient Brothers.
a part in this. The community decided to donate
3 sets of High Flow Oxygen to Camillian Hospital Before ending may I invite you to pray for the
which received much appreciation for filling the success of the 18th Council of the Institute which
urgent need of the hospital. will fall between October 4-20, 2021.
Another News I like to bring to your notice. May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless you all.
Our nine Junior Brothers who attended three
Month Course on Formation for Formators at
Xavier Learning Center Chiangrai has already
completed its course at the middle of September.
They were all cherished not only with the
knowledges of Formation based on Church Docu-
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Celebrating 120 Years
The Pioneers’ first Arrival in Thailand was on 20th October 1901
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The Pioneers
A partial History of the Province, Recalled by Bro. Simeon, fsg.
On 16th January 1902, they were NINE !
On October 20, 1901, five Brothers of St. Gabriel landed in Bangkok
at the call before. Three months later another four joined them. Con-
sequently there were nine Brothers on the staff of Assumption College
when the school reopened on January 16, 1902, beginning of the new
academic year.
My purpose here is to shed some light on those pioneers. Out
of nine, only two rest in our Sriracha Cemetery, Brother Martin
de Tours and Brother Hilaire. Brother Martin de Tours was the
Superior of the Brothers and the Director of the School until 1920
when he opened St. Gabriel’s College in Samsen. He died in 1933,
letting behind the reputation of a very holy man. Bro. Hilaire was
still a teenager when he reached Bangkok. Along the years he would
master the Thai language and write books to teach Thai people how
to learn their language. The story goes that H.M. King Rama VII was
so impressed that he declared: “If that man was not a foreigner,
I would appoint him Minister of Education.”
NAMES OF THE BROTHERS ON 16th JANUARY 1902
20th October 1901: First Group
1. Brother Marin de Tours, Superior
2. Brother Gabriel Ferretti
3. Brother Abel
4. Brother Auguste
5. Brother Hilaire
15th January 1902: Second Group
6. Brother Allyre
7. Brother Pierre Maurice
8. Brother Gabriel Maria
9. Brother Diodore Marie
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• Brother Gabriel Ferretti
Prior to coming to Thailand, Brother Gabriel
Ferretti had been teaching at St. Johnsbury, USA.
(1890) - Five years later he was in Canada where
he taught for another five years. He wrote a long
and interesting chronicle on the trip of those
pioneers from Marseille to Bangkok. In Septem-
ber 1902 though, he was back in France, then
moved to Plymouth, U.K. in March 1903. On
November 30 of the same year, he left the
congregation.
• Brother Abel
When Brother Abel reached Bangkok,
he had ten years’ teaching experience in five
different schools. What had happened, I do not
know, but in a letter addressed to the Superior
General on December 11, 1901, he thanks the
Superior and his Assistants for their merciful
attitude. “Indeed, I only deserved to be aban-
doned to my tragic fate.” Promise followed that
it would never happen again. The fact is that in
August 1904 he was in Givisiez, Switzerland and
left the congregation on the 18th of that month.
• Brother Pierre Maurice
Brother Pierre Maurice was not yet 18 years
old when he reached Bangkok. After a few years
he was put in charge of the orphans. A scrupu-
lous man he didn’t use a mosquito net during
the night. Soon malaria took the best of him.
He had to leave Thailand. He died in London on
December 19, 1909. He was 25 years old.
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• Brother Auguste • Brother Allyre
Bro. Auguste, a Canadian, was 30 years Brother Allyre was still at AC when I reached
old when he reached Bangkok. He was a Thailand in 1957. I remember him as a long-bearded
cabinet-maker, profession he had practiced man walking around with a big bunch of keys in
for two years in the US. Feeling call by God to his hand. Then he decided to go back to France
religious life, he came back to Canada with the and went to La Pérouse to spend his last few
intention to join the Franciscans. A fortuitous years.
encounter with a Brother of St. Gabriel made
him change his mind. He was chosen to be one • Brother Diodore Marie
of the first group going to Thailand. Physically Brother Diodore Marie was 25 years
strong, he was expected to bear with the weather old when he made his first vows. When he
and environment, yet after two years his health joined Assumption College, he had two years’
had deteriorated and he had to leave Thailand teaching experience. In a letter addressed to the
he loved so much. He landed in Belgium on Superior General from the MEP summer
October 1903 too weak to pursue his journey residence at Bang Plasoi (Chonburi) and dated
back home. He died on April 24, 1905 totally July 1906 the Brother explains at length how
resigned to God’s will. he spent 45 days at St. Louis Hospital and
nearly died. His strength is coming back slowly, he
• Brother Gabriel Maria adds. Yet another letter dated December 31, 1906
Brother Gabriel Maria was 20 years old is written from Fougeolles, his native village in
with two years’ teaching experience when he France. At Easter 1907, he joined the school run
arrived in Thailand. On August 15, 1910, he was by the Brothers at Clermont-Ferrand. An 8 June
appointed director of a new school (Saint Mary letter written by his Director explains how he
School) in Chantaburi. Three years later, the died a horrible death. He was carrying a three-
Superiorclosedtheschool,somethinghewouldnot liter tin of alcohol and brought it close to a
swallow. In 1941, when the French missionaries burning lamp. The tin exploded dousing him
were expelled from Thailand, he and his with ignited liquid. He was engulfed as in a
confreres left first for Singapore, then went to furnace. He died the day after without a word of
India. Brother Gabriel Maria died in Bangalore complaint, totally abandoned to God’s will.
on August 28, 1944.
Note: Details reported above come mostly from the Roman
Archives concerning the Province of Thailand and some
from conversations I had with Brother Hubert Cousin.
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8 Life’s Journey & Spirit
of the Missionaries
Et s’ il n’en reste qu’ un…
Bro. Simeon Anupatt
NOK It was about 8.30 am, on Friday January 4, teacher obliged. The gentleman, I would find
1957. The K.L.M. super constellation finally landed later that his name was Brother André Corsini,
at Don Muang Airport after a 35 hour flight from explained to us that he belonged to a group of
Rome and five stops along the way. Dressed in men that run schools not only in France but in
a thick black cassock as I exited the plane I felt Asia and Africa, I got thrilled. To become a teach-
as if a heavy cope was thrown on my shoulders: er appealed to me and the idea of going abroad
welcome to Thailand. Holder of a permanent to become a missionary had been haunting my
visa, delivered by the Thai Embassy in Paris, mind, as my Dad often spoke of one of his for-
getting through Police control was a sheer mer class-mates now an MEP priest, missionary
formality. Brother John-Mary, the Brother Provincial, in India. At the end of his talk the gentleman
and Brother François were waiting for me. remarked, “usually I ask those of the upper
group only, but to-day I will ask all of you to
Why had I come to Thailand? Why had I answer my question.” The question was, “would
left my relatively quiet and rewarding teaching you like to join me and become a Brother of
position in London? February 1939, I was in the St. Gabriel?” Without any hesitation, I answered
third group – the lowest one – of the A class of “yes”. Did I fully realize what it meant? Not yet,
St. Joseph School in my little village. One morning, but unbeknownst to me, I had fallen in the net
as teaching was going on, a black dressed gentle- of a loving Father killing two birds with one
man came and asked our teacher, the assistant stone as my yet unborn brother Daniel would
parish-priest, whether he could talk to us. Our follow me later and become a missionary in
9
Brazil. kept increasing. A new building was needed for NOK
the opening of academic year 1966.
My first twelve years in Thailand were rather
hectic. Brother Donatien, the AC Director, wanted It was nearly completed when I received
me to join his team, but Brother Provincial had a letter from my superior telling me I would
other plans. I had experience with boarding have to move and take the helm of Assumption
schools already, two years at the major juniorate College Sriracha. Unforeseen circumstances
in France, three years at St. Gabriel’s College in would soon have me move out of ACS to take
London. So the most fitting place for me would charge of Assumption Commercial College as
be Assumption College Sriracha, with his 600 “acting director”. “Acting” implied that I was
boarders. I was welcome by Brother Montfort not fully in charge and had to be prepared for
del Rosario and Brother Theophane, the first any job obedience would assign me. As so it
Thai Brother, who greeted me with, “but it’s happened at the end of February 1967 when an
an old guy!”. After a few months to learn the order came to me to move to Nakorn Ratchasima
basics of the Thai Language, I was put in charge and take care of the new school that was being
of the upper Mathayom, grade 8, 9, 10 at that built. In early March, I left ACC. When I went to
time, of the organized games for the boarders and see the place I was struck dumb with surprise. A
of one dormitory for senior students. Four years class-building was being erected but had hardly
later I was appointed treasurer of the school, a reached the first floor. The Brothers’ residence
function that would stick to me for the rest existed on paper, meanwhile I would be the guest
of my active career. As treasurer I was alone to of the parish priest, Fr. Marius Bray MEP who had
handle all the facets of finance while keeping my initiated the project. I had two and a half months
teaching load and dormitory supervision. to settle down everything. Providence was on
my side though. Mr. Edwin with whom I had
It was February 1963, I was keeping busy worked at ACS came to apply. He planned to
in my office when Brother Provincial popped settle down in Nakornratchasima with his
in and without any further ado said, “you have family. He was qualified and I welcome him.
been chosen as the director of the new school in He would be the first headmaster of the school.
Rayong. Let us go and see.” And then I went to Because of construction problems, the opening
see a place I had promised myself I would never
have to do anything with.
By the middle of April, I took charge of my
new domain. I was alone, except for Mr. Sakda,
an ACS teacher who had volunteered to give me
a hand. I had one month to receive students,
find teachers, purchase furniture, order books
and stationery, prepare the time table. On May
17 about 600 kids in their brand new uniform
became the first group of Assumption College
Rayong. On Sunday May 26, ACR was officially
opened by the Governor of Rayong, Mr. Song
Laohasunthon, the proponent of the project, and
blessed by H.E. Msgr Sanguan, Bishop of Chant-
aburi. Year after year, the number of students
10 a new school with 600 students meant that
other schools had lost some, nay even a lot of
their enrollment. I learnt my lesson at a meeting
of the Heads of Private Schools with the official
in charge of those schools at the Ministry of
Education. For most Assumption School was an
intruder that had played havoc with their plan.
My answer was to keep a low profile. Brother
Raphael, the Headmaster, had to attend regular
meetings. Through his acumen and comely
attitude, he created a relaxed atmosphere that
generated a tremendous change for the better.
One lady who owned a school and had lost nearly
50% of her students and was so bitter towards us
after one year came to register her son at ACR.
NOK was delayed by one week. Then everything The ACN story is totally different. Nakorn
straightened out. Ratchasima province is one of biggest provinces
in Thailand. Many of the kids that joined us
My stay in Nakorn Ratchasima would be came from St. Mary School run by the Sisters
rather brief. In November 1968, Brother Robert of St. Paul de Chartres under the supervision
Richard, the acting provincial, sent me a note. of Father Bray. My main problem lay in the fact
The Provincial Council had acceed to a request of that the application to open a new school at
Brother Bernard, the director of ACC, to open the Ministry of Education had been submitted
a university college in June 1969. I had been late due to the slow pace of the construction.
selected as one of the future lecturers of the new When I opened the school in late May it was
institution. Consequently I had to prepare myself illegal. The problem was compounded by the fact
and join a US university to obtain a bachelor that a number of Parents were in the Military
degree in Business Administration. and had the right to be compensated for what
they had paid to the school. Yet I could not issue
Founding new schools entail a lot of problems receipts from an entity that did not exist offi-
both inside and outside. Inside problems are cially. Sometime in July, the official in charge
similar wherever you are: getting students, of education for the province came to see
recruiting teachers, etc. Outside problems differ the headmaster and declared that running
from one place to another. this school was illicit, it would bring sanction
When I opened ACR relationship with later. By the middle of August documents from
officials was smooth. The governor had initiated the Ministry of Education reached us stating that
the project and asked his subordinates to sup- Assumption College Nakorn Ratchasima was
port it. Many enrolled their son(s) at the school. allowed to operate as of May 17, 1967. The Bless-
Relationship with other private schools was ed Virgin Mary smiling to us!
another kettle of fish. Rayong is a small prov-
ince, the market for students is limited. Opening So after 19 years teaching and managing
and being nearly 40 years old I was requested
to move on a new trail. As the word suggests it
would not be smooth. Studies would take me the
Philippines, to the US, then to the Philippines
again. Fulltime student wherever I went I was
solicited to take a fulltime teaching load at the
same time.
When I joined ABAC in May 1972, it was yet after a seven-year absence, two in the Philip- 11
a fledging institution with lots of internal prob- pines and five at ACC. I was back at what was
lems. After one year though obedience requested now known “Assumption University”, Brother
me to go and manage Assumption Commercial Martin commissioned me as Vice President for
College in order to revise the curriculum that Financial Affairs. When Brother Bancha became
had never been upgraded since the inception of president, he asked me to reorganize our financial
the school way back in 1939. I did and reshape system. I split it onto two independent entities
ACC into a co-educational institution. My deci- finance and inventory, with three sub divisions
sions were badly received by a group of teachers each. I took charge of the inventory section. In
that couldn’t understand the need of a change. 2008 I resigned as Vice-President, somebody
After one year I resigned… Then I got an urgent else had taken charge of the Inventory Section a
call from my superior to move to ABAC right few years before. I would carry on lecturing for
away…and fall out of the frying pan into the another ten years.
fire. The President, Brother Somphong, and the
Registrar, Miss Suphornsri, couldn’t bear any To my young Brothers
longer the underground opposition carried Elderly people enjoy reminiscing the past,
against them, they had resigned. When I reached some lament about the good olden days which
ABAC, summer classes were going on but nobody is sheer baloney: I’d rather be jealous of my
was in charge of anything. I would have to teach great nephews and nieces and their children
a psychology course and take care of what I who know far better than me how to handle
could. It would take a few months to Brother a smart phone. This new generation has been
Martin, the new Provincial Superior, to settle born with internet, digitization, AI, robots which
things down and choose a new president, Acharn led Pope Francis say, “We are not living in an
Wanphen Nophaket. era of change but in a change of era.” What will
Helping Acharn Wanphen, I took care of the our world look like in ten, twenty years? Where
finance, the library and a few other things. Our will it take us? What does that imply for us, for
greatest achievement was to have our diplomas you, my Brothers, for our Province, our Congre-
fully recognized, at par with state universities’ gation, not to mention our country, the whole
diplomas. Back from the US in August 1977, I was world? As a so called “immigrant” in this new
appointed Head of the newly created Academic environment I am utterly incompetent to propose
Finance Department. Two years later, Dr. Choop any answer or solution. Yet it is obvious that
chose me as Vice-President for Academic Affairs, people need to find a sense of purpose in this
a position I would hold for eights years. Then new world. That’s why I appeal to you, my
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12 dear young Brothers. This new world will be Sixty-eight years of sharing knowledge in
your world. You are the future of our Province five different countries have enriched me beyond
and to some extent of our congregation and the my wildest expectation. I have acquired a wealth
Church. Do you remember the song, “we are the that “moth and rust cannot destroy; thieves
World”? You are! This carries heavy responsibili- cannot break in and steal” (Mat. 6/19). Knowledge?
ties. To play with internet, to venture into AI, to A good measure. Experience? Heaps of. Friend-
manipulate one’s smartphone, all that is personal, ly relations? A multitude in five continents.
limited and tends to lead towards individualism But above all the intense satisfaction to have
and its negative and dangerous effects, the most achieved what I had set to, to have lived a mean-
obvious being the destruction of communities. ingful life, to have guided – in my humble way
Whatever academic level you have attained or – thousands of young men and women “towards
plan to attain is not enough, you must go on, a richer life.”
never give up, else in today’s world you will soon
find yourself outdated. Share ideas with your Even if I was involved in administration for
colleagues. Our constitutions put emphasis on decades, what I remember most, cherish best
the necessity of dialogue. Be open, be bold. Are and am proud of above all is to have been
documents like circular letter No.15/2018-24 of through my professional life a “Manager of the
the Superior General on “the need and importance Learning Process” as Gaby A. Endoza, the first
of re-awakening of missionary dynamism in our dean of AIM expounded forcefully nearly 30
congregation” or the decisions of our last Provincial years ago. “Excellence in teaching, he wrote,
Chapter part of your reflections and discussions? begins with the realization that it is not teaching
Will the latter be reduced to a prayer for per- but learning that is important… if students do
severance each Friday and the rest dead letter? not learn, education has not taken place. Our
Shall I ever see Brothers take care of a parochial primary function is to create an environment
school in a poor environment? How much do that will encourage students to think boldly,
you realize that you belong to an international to talk freely… to give them room to grow…
congregation and the implication of exchanging responsibility to shape their own development…
ideas and people eventually?
Above all never forget that the Gospel is
good news, euaggelion, God’s word that never
changes, is always up-to-date. Show, prove to
the world that inspite of inconceivable changes,
serving the Lord as a Brother of Saint Gabriel is
a most wonderful and rewarding call.
…Je serai celui-la
“Et s’il n’en reste qu’un, je serai celui-la”
( If there is one left only, I’ll be the one.), - from
French Literature
As far as I can reminisce it seems that since
my prime youth I was driven towards an ines-
capable issue. I was hardly two years old and I
was pestering my Mum to join my elder sister in
kindergarten. No wonder that soon enough a
forceful attraction developed. I would be a teacher,
even though old folks around me would tease
me and warn me that I would never be rich. Had
they known better…
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13
to become empowered thinkers and responsible behind. I urged them as I would do to-day to NOK
doers” (World Executive’s Digest I October 1990, eventual readers, to be genuine, authentic. Pope
p.98). Along those 68 years, my own philosophy Francis explains this beautifully in his exhorta-
has matured and made me more conscious of tion to young people, “Christus vivit”, Growth
my involvement and responsibility as a religious in maturity”, he said, “can coexist with a fire
educator. “To teach”, wrote St. John-Paul II, “does constantly rekindled, with a heart ever young”
not mean to communicate what we know only, (N. 160). The cross that is pinned on my shirt is
but above all to reveal who we are by living what witness to it. Without it and who it represents,
we believe in!” The author of the Imitation of I couldn’t have achieved what I have achieved,
Christ dolefully complained that “every time, I couldn’t be what I am though I certainly fell
(he) had lived among men, (he) had come back short of what I could have been. Life is a pilgrim-
less of a man.” So sad! On the first day of each age, if we have faith in what it means for each of
semester, I used to invite my students to a four- us, if we do what we love and love what we do,
month exciting experience during which together the worst hardships or failures won’t be able to
we would discover what “financial management” overcome us. “Amor omnia vincit” (Virgil, adapt-
is about, learn to learn, come to know and appre- ed).
ciate one another, become better persons by the
day… The response was enthusiastic. Then on To achieve success, to move towards saint-
the last day, I would congratulate them for their hood, Pope Francis warns “does not mean copying
effort, thank them for what they had taught the life style and the way of living of people we
me and ask for forgiveness if I had hurt anyone admire and venerate. You have to discover who
in what I said or did as it was definitely not my you are and develop your own way of being holy
intention. (successful), whatever others may say or think,
become what the Lord wished to dream and
My last message was inspired by Steve Jobs’ create, and not a photocopy. You ought to be a
memorable speech during the Stanford 2005 prophetic stimulus to others and leave a mark
Commencement Exercises. Steve Jobs talked on this world, the unique mark that only you
about “The dots in my life”, important events can leave.” I cannot think of a better program
that when connected show a continuity. I could for an educator and the young men and women
attest of it as most of the dots in my life were entrusted to his/her care.
14 Life’s Journey & Spirit
of the Missionaries
A Story of Love & Mercy I landed at Don Muang on November 23,
1956. Bro. John Mary, the then Provincial, was
My soul magnifies the Lord waiting for me. It seems like yesterday. Time has
My spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. been kind to me. I have not noticed its passing.
This raises a very interesting question: how
Bro. Cyril Siriroj come I came to Thailand? The answer is intriguing
because I never asked or volunteered to come. I
was sent.
“Whom shall I send” This question must have
occurred to Bro.Eleazar, the Indian Provincial,
at the time. H must have asked Bro.Michael, my
Novice Master. Bro. Michael, a man of prayer,
must have asked the Almighty. And he must have
put my name into the heart of Michael. How do I
know this?
On a fine day, I got a letter from Bro.Michael.
It said I had been chosen to work in Thailand. It
was a bolt from the blue. Thinking it was what
God wanted I said: “Here I am, send me”, not in
so many words, nor with the ferver of an Isaiah.
This leads to another intriguing question:
how did I become a Brother of St. Gabriel, though
not of angelic origin?
Our Rule of Life article I says:
Rejoice, rejoice
And render thanks to God, your Father,
for He has done marvels in you.
He knows you by your name.
In Christ He chose you, before the world was
founded, to be dedicated,
to be without blemish in His sight
to be full of Love.
NOK
15
A tall order for a poor human being like me, clerical orders mostly to do meanial jobs:
you bet! So I continued in the Juniorate. Years later,
As the story unfolds, the reader will see for I was told by my juniorate Master, that I was
himself how poor! on the point of being dismissed form juniorate
for lack of ferver. But I was spared because of
From a Brother recruiter, I got the impression the kindness of Bro. Eleazar, the Provincial of
that I could opt for priesthood, if I wanted, when India, at the time. So I owe him a great debt of
I joined the Juniorate I had my doubt. Scarcely gratitude. Then I joined the Novitiate. I brought
had I stepped foot in the Juniorate, I noticed the the matter to the attention of the Novice Master
writing on the wall: before the first vows. He assured me it was a
temptation and I made the vows. But the desire
“Abandon all hope of priesthood, all who enter for priesthood did not die and popped up from
here!” The Juniorate Master made this very clear from time to time.
day one. Any thought of the sort was a temptation
to be resisted at the peril of your soul. Imagine this Then a chance offered itself after the Vatican
drilled into the ears of 14-15 year olds day in and II and the exodus of priests. There was a need
day out. for Chaplains in Brother Congregations. And to
solve the problem hit upon the idea of making
So why didn’t I leave the juniorate there and some of their brothers priests - the Brother-Priest.
then?
The Brother-Priest was strictly for service to the
In Kerala, at the time, it was shameful for any-
one who joined a religious institute to leave and community. Those who felt called to this service
return to the world. A cold reception awaited him could apply and after a consultation was sent for
or her at home and ridicule and derision from theological studies. But by this time I considered
his or her friends. It didn’t matter you were only
14 or 15 years old at the time! myself enlightened and refused to apply. But the
Also anyone who left one institute was not desire did not die, and I missed the opportunity.
welcome in another in Kerala in the 50’s. Why So my life continued as a Brother. After years,
did young men prefer priesthood? It was a matter the need for Brothers to serve the community as
of pride and prestige, one way of climbing the priests arose again. This time around I applied.
There was a consultation. More than half of the
social ladder. But “brotherhood” was looked down
Brothers voted “yes” to the proposal. But the vote
on. I have heard it said that “brotherhood” was
an invention of the French. It was anathema in was not honored by the Provincial Council, on the
ground that it was merely a consultation and the
priest - ridden Kerala. There were lay brothers in Council was not bound to honor it! Thus ended my
aspiration for priesthood. I accepted it as God’s NOK
Will and the desire died! But a question lingered:
why all the fuss of making a consultation, if there
was no intention to honor the result?
16
The story of my vocation had many twists English, a feat never accomplished sence then.
and turns ups and downs as you can see and I All with no native speakers!
am left with the words of Jeremiah:
Since our students came from the well to
“You duped me, O Lord, and do and were ambitious and hardworking, they
I let myself be duped, occupied prominent positions in all walks of life.
you were too strong for me, They have contributed to the development of
and you triumped”. their country and continue to do so to this day.
But I love going to the class, meeting and greeting
God didn’t set me up students. Since I understand the purpose of educa-
“To root up and to tear down tion is to make students think for themselves, to
to destroy and demolish – as he asked Jeremiah question the given and to find the purpose of life:
to do.
“The why I am here.”
but only to build and to plant.
All this to say that God’s ways are mysterious!! I try to do these things and I find it exciting,
He doesn’t choose the way man does! quite exhilarating, in fact! I wish with all my heart
I never thought of me as a missionary. that all our brothers discover the joy of teaching
My first assignment was at St. Gabriel. the joy of making friends with their students
I taught English and Moral Science and the joy of opening their minds and hearts
I found the system of education in Thailand to the wonders and mysteries of life. I wish them
in the 50’s to 70’s very congenial and very pro- to contribute to the growth in all dimensions of
ductive with the schools following govt. syllabus life. I wish them the joy of seeing their students
and preparing students for govt. exams. grow into mature adults and responsible citizens
of their country contributing to its growth.
In St. Gabriel schools in Thailand, English
was given a privileged position and many subjects For a Brother, a day without teaching is a lost
were taught in English. It was possible to go to a day.
class in the secondary section and teach students
in English. The school used English text books This doesn’t mean that I always understood
for Maths, Science, Geography and history. I could the problems of the students or that I was kind
and forgiving. I have my fair share of mistakes
teach English in English. The students who finished in the handling of students and there are some
I regret to this day: And I ask God to forgive me
their studies in our schools stood out in govt and bless the students who were the victims of
universities because of their English. my mistakes and take them to heaven when the
time comes.
Our schools were the envy of govt schools.
Our high school graduates, spoke and wrote
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17
Come October 2021 Let us with one voice praise the Almighty with
And we will be 120! the song of our Mother and say:
In 1901 our pioneers sowed the seeds of The Almighty has done great things for us.
wisdom and knowlagde in this golden land, Holy is his name.
God’s gift to the Montfort Brothers. The seeds All glory and praise and honor belong to our
sprouted and flourished like palm trees. They still God Alone! May His name be blessed forever!
flourish. They are still green, still full of sap. He has sent the rich empty away.
They still bear fruits.
Our pioneers relied on God’s grace, Mother
Mary’s help and Montfort’s teaching method
to transform Thai society.
Modern Thai history and the history of
Montfort Brothers in Thailand are inextricably
linked together. One cannot be without the
other.
Our students are leaders in all spheres of Thai
life: both secular and religious. The Church in
Thailand would not be what it is without the
contribution of the Brothers.
So
Come October 2021
And as we celebrate our 120 years in this
golden land and wonder how the small seeds
sowed 120 years ago hase grown into mighty
trees.
“Still green, still full of sap
Still bearing abundant fruits”
NOK
18 Life’s Journey & Spirit
of the Missionaries
My Life Experience in THAILAND
Bro. John Anucha
As I am over 80, I could remember only certain incidents in my life.
I arrived in Thailand in 1960 and I was sent to learn Thai language at St. Roch Juniorate,
Petrieu, Chacheong Sao Province. After about six months I was able to pass Thai language
Test Primary Five level.
From Juniorate I was transferred to Assumption College Rayong. From here I was trans-
ferred to Assumption College Lampang and here I was asked to teach English language.
NOK
19
Here let me mention the Renewal Programs
I attended.
A) Montfortian Renewal Session in 1987
B) Supervised Pastoral Education in 1993
C) Great Exercises of St. Ignatius in 2003
I want to add here that I greatly benefitted
from all the Renewal sessions.
The following are the names of school I
worked:
1) St. Louis Juniorate, Petrieu
2) Assumption College Lampang, Lampang
3) St. Louis College, Petrieu
4) Assumption College, Bangkok
5) Assumption College Nakorn Ratchasima
up to now.
During my stay in Thailand I was sent to do
my B.A. degree and Master’s in the Philippines
I take this opportunity to thank all the dif-
ferent Bro. Directors and Brothers who helped
me by word and example to live as a religions
Brother up to now here in Thailand.
NOK
20 BSG Provincial Archives Database
By late Bro. Suradej Visuthivan and Bro. Sirichai Fonseka
S chools and Institutions of the Province of Thailand
since 1901 - 2021
NOK Silver Jubilee : 1901 - 1926 13. Darasamutr & St. Joseph’s Juniorate, Chachoengsao
Taken Charge Temporarily : 1960 - 1963
1. Assumption College, Bangkok
Founded : 1885 - present 14. Assumption College Thonburi, Bangkok
Founded : 1961 - present
2. Saint Mary School, Chantaburi
Founded : 1911 - 1913 15. Kularb-Wittaya School, Bangkok
Taken Charge Temporarily : 1961 - 1973
3. Saint Gabriel College, Bangkok
Founded : 1920 - present 16. Premruedeesuksa School, Bangkok
Taken Charge Temporarily : 1961 - 1968
4. Saint Paul Petriu, Chachoensao
Founded : 1920 - 1941 17. Assumption College Rayong, Rayong
Founded : 1963 - present
Golden Jubilee : 1926 - 1951 18. Provincial House, Soi Thong-Loh, Bangkok
Founded : 1963 - 1994
5. Montfort College, Chiang Mai
Founded : 1932 - present 19. Assumption College Ubon Ratchathani,
Ubon Ratchathani
6. Assumption Commercial College, Bangkok Founded : 1965 - present
Founded : 1938 - present
20. Viratham Press at ACC, Bangkok
7. Assumption College Sriracha, Chonburi Founded : 1965 - 1987
Founded : 1944 - present
21. Assumption College Primary Section, Bangkok
8. Saint Louis College, Chachoengsao Founded : 1967 - present
Founded : 1948 - present
22. Assumption College Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon
9. Saint Louis Mary’s Juniorate, Chonburi Ratchasima
Founded : 1948 - present Founded : 1967 - present
23. Assumption Vocational School, Bangkae, Bangkok
Diamon Jubilee : 1951 - 1976 Founded : 1968 - 1974
10. Saint Gabriel’s Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand 24. Assumption University Hua Mak, Bangkok
Registered 1953 - present Founded : 1969 - present
11. De Montfort Retreat House, Doi Suthep, 25. Montfort College Primary Section, Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Founded : 1970 - present
Founded : 1955 - present
26. Assumption Technical School Ranong, Ranong
12. Assumption College Lampang, Lampang Founded : 1971 - 1975
Founded : 1957 - present
27. Viriyanuchon Sathan, Khon-Kaen
Founded : 1972 - 1997
28. Boys’ Town and Vocational Center, Nakhon Nayok
Founded : 1975 - 1980
A list of 21
Brother Provincial Superiors
1. Bro. Martin de Tours
Years: 1920 - 1933
Centenary Jubilee : 1976 - 2001 District Superior
29. Assumption College Samut Prakan, Samut Prakan 2. Bro. Frederic Jean
Founded : 1979 - present Years: 1933 - 1948
District Superior
30. Saint Gabriel’s Scholasticate, Nakhon Prathom
Founded : 1981 - present 3. Bro. Hubert Cousin
Years: 1948 – 1955 (2 mandates)
31. De Montfort Novitiate, Chiang Mai
Founded : 1985 - present 4. Bro. John Mary, Jesus Salas
Years: 1955 - 1965 (3 mandates)
32. Assumption Commercial College,
Nakhon Ratchasima 5. Bro. Philips Amnuay Pinratana
Founded : 1993 - 2006 Years: 1965 - 1974 (3 mandates)
33. Gabrielite Provincial Center and 6. Bro. Martin Prathip Komolmas
Assumption Personnel Development Years: 1974 - 1977 (1 mandate)
Center, Bangkok
Founded : 1996 - present 7. Bro. Louis Chanel Viriya Chandavarodom
Years: 1977 - 1986 (3 mandates)
34. Assumption Paradise Center, Chantaburi
Founded : 1996 - present 8. Bro. Surasit Sukchai
Years: 1986 - 1995 (3 mandates)
35. Assumption Technical School Nakhon Phanom,
Nakhon Phanom 9. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka
Founded : 1998 - present Years: 1995 - 2001 (2 mandates)
36. Assumption University Suvanabhumi Campus, 10. Bro. Sakda Kitcharoen
Samut Prakan Years: 2001 - 2007 (2 mandates)
Founded : 2001 - present
11. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka
2001 - 2021 (present) Years: 2007 - 2013 (2 mandates)
37. Montfort Home for Education, Chiang Mai 12. Bro. Surasit Sukchai
Founded : 2007 - present Years: 2013 - 2019 (2 mandates)
38. Assumption College English Program, 13. Bro. Dechachai Sripicharn
Samut Sakhon Years: 2019 – 2021 (1 mandate)
Founded : 2012 - present
NOK
22 St. Louis Mary’s Juniorate Founded in
Sriracha, Chonburi
A List of Masters of Juniors 1948
1. Bro. Ludovico Maria 1948 – 1960 St. Joseph’s Juniorate
2. Bro. Stephen-Joseph Sunai 1960 – 1966
Kanchanaranya Assumption College Rayong
3. Bro. Robert Richard 1966 – 1976
4. Bro. Vincent Mary 1976 – 1978
5. Bro. Amnuay Yoonprayong 1978 – 1982
6. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka 1982 – 1986
1994 – 1995
2006 – 2007
7. Bro. Suradej Visuthivan 1986 – 1987
1988 – 1994
8. Bro. Komtuan Yancharoen 1987 – 1988
9. Bro. Vicharn Songsiengchai 1995 – 1997
10. Bro. Damrong Lauhabutr 1997 – 1998
11. Bro. Pisutr Vapiso 1998 – 1999
12. Bro. Thankorn Tansuwongs 1999 – 2001
13. Bro. Chainarong Huadsiri 2001 – 2004
14. Bro. Vicharn Saengharn 2004 – 2006
15. Bro. Siam Kaewprasith 2007 – 2013
16. Bro. Manit Sakonthawat 2013 – 2016
17. Bro. Sa-ard Sanyalak 2016 – 2018
18. Bro. Sirichai Phangrak 2018 – present
Founded in St. Joseph’s Juniorate • The name of this Saint Joseph’s Juniorate
1960 Ban Ta Kai, St. Roch Church was changed to Assumption Juniorate in 1966,
to avoid any confusion with the neighboring
school of Saint Joseph College, run by Sisters of
St. Paul de Chartres.
A List of Masters of Juniors
This Juniorate was closed and transferred to 1. Bro. Raphael Phakdee 1963 – 1967
Assumption College Rayong in 1963, the same Thummakanond
year the school was founded. Bro. Raphael con- 2. Bro. Vira Tham-amon 1967 – 1971
tinued his mandate as the Master of Juniors till 3. Bro. Amnuay Yoonprayong 1971 – 1972
1967. 4. Bro. Yontarakit Chanprasith 1972 – 1973
A List of Masters of Juniors 5. Bro. Prajak Chinsin 1973 – 1975
1. Bro. Ludovico Maria 1960 (for six months 6. Bro. Mana Phanthumchinda 1975 – 1976
7. Bro. Damrong Lauhabutr 1976 – 1977
and passed away) 8. Bro. Anusorn Anamnart 1977 – 1978
2. Bro. Raphael Phakdee 1960 – 1963
Thummakanond • The Provincial Administration
decided to close down this minor
NOK 1963Founded in Juniorate definitively with the new
policy of admitting candidates for
Mathayom level at Sriracha only.
Saint Gabriel’s Scholasticate 23
Sampran, Nakhon Prathom
A List of Masters of Scholasticate
1. Bro. Thinaratana Komkris 1981 – 1982
1982 – 1986
2. Bro. Philip Neri Kuriakose 1986 – 1989
1989 – 1991
3. Bro. Damrong Lauhabutr 1991 – 1994
1994 – 1998
4. Bro. Sakda Kitcharoen 1998 – 2004
2014 – 2017
5. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka 2004 – 2007
2007 – 2013
6. Bro. Amnuay Yoonprayong 2013 – 2014
2017 – present
7. Bro. Prasit Chaiphuak
8. Bro. Banyat Rojanaroon
9. Bro. Phiraphongs Darathai Founded in
10. Bro. Siam Kaewprasith 1981
11. Bro. Nonthacha Srivilai
De Monfort Novitiate
Sansai, Chiangmai
Note : 1985Founded in
A This Novitiate was attached to the community A List of Masters of Novices
of Assumption College, Bangkok, with only one nov-
ice, Bro. Raphael Phakdee Thummakanond. 1. Bro. Ludovico Maria 1944 – 1946 (A)
2. Bro. Vincent Mary 1975 – 1976 (B)
B This Novitiate was located in the compound of 3. Bro. Amnuay Yoonprayong 1985 – 1991
the former Assumption Vocational School, behind 4. Bro. Chumpol Deesutchit 1991 – 1999 (C)
Saint Louis Marie Church, Assumption College 5. Bro. Suradej Visuthivan 1999 – 2000 (D)
Thonburi, for the formation of 7 novices who had 6. Bro. Chumpol Deesutchit 2002 – 2013
been sent back from Eachinkadu Novitiate in India, 7. Bro Chainarong Huadsiri 2013 – 2017
and 4 postulants. It was operated for 14 months only. 8. Bro. Thankorn Tansuwongs 2017 – present
Later, candidates were sent back to India again for
their novitiate, either at Eachinkadu Novitiate, Yer-
caud, or at Sitagarha, north of India, till 1985, when
the Provincial Administration decided to open again
our own Novitiate permanently, at San-sai, Chiang-
mai, until present days.
C De Montfort Novitiate, San-sai, was temporarily
closed for 2 years, 2000 – 2002, due to no candidates.
D - As an experiment to have a community in
poor milieu, the novitiate was operated at Assump-
tion Technical School, Nakorn-Panom, for one
batch, with 3 Thai novices and 3 candidates from
Singapores.
- De Montfort Novitiate, San-sai, Chiangmai,
was re-opened in 2002.
NOK
24 The Animation
The Brothers’ Cemetery Blessing:
the event took place on Saturday evening, October 30, 2021
at Assumption College Sriracha, Chonburi
In Loving Memory
of
our Departed Brothers
Province of Thailand
NOK
NOK 25
26 The Animation
Minutes of the 1st Superiors’
and Directors’ Meeting
Reported by Bro. Phiraphongs Darathai, Secretary
On Sunday, May 9, 2021 1.4 Report from the Commission on the Fol-
low-up of the 20th Provincial Chapter Reso-
The meeting began at 9.15 hrs. with reflection lutions
from Letter from Superior General no. 14, focus-
ing on Laudato Si, followed by an introductory Report from the Commission on the
prayer. Brother Provincial Superior, presiding over Follow-up of the 20th Provincial Chapter
the meeting, welcomed all the participants. He Resolutions (to be taken up in the next agenda
announced that this gathering is the first one of 4.4, with focusing on FORMATION
the academic year and then chaired the meeting
by following agenda of the day. 1.5 Communication from the Office of Montfort
Studies (Montfort Center)
1. News and information
Communication from the Office of
1.1 To celebrate with the Church : Montfort Studies (Montfort Center), under
the leadership of Bros. Thinnaratana and
The Year of Saint Joseph, from December Phiranant, for the meeting and initiatives
8, 2020 to December 8, 2021, as announced this year (with document)
by Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter “Patris
Corde” to mark the 150th Anniversary of the 1.6 Bro. Leonard Yut Satissarat passed away
declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the
Universal Church Bro. Leonard Yut Satissarat passed away
on April 7 and the simple funeral ceremony
1.2 Mobile meeting of the PTAs Confederation was officiated on April 10, 2021. Provincial
Archives in-charge would see to the docu-
Mobile meeting of the PTAs Confedera- mentation concerned in relation with the
tion was long ago scheduled to be held on June Generalate.
11 - 13, 2021 at ACR, but subject to postpone
due to the situation 1.7 To offer special prayers and suffrage as pre-
scribed by Superior General (S 51.2)
1.3 Possible postponement of the second on-line
session (second group) of “Laudato Si” To offer special prayers and suffrage as
prescribed by Superior General (S 51.2) to
Possible postponement of the second on- Bro. Jacob Ezanicatt, Province of Yercaud,
line session (second group) of “Laudato Si” to former Assistant General, who passed away
be organized by Bro. Mani Mekkunnel, due recently.
to COVID-19 situation
NOK
27
2. Approval of the Minutes of the 5th • Updated policy and orientation
Superiors’ and Directors’ Meeting of the mission of the Commission
The minutes were already presented to the integrated with MEC, philosophy,
assembly for perusal. There was no mistake to heritage, goals, directives, norms
be corrected and then approve by the assembly. announcements of the Foundation
3. Matters of interest arising from the • Quality education, quality assurance,
previous Meeting systematic evaluation of using current
texts, to be upheld
None.
• Adoption and usage of text-books
4. Matters for discussion and consid- and exercises of the Foundation, to
eration uphold our heritage
4.1 Letter no.14 from the Superior General • Montfortian spirituality and character-
istics to be integrated in school curricu-
Letter no.14 from the Superior General, to lum
be read and communicated in the community
• Directives for assessment and develop-
4.2 “FRATERNEL LIFE” ment of present academic curriculum
for uniformity, quality, standard,
How to create “FRATERNEL LIFE” in the open for adaptation and initiatives of
community, in response to the Chapter Reso- the school context
lutions (with document attached as directives,
as approved by Provincial Council), to focus on • Integration of governmental curicu-
COMMUNITY (LIFE) PROJECT and to conduct lum, FSG education curriculum and
effective Community Dialogue local wisdom curriculum, to be our
own unique academic curriculum
4.3 News and information from Commission on
Education 4.4 Directives/Policies of the Foundation/Province
for the new academic year (with document
Communication and road-map plan attached as directives, as approved by
from Commission on Education, under the Provincial Council) to focus on:
leadership of Bro. Sakda Sakonthawat and
assisted by Bro. Witthaya Thepkom (through • Montfortian Education Charter (MEC)
power-point presentation and hand-out
copy), as follows:
NOK
28
• GOOD GOVERNANCE, based on • Five Brothers to make their perpetual
Document : Manual of Good Gover- profession this year will attend an
nance for school under St.Gabriel’s organized formator-training for help-
Foundation, May 2017 ing in formation-houses on rotation
basis
• Operation of annual school budget/
plans, to be managed with economy 4.6 The situation and impact of COVID-19
basis, quality assurance and assess- affecting our schools and the opening of the
ment framework, required permission new academic year:
• Personnel development of collabo- Up to now the situation is worse in the
rators to cope with disruptive world super-spreader of phase three. The govern-
and competition ment has announced a great number of
regulations and directives to be adhered to,
• Acquaintance with the SCHOOL together with target lock-down and a new
CHARTER of our own school zonal colour-coding system and measures to
identify provinces and areas most at risk of
• Directive for Brothers on SACRED the latest critical outbreak, to cope with the
FIRE, personal responsibility, teaching situation and its outbreak. It continues to
ministry, maturity in I.Q. and E.Q. restrict the provision of certain types of ser-
vices and communications. This includes the
4.5 FORMATION of Brothers : in response to educational services provided by educational
institutions at every level and of every kind.
Chapter Resolutions
The assembly reviewed the whole worst-
• Active role and initiatives from case scenario and the impact affecting our
Commission on Formation to help school management and operation during
implementing Chapter Resolutions this period, including technical preparation,
on FORMATION school-fee refund, and on-line mode of meet-
ings and teachings, leading up to the opening
• Four continued formation for junior of the new academic year in June 2021.
Brothers as organized last year, to be
continued this year 4.7 Home for Brothers in retirement
• Short renewal session for perpetually The Provincial Administration will try
professed Brothers in November 2021,
as already stipulated in Provincial
Calendar
NOK
29
to realize the project of having a home for 5.3 Letter to Brothers regarding the post
retired and aged Brothers, as having thought ponement of Perpetual Profession Ceremony,
of for many decades. The location will be formerly scheduled on Saturday May 8, 2021
adjacent to the present Brothers’ quarters at at ACS; renewal of annual vows for 5 of them
ACS. will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2021, Solemnity
of the Ascension, at GPC.
4.8 Official Quarterly Reports (every three months)
from Commissions/Committees 5.4 Commission on Finance and Temporal
Goods will have its meeting on June 8, 2021
To report mission and activities to be to scrutinize the annual community budget
organized every quarter at Superiors’ and of this academic year.
Directors’ meetings and for official recording
of documents The meeting came to an end at 15.30 hrs.
Brother Provincial Superior once again encour-
5. Addenda aged and thanked all those present for the good-
will and active participation in today’s meeting.
5.1 Financial assistance to Montfort Home for He also wished and encouraged all to be protected
Education, Chomthong during this COVID-19 situation. He then declared
the meeting closed with a short concluding prayer.
To support the mission with the amount
980,000 baht for taking care of vocational
training for female disadvantaged youth in
the area.
5.2 Renovation and systematization of the
Provincial Archives
Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, in-charge of
Provincial Archives, updated the process
of renovation and systematization of the
Provincial Archives. Brief report of the
development and updating the system is also
presented to the assembly by power-point
handout copy.
NOK
30 The Animation
Minutes of the 2nd Superiors’
and Directors’ Meeting
Reported by Bro. Phiraphongs Darathai, Secretary
On Sunday, July 25, 2021 1.3 Publication of PERSONNEL of the Province
The meeting began at 09.00 hrs. Brother Bro. Anant Prichavudhi had been
Provincial Superior read out Rule of Life, Ch.11, appointed to furnish this publication for the
no 58 for reflection followed by welcome-greet- Province of Thailand. It was decided to adopt
ing. He then chaired the meeting according to the title PERSONNEL of the Province of Thai-
the Agenda of the day. Thailand, instead of a DIRECTORY of Broth-
ers. It would reach us soon.
1. News and Information from the Pro-
vincial Superior 1.4 Publication of ANNUAL REPORT
1.1 Donation of food and refreshment Bro. Anant Prichavudhi had also been
appointed to form an ad hoc committee to
As requested by the Bangkok Metropolitan see to the publication of the annual report
Authority, St. Gabriel’s Foundation had donat- 2020 of St. Gabriel’s Foundation. He was
ed lunch-set to medical personnel attending in the process of contacting and collecting
the COVID-19 vaccination service, stationed at materials from all parties concerned. Please
Central World Department, for 200 sets a day cooperate with the team to bring this publi-
for 10 consecutive days in June 2021, at the cost cation out soon.
of 170,000 baht. Whilst, the GPC community
also donates the same for 10 days a month 1.5 Formation of formators
to various stations till the end of this year.
Other schools doing the same charity were A formation-training session for 9 selected
mentioned with appreciation Junior Brothers was in progress at Xavier
Learning Center, Chiang-rai, to be organized
1.2 The case of Bro. Loechai Lavasut and animated by a Jesuit team as headed by
Rev. Augustine Pitoyo S.J. The session would
Bro. Loechai Lavasut passed away last for 3 months, from July to September
peacefully on Wednesday July 7, 2021 at 2021, with in-put sessions and reflection and
Samithivej Hospital Sriracha, at the age exposure-immersion program with ethnic
of 79 years old, due to chronic cardiac groups at the north.
arrhythmia leading up to heart failure. The
funeral took place at Brothers’ Cemetery 1.6 Laudato Si on-line session
at Sriracha on July 10, 2021. Thanks and
appreciation to ACS community and school- A mini-course, a video-online session, on
staff for organizing the ceremony beautifully Laudato Si, The Urgent Call to Action: Protect
to honour our departed member. the Earth and its Inhabitants from Ruin, to be
conducted by Bro. Mani Mekkunnel, Director
of MEF, was successfully responded by the first
NOK
31
group of ten directors of the Province. Due to cil in principle. The Provincial Superior
unconducive time affected by COVID-19, the would try to realize this project, as having
Provincial Superior had negotiated with the thought of for many decades. The location
organizer to postpone the next session for a would be adjacent to the present Brothers’
new group. But the latter pressed and insisted quarters at ACS.
to continue. Not wishing to create any misun-
derstanding, the Provincial Superior assigned 4. Matters for discussion and consider-
another 8 Brothers to attend the next session ation.
following the same 6 modules pattern.
4.1 Reflection on the Circular Letter of Superior
1.7 Continued formation session for junior General, no. 2, June 2016
Brothers
“It is generally noticed today that dialogue,
The 2nd continued formation session for participation in common tasks, consensus
other junior Brothers would be organized building and decision-making are becoming
as per Provincial Calendar from August 11- hard and demanding in Consecrated Life and
13, 2021 at ACN, focusing on Professional in Community Living Why? What are your
Educative Mission in response to Montfortian suggestions to improve them?” (Circular Letter
charism. It is still left pending due to the from Superior General, no.2, June 2016: Good
COVID-19 situation. Governance in Montfortian Gabrielite Conse-
crated Life and Mission, p.27, item5)
1.8 Admission of 6 postulants to the canonical
novitiate on July 30, 2021 as formerly The Provincial Superior proposed to take
planned would be postponed sometime in up this document, GOOD GOVERNANCE IN
August 2021, due to COVID-19. MONTFORTIAN GABRIELITE CONSECRATED
LIFE AND MISSION, for study and reflection
2. Approval of the Minutes of the 1st at every level. He also instructed Superiors/
Superiors’ and Directors’ Meeting, Brothers to make use of this document as
held on Sunday, May 9, 2021 personal spiritual reading and as materials
for community dialogue by following the
The minutes were already presented to QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND SHAR-
the assembly for perusal. There was no mis- ING, in chapter 9 of the document.
take to be corrected and then approved by the
assembly. The assembly shared in general the
situation of community living and mission in
3. Matters of interests arising from the each community.
last Meeting
4.2 Circular Letter from Superior General, no.1,
3.1 Home for the aged Brothers in retirement October 2020
The project has been approved by Coun- NOK
32
NOK The Provincial Superior also proposed charge, their views and perspectives based on
to take up this document, A HOLISTIC FOR- Provincial Chapter resolutions. Contribution
MATION FOUNDATION FOR CONSECRATED from each one of them, to reach the Provinci-
LIFE, for study and reflection and every level, alate by August 15, 2021, will be synthesized
in line with our 20th Provincial Chapter. He and finalized by the Provincial Superior him-
also instructed Superiors/Brothers to make self as an official report from the Province of
use of this document as personal spiritual Thailand.
reading, materials for reflection together at
every gathering and meeting, a content for 4.5 Spiritual Session for Anglo-phone group in
input-talks at Junior Brothers’ session and 2022
at the renewal session for senior Brothers in
November 2021. The Provincial Superior had received the
invitation from the Generalate to join the Spir-
4.3 Missionary Availability – A Survey itual Renewal Session for Anglo-phone Group
in 2022. He communicated to the meeting
The letter from the Superior General, to identify 3 candidates as per quota given
no. 15/2018-24 dated 10.06.2021 regarding willing to join this program. Actually, the
MISSIONARY AVAILABILITY-A SURVEY was spiritual renewal cum pilgrimage for Superiors
already forwarded to Brothers for consider- of the Province of Thailand, as planned to be
ation. The Provincial Superior communicated organized in 2020, was still kept pending in
through Superiors in this meeting that each 2022 as well.
individual Brother be advised to respond
freely and directly to the Generalate before 4.6 REPORT of a list of new students with
August 15, 2021. donation received of academic year 2021 to
be submitted to the Provincialate, as
4.4 Convocation of the 18th Council of the Institute pernorms and tradition, by the end of August
2021
The Provincial Superior had received the
news of the Convocation of the 18th Council 4.7 Regulation and report of Financial manage-
of the Institute, to be conducted on-line, ment of various funds, endowment fund
from October 4-20, 2021. The agenda would
be: Evaluation of the Implementation of the Schools have to systematically channelize
Message and Orientations of the 32nd General the annual incomes with official audition to
Chapter and the Directives of the Central various official funds as per Acts and School
Administration. Following the instruction of Charter, with the proportion of 60% of the
corporately preparing the report, the Provin- surplus to 7 funds and 40% to the owner or
cial Superior assigned each Councillor/Com- licensee. The latter, in our context, is the
mission-chairman/Superiors to help drafting endowment (permanent) fund to be kept
this report based on their dossiers under their at schools. These official funds with norms
33
and directives to be adhered to had to be donation, while the expenditure is
established and operated accordingly. fixed-cost. Many parents may not
The Commission on Finance and Temporal be able to pay school-fee in full and
Goods would lay proper norms for the promptly. A pay-cut and job-cuts
practice of contribution, participation and are carried out at every level in the
donation according to the Acts concerned society, but not in our schools. The
in due time. Ministry of Education may anounce
the reduction and refund of education
4.8 Impact of current COVID-19 situation fee to help parents, etc. Any decision
has to be scrutinizedby the school
The meeting today discussed and shared administrative board. Our schools
their concern and experiences regarding the have to seriously adopt economy
impact of current situation which is quite principle and cost-effectiveness basis
critical and seems to be worse, in various with the modification of school buget
areas, as follows: and all operation plans of the academic
year 2021 to maintain cash-flow in the
• The on-line mode of study and next few months and to save surplus
instruction is a must without any in the long run.
other alternative. The knowledgeable
able and academic results in the long- • It is advisable that the Foundation
run, concentration and seriousness, would issue certain norms and
interactive participation from the part directives regarding the annual
of students and ex-haustion from the management of pay-scale, bonus,
parts of teacher, frustration from all position-pay and other remunera-
concerned, maintaining the standard tions of personnel to be re-consid-
as pre-scribed by the sylabus frame- ered and adjusted for cash-flow to
work and academic indicators, cope with increasing expenditure,
ethical exposition through on-line and for financial security at least
for this academic year.
trans-mission, honest and reliable
evaluation and follow-up, are in doubt. • At this juncture of critical period,
But these are in turn our challenges let us manifest our leadership role
to manage and provide with our as consecrated persons adminis-
utmost bound to uphold our stan- trating Catholic entities, to inspire
dard and Gabrielite characteristics. and support our collaborators, to
uphold justice for all.
• The economic damage is pervasive.
Our financial system and manage- 4.9 Seminar on GLOBAL COMPACT ON EDUCA-
ment would be precarious as well
with less and less income and NOK
34
NOK TION situation of Assumption Commercial College
(ACC) in its declined condition. The present
Due to COVID-19 situation, the annual Administration had followed up the situa-
seminar of the Catholic Education Council, tion of the school since the beginning of its
Thailand, will not be organized this year. So mandate. Gradual decrease of students due
an on-line seminar on the theme GLOBAL to slow birth-rate of Thai population and less
COMPACT ON EDUCATION, as inspired and and less demand of commercial study at this
initiated by Pope Francis to all entities, will level in the labour-market are our concern.
be conducted on July 26, 2021 instead. All Systematic findings and results from a
administrators of Catholic schools in Thailand research-team and various possible options
are invited to attend. are sufficiently in hand.
4.10 Celebration of the 120th Anniversary of the The course of action to be taken is not
Brothers’ Arrival in Siam yet definitely decided upon in the Council
meeting and in the meeting today. The possi-
The Eucharistic Celebration of Thanks- bility of closing the school and the claiming
giving was envisaged to take place on October back of land-ownership by the Arch-Diocese
20, 2021 at Assumption Cathedral, Bangkok. of Bangkok for other purposes are in view.
Due to the COVID-19 situation expected to be The Provincial Superior and Council decided
still severe and critical, the Provincial Council to meet the school Director and representa-
opinioned that the Celebration be postponed tives from stakeholders concerned soon to
to next year at appropriate time. Whilst, decide together for the best solution for the
preparing the memento souvenir book could future of this Alma Mater. In the meantime,
be carried on. the Foundation just received a notice-letter
from Arch-diocese of Bangkok to warn us
4.11 Permission to purchase a car of the termination of the land-lease in 2022
(2565 B.E.) to explicitly reclaim the land-own-
Saint Louis College, Chachoeng-sao, ership back for the mission of Arch-diocese.
sought permission to sell the old car at the The notification focused and specified on the
cost of 70,000 baht, and to buy a second-hand land where the premises of ACC is located
HONDA HRV at the cost of 700,000 baht, for only, excluding the premises of ACP which is
school purpose. allowed to be carried on.
5. Addenda 5.2 Brief sharing of news of internal operation
of 3 houses of formation
5.1 Follow-up of the situation and future of
Assumption Commercial College • St. Louis Mary Juniorate: Juniors are
still at home with close monitoring
Since the previous Provincial Adminis-
tration, a concerted effort had been made
to uplift and improve the standard and
35
from Juniorate Master regarding 5.6 Superiors are requested to help follow-up of
spiritual exercises, basic responsi- the written monthly evaluation of the con-
bility, on-line class with school. tinued formation of junior Brothers, to be
sent to Provincial Superior.
• St. Gabriel Scholasticate: The Master
has to monitor various programs for 5.7 Order and payment of Text-books of the
candidates at the opening of the Foundation to be faithfully and regularly
academic year. Those study at Lux followed. This is to support the mission and
Mundi are on-line mode. Everything surplus of the Foundation.
is manageable as planned.
5.8 St.Gabriel’s Foundation supports Chao-doi
• De Montfort Novitiate: Admission of Foundation, Chomthong, for the project of
6 postulants to canonical novitiate is building and management of the quarters
still kept pending some time in to take care of female drug-addicted at the
August 2021. Spiritual exercises are cost of 980,000 baht.
carried out as per rule and tradition.
The formation program and courses 5.9 Bro. Chamnan Laoruckphon, Chairman of the
are systematically envisaged. Commission on Finance and Temporal Goods,
briefed the meeting today of the actions
5.3 Congratulations to Bro. Sa-ard Vongsacha- -plans and time-lines of various meetings to lay
roenbhakdi, Director of ACN, on the comple- down proper financial norms and directives
tion of his doctoral study, Ph.D. in Education for better financial management of the schools
Administration, from Wongchavalitkul Uni- and Foundation.
versity, Nakhon Ratchasima.
The meeting came to an end at 14.45 hrs.
5.4 The Province has received the document Brother Provincial Superior once again encour-
from the Generalate: MONTFORTIAN aged and thanked all the present for the good-
ACTION FOR TOTAL SUSTAINABILITY (MATS) will and active participation in today’s meeting.
which is already forward to the communi- He also wished and encouraged all
ties. This is to implement the ambitious long-
erm plan of the Laudato Si’ goals. The
Province will take time to study and respond to
this document accordingly.
5.5 Bro. Surasit Sukchai is appointed to repre-
sent the Brothers of St. Gabriel as member of
the Pastoral Council of Arch-diocese of
Bangkok.
NOK
36 The Animation
Minutes of the 3rd Superiors’
and Directors’ Meeting
Reported by Bro. Phiraphongs Darathai, Secretary
On Sunday, August 29, 2021 1.2 Continued formation session for junior
Brothers
The meeting began at 9.05 hrs. Brother Pro-
vincial Superior invited all to listen to the song The second continued formation session for
“Amazing Grace” as the opening prayer and for other junior Brothers as formerly scheduled
reflections. He welcomed the participants who from August 11 - 13, 2021 at ACN, to focus on
attended the meeting both on-line system and Professional Educative Mission in response
onsite, then chaired the meeting according to to Montfortian charism, was postponed
the agenda of the day. till the end of September due to COVID-19
situation. Whilst, a three-month formation
1. News and Information from the -training session for 9 selected Junior Brothers
Provincial Superior is in progress at Xavier Learning Center,
Chiang-rai, to be organized and animated by
1.1. The new Executive Board of the Confedera- a Jesuit team as headed by Rev. Augustine
tion of Major Religious Superiors Pitoyo S.J. The month of August is scheduled
for social exposure-immersion program with
Members of the Confederation of Major ethnic groups at the north.
Religious Superiors in Thailand held their
annual meeting last July with the election of 1.3 Monthly Recollection of September 2021
the new Executive Board with the mandate of
2021 – 2024, having Fr. Picharn Jaiseri C.Ss.R., Due to COVID-19 situation, the monthly
Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists, as Recollection on Sunday, September 5, 2021
the new President, and Sr. Aranya Kitboon- will be organized by each individual community.
choo SSH, Superior General of Sisters of the
Sacred Heart of Bangkok, as Vice-president. 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2nd
New boards of Male and Female Religious Superiors’ and Directors’ Meeting
Superiors Associations were also elected.
Their tasks and common projects in the The minutes were already presented to
course of the years to come were also the assembly for perusal. There was no mistake
planned out, in the forms of distribution to be corrected and then approved by the as-
of foods and supplies during this COVID-19 sembly.
time in Bangkok, at Mae-Sod and northern
diocees, seminars and formation-sessions for 3. Matters of interests arising from the
members and candidates, counselling session last Meeting
for members with spiritual problems,
monetary contribution to mission in Laos and None
preparation for the coming Synod of Bishops.
NOK
37
4. Matters for discussion and on-line seminar on GLOBAL COMPACT ON
consideration. EDUCATION was conducted on July 26, 2021
instead. There would be another session
4.1 Synod of Bishops as continuation on Wednesday, October 13,
2021. A role-model school in each entity was
The next Synod of Bishops on the theme proposed to respond to this agenda. In this
“For a Synodal Church: communion, partici- regard, Montfort College, Secondary Section,
pation and mission” was already announced. was proposed to represent Brothers of St.
The participation by all ecclesial communities Gabriel. Our Province/Foundation would take
at every level to ensure the successful outcome good time to follow and implement its spirit
of this grace-filled event is required as per and directives in our EDUCATION MISSION.
time-line and schedule as already commu-
nicated. Brothers of St. Gabriel, Province of 4.4 MONTFORTIAN ACTIION FOR TOTAL
Thailand, would receive the agenda, guidelines SUSTAINABILITY (MATS)
and procedure of study and reflection, in
view of contribution, in due time. Province of Thailand was in receipt of
the document from the Superior General:
4.2 FRATELLI TUTTI MONTFORTIAN ACTION FOR TOTAL SUS-
TAINABILITY (MATS) to implement the spirit
This document was used as theme and and inspiration of the Encyclical Laudato Si in
agenda for Brothers’ annual retreat last various contexts and ministries. Right now,
summer and integrated with the spirit of the Province has so many agenda and tasks to
the 20th Provincial Chapter. As a follow-up to manage and handle, so there is no need to rush
make use of this document for our spiritual on this project, or it would be a redundancy
nourishment in daily life as well as to inte- or double-work for us. Laudato Si directives,
grate its spirit and guidelines in our EDUCA- ecology issues and environmental protection,
TION MISSION as consecrated persons, the together with GOOD GOVERNANCE, are
Provincial Superior invites us to review this already designed as part of the Six-Year Strategic
agenda personally and with Brothers and to Master Plan of the SG Foundation.
recall practical directives to uplift our conse-
crated life and educative mission. The Provincial Superior, with the consent
of the Council, decided to appoint Bro. Arwut
4.3. Seminar on GLOBAL COMPACT ON Silaket as chairman to form an ad hoc
EDUCATION committee to work on this MATS project in
collaboration with the JPIC Commission and
Due to COVID-19 situation, the annual Commission on Education.
seminar of the Catholic Education Council,
Thailand was not organized this year. So an
NOK
38
4.5 Report and information from the 4.6 Follow-up of the regulations and manage-
Commission on Education ment of 7 funds for school operation and
the one belongs to the owner/licensee (as en
Bro. Sakda Sakonthawat, Chairman of dowment fund), as per School Charter
the Commission on Education, briefed the
assembly of the tasks and mission of the Nothing was further discussed. The
Commission, as follows: Provincial Superior just insisted the normal
operation as prescribed by School Charter
• Usage of Common Texts of the and the commitment to send in participation
Foundation in the future with review from schools for the mission and charitable
and text-updating, new company for projects of the Province/Foundation.
publication, standardization criteria
and evaluation of the outcome. 4.7 Information and follow-up of the situation
at Assumption College
• Due to COVID-19 situation, 6 projects
are cancelled, as already informed to The Provincial Superior updated the
those in-charge. situation in relation with the court-case as
appealed and prosecuted by a group of
• Briefing of the drafting of a new Six- teachers for re-claiming of pension and
Year Strategic Plan, with the term of severance pay related. The case has reached
2022 - 2028, was given to the assembly the Supreme Court. We are waiting for the
:evaluation of the previous Plan, final verdict and ready to comply with all
reference and framework and con- court-judgement. We may ask whether any
tents of a new Plan, standardization judgement to be announced soon will auto-
and quality assurance, process of matically apply to any prosecution by teach-
concerted effort of working and con- ers of other schools. It will not be so since
tributing by selected collaborators and it is related with AC situation only. School
Brothers and invited experts. Now Directors will soon meet at another forum
a new Plan is in the process of public- to learn together from the AC court-case
opinion by schools, to be finalized and lesson in accordance with civil Acts concerned
approved by the Provincial Council/ and with School Charter to be corrected and
Executive Board of the Foundation updated to safeguard us from other accusation
and to be ready for implementation in the future.
in the academic year 2022.
4.8 Decision and time-line of the transition of
• HRD plan and usage of SWIS system Assumption Commercial College
as presented by Bro. Supanun
Khantapreecha As already studied in the previous Coun-
cil meetings that despite the concerted
effort to improve the standard and situation
NOK
39
of Assumption Commercial College (ACC) in were invited to give to the assembly a brief
its declined condition, we can no longer hold report of the progress of their school man-
on to this Alma Mater. The present Provincial agement and EDUCATIVE MISSION in line
Administration had followed up the situation with operation plans and updated financial
of the school since the beginning of its man- situation, and how schools manage them-
date. Gradual decrease of students due to selves during this COVID-19 period, for teach-
slow birth-rate of Thai population, less and ing and learning methods. Each report was
less demand of commercial study at this level given through ten-minute PowerPoint presen-
in the labour-market, and very few intakes tation.
applied each year, are our concern.
5. Addenda
The second letter from the Arch-bishop
of Bangkok dated July 7, 2021 reminding the 5.1 Communication from Montfort Study Center
Foundation of the termination of the land- (MSC) for corporate effort by schools to
use permission contract and the process of propagate Montfortian spirituality and
handover of land back to the Arch-diocese for heritage: training session, an exhibition
pastoral purposes by the end of 2022, and the room, a core working-group.
meeting of the Council with the Cardinal on
August 9, 2021, obliged us to reach the deci- 5.2 Invitation to the meeting of the Confederation
sion. of Gabrielite PTAs, on Tuesday September 7,
2021, by on-line mode.
The Provincial Superior, with the consent
of the Council, decided in principle to close the 5.3 Invitation to join Montfortian session and
school definitely by taking into consideration pilgrimage to be organized for Anglophone
time-lines and steps to be taken up in the group by Central Administration in April –
coming months. The Provincial Superior as May 2022, a quota of 3 candidates is given
Chairman of the Foundation will soon meet to Province of Thailand.
with those concerned for official information
and acknowledgement. An ad hoc committee 5.4 ATK COVID test-set is necessary these
will be appointed to see to the time-lines and days. It would cost a lot if individual school
tasks to be taken as working-steps leading up orders separately for internal application.
to the official closing down. This committee A purchase-pulling system by the PDC Office
will work collaboratively with the ad hoc com- is proposed which can reduce the cost.
mittee to be appointed by the Arch-diocese for
the same purpose. 5.5 Proposals from the Commission on Finance,
especially the participation system is to be
4.9 A quarterly report from school-directors studied and adapted for the time.
Six school Directors from the north and Finally, the meeting came to an end. Brother
north-east regions, namely, MC Secondary Provincial Superior thanked all the participants
and MC Primary, ACL, ACN, ACU and ATSN, for their cooperation in sharing. He closed with
short prayers at 14.30 hrs.
NOK
40 Commissions on Progress
Commission on Implementation
and Follow up of the 20th Provincial Chapter
Reported by Bro. Phiranant Numkanisorn, Chairman of the Commission
NOK The Report on the Implementation and A need to spend more time for prayers and
Follow up of the 20th Chapter’s Resolutions. The meditation personally,
below is the overall Report on the Implementation • Be faithful.
and Follow up of the 20th Chapter’s Resolutions • By putting aside time.
which was held between 1 - 4 March 2020. This • May be reserve a special time before
Chapter was based on the ACTS of the 32nd General going to bad.
Chapter that dealt with the 5 Areas namely:
• Sacred Fire Being conscious of living modest and simple
• Formation lifestyle.
• Mission Together • Imitating our founder in living a poor
• Fraternal Living and and simple life.
• Education Mission
These are some remarks given by our brothers
According to the Survey our Brothers gener- from both Levels; at Personal Level and Commu-
ally seem doing fine in most of the Resolutions. nity, in order to strengthening our Sacred Fire in
However, there are some Resolutions that should each one of us and the Community.
hearken our more attention since they might
hamper our mission dynamism. For example, in In the Area of Fraternal Living - Regarding
the Area of Sacred related to community prayer and community exercises,
our Brothers emphasize that we need to:
Concerning community project: • Make a balance between work and
• Each Brother should consider Community spiritual life.
as means to strengthening our spiritual On Conviction 2.2 related to the Foundations
development. of our Fraternal Life at Community Level: in
• Brothers should be exemplary to one terms of for self-formation and daily offering of
another in spiritual exercises. themselves through a continued transcendence
of self in love (RL 24) the community did not give
due importance to practice this.
• Regarding showing our concern to our
Brothers we need to Following Community
Projects faithfully.
As for the Area of Formation in relation to
Conviction 1: Our Vocation, a Call and a Gift from
God at Personal Level: Our Brothers see that they
need not spare their enough time to read and
study Church Documents.
41
Some additional Suggestions on Formation at At Community Level almost all the Com-
Community Level munity are doing fine except when it comes
1) Monthly dialogue is a must to building to Finding measures to safeguards nourishing
up realization of Continued Formation the community by utilizing ICT: Brothers in
of the Brothers in the community. Community admit that they do not do enough
2) Each Bro. must take it his own respon- in this area.
sibility to strengthen one another in The Commission on Follow up of the 20th
• taking care of Catholic students Chapter’s Resolution believe that this Report
(they are very few and received little will be of use to each and individual Brother
attention) and our Province as whole to be used as guiding
• supporting our candidates by visiting information for continuing our Reflection of
them from time to time. what we are. In the Foreword to the Acts of the
32nd General Chapter, Bro. General states clearly
In the Area of Mission Together, On Con- that ‘we are inheritors of the inner fire experienced by
viction 3.2 related to Family Spirit and a Deep Montfort, as expressed in his ardent love for Jesus, the
Sense of Belonging: Brothers admit that individ- Incarnate Wisdom, tender and true devotion to Mary
ualism, egocentric tendency and arbitrary style and passionate love of the Cross 9 (cf. 1.3) Therefore it is
of management become hindrance to “Good our primary duty to kindle this Sacred Fire within, by
Governance”. our faithfulness to personal and community spiritual
exercises and dialogue (cf. 1.1.1).
At Community Level on Conviction 3.1 related We know that such an intention will
to the Mission Entrusted to Us does not Belong to never meet with success if we do not strongly
Us: Some Superiors admit that they do not make adhere ourselves to the Sacred Call that each one
a regular monitoring and evaluation with the receives. However, we all believe that with the
community on the Implementation of Montfortian help of our Lady and our true devotion to her
Educational Charter to see its progress. accompanied by sincere effort of our confrere,
our intent can be fulfilled.
In the Area of Education Mission almost
all the Convictions at Personal Level: our Brothers Therefore, allow us to submit this Report
seem doing fine except in the Conviction 5.4 with full trust in each one prudent ad sincere
related to Information and Communication consideration that this Report will be used for
Technology (ICT) and Social Media Tools Realities the betterment of Apostolic Dynamism.
of our Times, Brothers admit that they do not
spend enough time learning how to apply ICT May our good Lord, Jesus Christ together
for sharing the Good News and Catechism to with His Mother Mary always bless our sincere
create domino effect of change. effort in renewing ourselves as a committed Reli-
gious.
With love in Jesus and Mary NOK
42 Commissions on Progress
Commission on Justic and Peace
and Intergrity of Creation
Reported by Bro. Dechachai Sripicharn, Chairman of the Commission
News from JPIC Commission
One of the main characteristics of St. Louis Mary De Montfort besides living for God
alone accompanied by True Devotion to Mary is to the Poor. As Montfortian we cannot
but imitate his good example that is helping the Poor. However, we must acknowledge
our limitation of serving them since our mission mainly is in the schools.
Bearing this in mind the Province of Thailand under the Commission of Justice and
Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) seeks ways and means to collaborate with all the
Congregations whose missions directly support the poor and the needy financially. For
this semester the Commission under the leadership of Rev. Bro. Dechachai acting as
NOK
43
Chairman of the Commission accompanied by leaving their center we financed one of their
the two members, Bro. Nontacha and Bro. Bhu- projects in which in one way or another will
varindhara had paid visits to some social work help lessen the burden of their expenses.
Centers like Wild - Flower Home Foundation run
by the Sister of Good Shepherd whose mission is Next to the Wild - Flower Foundation we
as follows: went to visit Marina House Foundation run by
“Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and
Offering temporary safe shelter to mothers Mary. Their Mission is to help educate the hill-
and their young children coming from crisis for tribe children for their future career by conduct-
situations such as pregnancy out of wedlock, ing vocational education in a non-formal way.
domestic abuse, and severe poverty Providing Those hilltribe children they learn how to sew
mothers with educational and emotional support clothes, do dress making and souvenir clothing.
which will move them from crisis and poverty to Here too we really appreciated their toil and sac-
steady jobs or continuing education after leaving rifice for these least privileged children. As a sign
the Center and Ensuring each mother and child of our appreciation, we funded one of their proj-
is in a healthy, supportive community during and ects too.
subsequent to leaving the shelter.
Before ending we like to say that though our
To support their Project the Center seeks work for the Poor is not much in concrete form
their incomes on the product of their farms such as we are expected to be as Montfortian. Howev-
as growing all kinds of vegetable and mushroom er, we never forget what we are supposed to be
and farming fish and chicken. Seeing their dedi- and to do for the Poor. Certainly, we are planning
cation to the needy women we were really taken to do more and look for the opportunity of doing
up by their good work and wanted to show our so with God’s permit.
sign of appreciation to them. Therefore, before
NOK
BANGKOKBANGKOK 44
Region
Region Communities
Life and Living
• Gabrielite Provincial Community
• Assumption University Community
• Assumption College Community
• Assumption Commercial College Community
• Saint Gabriel’s College Community
• Assumption College Samut Prakan Community
• Assumption College English Program Community
• Saint Gabriel’s Scholasticate Community
NOK
Gabrielite Provincial 45
Community
Reported by Bro. Phiranant Numkanisorn
Dear Nok Readers, BANGKOK
Region
Preamble
Greetings from GPC. Hope our letter finds you in good health and
spirit amid Pandemic of COVID-19. It does not only affect the life of
people exposed to it but also alter the normal routine of our life as
well. Consequently, we need to adopt some Measures to protect our-
selves and to make our moving as it should be. So dear Brothers stay
away from Covid and move your life forward as it should be under
human prudence and God’s Graces. We therefore would like to take
this opportunity to share with how lives at GPC survive.
Situation at GPC
We at GPC are one of the million victims that are affected by the
Covid’s spreading. For example, the occupancy rate of the meeting
rooms as well as the accommodation which is the main income of
it turn almost zero. The car parking fee which is at normal situation
used to be other income bears almost nothing. How to solve the prob-
lem of incomes since there are upkeeping expenses which we have to
manage monthly for example the salary of Personnel, the water, the
electric food and so on which incur approximately two Million Baht
a month. Fortunately, through cooperation of all the concerned with
their consent and determination to help GPC sail through this terrible
situation they all decide to implement the followings:
• No increase of salary
• No position allowances and
• No overtime wages
Besides the cut of spending, they agreed to earn extra-incomes by
• The Sale of Food and Drink in front of the main gate
• The Sale of Growing ornamental Plants in various kinds and
• The Sale of importing manure and fertilizer
At the moment the business is going fine with a few thousand
baht earned monthly and able to subsidize our upkeep spending a
little bit. Though the income from these activities is not much but the
good will behind is enormous. Thank you all, the Personnel at GPC we
appreciate your contribution.
NOK
46
BANGKOK Continued Formation
Region This year GPC was privileged to welcome two
new professed Brothers, Bro. Wanwasan Sukul and
Bro. Pongpat Wanse to further their Formation in one another and our moving towards spiritual
our community for five months. The purpose was advancement. The centrality of our fraternal
to equip them with necessary practices before living is Community Project. We consider it as
they entered the assigned communities. They means to building up our fraternal communion
were supposed to stay for five months. However and its realization of Spiritual advancement by
due to some holidays intervened from time to faithfully following our activities prescribed in
time they could not complete properly our five our Community Project. The activities like joining
months Program. In this 5-month program they daily spiritual exercises; morning and evening
were assigned to study: prayer, sharing meals at table, taking part in
community dialogue, and spending leisure time
• English Proficiency course together are recognized as common in practice
• Theology in Education as GPC member. We feel that by practicing faith-
• Religious Spirituality and fully the activities prescribed in our Community
• Community experiences. Project our life seems to be meaningful and our
We believed after the 5-month Program they spirit filled.
would become equipped as a Professional Religious
ready to go anywhere suffer anything for Him and Conclusion
with Him. Before ending we believe all of you will
benefit more or less from our sharing. We
Community Living believe by living together fraternally following
Here at GPC though we are quite different our community project we can make those who
and unique in terms of ages, backgrounds, and associate to us to feel wonder and ask who are
experiences but we never consider these differ- you? What do you stand for? We will be answer:
ences as hindrance to our growth in union with “come and see”.
With this we end.
NOK
Assumption University 47
Community
Reported by Bro. Achin Tengtrakul
Dear NOK readers, BANGKOK
Region
May I give some news of AU Community for you.
Thumbs up for AU Students
On May 12, 2021, at the NIBs (Network of
International Business School) Internation-
al Virtual Conference, Assumption University
Students were announced to be the winners,
receiving the Gold Prize of -€1,000.-
The First runner-up was a team from Rotter-
dam University and the second runner-up was a
team from Washburn University, USA.
The Team of four students from AU intro-
duced the CropsJet Drones and CropsJet Seed
Bullets to promote innovativeness, sustainabili-
ty, and efficiency in agriculture practice.
CropsJet’s winning price was part of the
Team’s work for the Entrepreneurship course, in
which students were tasked to develop innova-
tive business ideas and write up a business plan.
On July 20, 2021, a group of personnel from
the Office of Administrative Affairs, Assumption
University, under the leadership of Bro. Achin
Tengtrakul went to Buddhasothorn Hospital
in Chachoensao Province to give lunch packs
to doctors and nurses on the occasion of the
74th Anniversary of the Canonization of Louis
Marie de Montfort. These doctors and nurses
have been working very hard to help patients
affected by the COVID-19 viral infections.
NOK
48
BANGKOK
Region
Commemorating the Life and Work of an Ex- Let us imitate him in his pious devotion to
emplary Gabrielite Mary our Mother and also his faithfulness to
duties given to him. Let God bless him and let
On September 8, 2021, the AU Community him have good health.
commemorated the 72nd Anniversary of the first
Religious Profession to Religious Life for Rev. Bro. Visiting a Catholic Social Work Center
Simeon (his Thai name is Anupatt Petchara-Yut- On October 9, 2021, Bro. Achin Tengtrakul,
tachai). He took his first Religious Profession on the Superior of AU Community visited the John
September 8, 1949, in France. From the records Paul II Social Center under the sponsorship of
of the 100th Anniversary of the Brothers of St. Ratchaburi Diocese, located at Chat Pawai, Suan
Gabriel in Thailand, his arrival in Thailand was Phueng in Rachaburi Province. This social center
registered on January 4, 1957. is for the Burmese pineapple workers and takes
Some of his memorable religious and ad- care of the well being of the Burmese workers
ministrative achievements worth remembering through the supervision of a Myanmar priest
include: a recognition as the Founder of Assump- and sisters.
tion College Rayong (ACR) where he was the Su- Some of us may remember that about 40
perior and Director of the school in 1963, and a years ago, our ex. Bro. Prayote Masuan did social
recognition as the Founder of Assumption Col- work with some St. Gabriel College teachers over
lege Nakorn Ratchasima (ACN) where he served there; and the piece of land with a small house
as the Superior and Director of the school in owned by him has already been returned to the
1967. He also worked as Professor at Assumption owner’s next of kin, after his death. This John
University (AU) of Thailand for many years until Paul II Center is kept very clean and tidily with
his retirement. He was bestowed the honor as
the “Professor of the Order of St. Gabriel” by the
University before his retirement.
NOK
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NOK Vol.46(May-Oct 2021)
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