The Thai Catholic community and their friends came together in a grand celebration at Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University, in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, to mark two significant milestones in the life of Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu.
The event, “Beautiful Moments Concert,” commemorated the 50th anniversary of Cardinal Kitbunchu’s appointment to the College of Cardinals and his 40th anniversary as a bishop.
The concert, which was held on Saturday night, brought together approximately 2,000 attendees who filled the Prince Mahidol Hall to capacity.
The highlight of the evening was a specially commissioned musical performance, featuring renowned Thai rock and pop stars, accompanied by the Thailand Philharmonic Pops Orchestra.
The concert’s performances left the audience in awe as they paid tribute to Cardinal Kitbunchu’s remarkable journey in the Catholic Church.
Following the musical performance, the Thai Catholic Media Awards ceremony took place, with Cardinal Kitbunchu himself presenting trophies to winners.
One of the prestigious categories included the Catholic Media Honour Award for lifetime achievement.
This year’s award was jointly bestowed upon two distinguished individuals, Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, Ph.D., President of Assumption University, and Dr. Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, Chairperson of the Catholic Education Council of Thailand and a founding member of LiCAS News.
Their contributions to the media industry have not only enriched the Catholic community but have also had a profound impact on Thai society as a whole.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a prominent Catholic philanthropist and a member of the International Olympic Committee, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the entire event.
Leading an organizing committee of 24 dedicated individuals, she spent several months coordinating the celebration, all under the theme of Cardinal Kitbunchu’s personal motto, “Per Crucem Ad Lucem” or “Through the cross to the light.”
The event was managed by the Catholic Social Communications of Thailand (CSCT), led by its director, Fr. Anucha Chaiyadej, who also contributed by composing lyrics for many of the musical pieces performed.
In attendance at the event were several Thai bishops, along with the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells, who added a significant spiritual dimension to the celebration.
The “Beautiful Moments Concert” was not only a musical extravaganza but also a heartfelt tribute to Cardinal Michael Michai Kitbunchu’s unwavering dedication to the Catholic Church and his remarkable contributions to society.
It was a night filled with music, recognition, and a strong sense of community as attendees came together to celebrate these remarkable milestones in the life of a beloved figure.
Photos by Catholic Social Communications of Thailand and LiCAS.news
