In the shadow of a newly imposed curfew and a surge in insurgent violence, a Catholic community gathered at the southernmost edge of Thailand on Saturday to celebrate the “Community of Faith” and venerate the relics of Saint Francis.
The gathering at St. Monica’s Church in Sungai Kolok District, near the Thai-Malaysian border, brought together Catholics from both countries.
Joining the local parish was a delegation of 20 pilgrims from Our Lady of Fatima Church in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia, led by Sister Angela of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM).
The celebration took place amid heightened tensions across Thailand’s Deep South.
Following 25 coordinated bomb and arson attacks across 13 districts in three border provinces on Saturday evening, Maj. Gen. Yodawut Phuengphak, commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, declared a curfew under the Martial Law Act of 1914.
The measure restricted movement from 10:15 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday to allow security forces to maintain public safety and prevent further casualties.
Catholics gathered for a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Paulo Trairong Multree of the Diocese of Surat Thani.
Concelebrating were Auxiliary Bishop Fr. Amornkit Promphakdee, Assistant Bishop for Missionary Affairs Fr. Sittichok Saengkan, and parish priest Fr. Suksan Chaopaknam of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Religious sisters from the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Good Shepherd congregations also attended.
“Jesus did not promise an easy life but challenged us to bear the cross and follow Him. Even in the face of difficulties, we must persevere,” Bishop Trairong said.
In his homily, Trairong drew from the lives of Saint Monica and Saint Augustine, urging Catholics living as a minority in the region to persevere in prayer.
Citing Saint Monica’s 30 years of prayer for the conversion of her son, the bishop urged the community not to lose hope despite misunderstandings and pressures.
He also said Christian faith cannot be transmitted through intellectual instruction alone. Drawing on Saint Ambrose’s mentorship of Augustine, he said Gospel values such as love and forgiveness must be shown through one’s way of life.
The liturgy concluded with the veneration of the relics of Saint Francis, with the bishop leading the congregation in prayer and granting an indulgence.
St. Monica’s Church in Sungai Kolok and St. Augustine’s Church in Sukhirin remain under the pastoral care of the Salesians of Thailand.
