Thailand - Balaa

On February 12 the new Church of Balaa was blessed. The Bishop was welcomed by the people at 9.30 on the bridge on the river Maetam and then escorted to the village at the sound of gongs and drums.

A little party, a moment of relaxation and then the celebration in the church for the blessing of a statue of our Lady of Lourdes. Then the Bishop Mons Francis Xavier Veera Arponratana presided the consecration mass. Fr Luzzi, Fr. Tidkham, Fr Hiran, Fr Thongchai, Diocesan priest, Fr Ning, Camillian father, Fr. Pornchai and Fr. Pensa were also present at the concelebration. The people present were mainly from Balaa; the celebration was simple but well attended. Some people from the Akha tribes and some from afar, were present and took part with devotion in the mass which was celebrated in Thai language with the readings in Akha language.<br />It was a joyful celebration which was an expression of the deep unity of the village. People prepared everything with care and generosity.<br />The painting, inside the church, was made by one of our scholastics Br Thinakorn.<br /><br />