Leaders and writers in Thailand gathered over a cup of coffee brewed by women rebuilding their lives during the launch of a book documenting 25 years of the Women’s Section of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand.
The launch of the book titled “Look, My Lady!”, held at a Catholic bookstore in Bangkok, was co-organized by the Catholic Committee for Social Development’s Women’s Section and Catholic Social Communication Thailand. Dozens attended in person, while hundreds more joined online.
The publication serves as both a historical record and a narrative mosaic, capturing a quarter-century of ministry, social empowerment, and grassroots advocacy across Thailand’s 11 dioceses and the Thai Catholic Women’s Association.
A Heritage Rooted in Care and Truth
Opening the gathering, Dr. Chantana Ungchusak, director of the CBCT Women’s Section, highlighted the milestone publication’s dual mission: to preserve the department’s legacy and amplify the voices of women driving quiet reform across Thai society.
Photo by CSCT
The publication combines magisterial reflection with narrative storytelling. Along with foundational letters from St. John Paul II praising the distinct genius and inherent dignity of women, the core of “Look, My Lady!” rests on immersive accounts from the field.
Catholic writers were invited to listen directly to women’s groups in local communities and retell their stories through short stories, features, documentaries, and essays.
“This is not just a record of activities,” Dr. Chantana said. “It is a historical testimony to how Catholic women have quietly transformed families, villages, and society.”
CSCT Executive Director Father Joseph Anucha Chaiyadej, who also hosted the program, explained the spiritual origins of the book’s title. Drawn from the Eighth Station of the Cross, in which Jesus offers comfort to the women of Jerusalem, the title serves as a gentle pastoral mandate.
“The intention was to use this title to encourage women who selflessly spend their lives caring for others to also pause, take care of themselves, and recognize their immense value,” Father Anucha said.
Literary Reflections from the Field
During a panel discussion, contributing authors shared how immersion in communities reshaped their understanding of social ministry and the craft of writing.
Cultural realism: Writer Kesanee Thaisonti, who chronicled work in the dioceses of Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima, emphasized the importance of cultural accuracy. By incorporating local Karen and Isaan dialects, she sought to present realistic, multidimensional portrayals of marginalized women confronting systemic hardship.
Bearing witness: Author Narongrit Yongchindarat, who writes under the pen name Pakarang, reflected on his coverage of the dioceses of Chanthaburi and Chiang Rai. Recounting the plight of children raised behind bars and the rescue of Indigenous women from human trafficking networks, he said fieldwork instills profound humility.
“It makes a writer feel that ink on paper is small compared to the physical and emotional burdens borne by those serving on the front lines,” he said.
Blending truth and narrative: Father Anucha, who also contributed chapters on the Archdiocese of Thare and Nonseng and the Thai Catholic Women’s Association, discussed combining rigorous reporting with empathetic storytelling to convey the emotional realities of social work.
Historical courage: Dr. Kamnuan Ungchusak summarized the 25-year history of the Women’s Section, particularly its work in the Archdiocese of Bangkok. He cited Pope Francis’ acknowledgments of the Church’s historical shortcomings as an inspiration for continuing renewal.
Intergenerational inspiration: Writer Woraphot Singha, who covered the dioceses of Ratchaburi, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani, spoke about how the quiet sacrifices of pioneering generations continue to inspire young social workers.
Photo by CSCT
The gathering’s atmosphere reflected its message of care. Coffee was served by former inmates rebuilding their lives after incarceration. The beans came from Bruno Coffee, a social enterprise in Lampang province within the Diocese of Chiang Mai.
Founded by Italian Fidei Donum missionaries serving at Mary Queen of Peace Parish in the Chiang Mai Diocese, Bruno Coffee has won a gold medal at an international competition in Italy.
Its profits fund scholarships for hill tribe children, sustainable farming training for villagers and community development in remote areas of northern Thailand.
As the launch concluded, readers and attendees offered tributes to the book’s central message.
Several said “Look, My Lady!” avoids grandstanding and instead celebrates small, persistent acts of love.
Like blades of grass that quietly cover and stabilize the earth, the unseen dedication of Catholic women across Thailand continues to sustain families, uplift communities and transform society from the ground up.
