Notices from the General Council

From above on the left and clockwise: church of Phayao, community of Sampran & Study houses (Ban Betharram, Ban Garicoits), community of Maepon, church of Huay Tong, community of Chiang Mai, community of Ban Pong

In the meeting of May 5th of the General Council, the Superior General, with his Council, approved the reorganisation of the Vicariate of Thailand into 6 communities and the appointment of the respective community superiors, in response to the request of Fr. Austin Hughes, Regional Superior of the Region Saint Mary of Jesus Crucified, and his Council.

Community of Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai, MaeTaWar) | Superior: Fr. Hiran Thomas Klinbuakaew
Community of Maepon (Maepon, Chomthong) | Superior: Fr. Suthon Khiriwathanasakun
Community of Huay Tong | Superior: Fr. Chokdee Damronganurak
Community of Ban Pong (Ban Pong & Huay Bong) | Superior: Fr. Chan John Kunu
Community of Phayao | Superior: Fr. Arun John Baptist Kano
Community of Sampran (Ban Betharram & Ban Garicoïts) | Superior: Fr. Phairote Peter Notchachawan

In order to foster the creation of vibrant and fraternal communities, the General Chapter 2011 emphasised on the role of the community superior by defining a new style of animation and authority. It is written in the Acts of the General Chapter 2011, p. 62:

« We experienced in the chapter a true sharing and communion in the spirit. This awakened in us the desire for a new style of life in the communities of the Congregation based on dialogue, listening, acceptance of differences, the joint seeking of the will of God. (Cf. RL 96)
We have also noted some situations of risk for communities: community meetings abandoned because the needs of the apostolate or choices of mission that lead to dispersal...
[70] The General Chapter asks every community superior to take seriously the responsibility confided to him. Each religious must take his own responsibility seriously.
It is given to the Superior above all, to be a witness to and proponent of fraternal life. The Rule of Life strongly underlines this. (RL 175ff, 279ff). A strong presence is demanded of him so that he can be bold enough to give life to the commnunity project, accompany each one of the religious in his community and live his responsibility as a service. »

In their search for a greater focus on religious community life, made possible thanks to a greater number of religious, for giving a boost to the future of the mission works and guarantee a more faithful testimony to the style of Betharramite life on the formation houses, we wish a fruitful and joyful minister to the community superiors and to all our brethren in Thailand. Always ahead!