New Mission in Thailand
The first four Xaverian Missionaries to begin our new mission in Thailand are now together and working hard on the study of language the culture of Thailand. (From left to right) Fr. Thiago (Brazilian Xaverian), Fr. Matteazzi (Italian Xaverian), Fr. Alex (Italian Xaverian) and Fr. Thierry (Camaroonian Xaverian) gather at the airport in Thailand. Fr. Thiago wrote a letter to our students in our theology program of Manila, Philippines of his arrival and impression…Check it ou!
Bangkok, December 23, 2012
Hi brothers! How are you? I´m fine, but I miss you, p…e confreres! After two weeks of being here in Thailand, I would like to share with you something about my first days in this wonderful land. It´s too early to say something – I know my friends – but again, I would like to share just my first impressions.
I arrived in Bangkok on Friday (07/12) at 8:30 pm. Father Alex was already waiting for me in the airport together with Fr. Matia, Fr. Thierry and the Xaverian sister Elisabetta. From the airport we went straight to our house. It is located in a place called Nonthaburi in the province of Bangkok. The place is surrounded by trees, grass and weeds – a small jungle. Therefore, it is not so difficult to understand why there are so many snakes here. Actually, when we arrived, sister Elisabetta said that there was a snake at entrance of our house in order to welcome us. I think she was joking, but according to her the snake was indeed there.
The following day (08/12) we went to visit one of the slums where the Xaverian sisters work – a very poor place. We have been there for few hours. Sister Catarina (a Xaverian Brazilian sister) asked me to teach the children some English words and in turn they taught me some Thai words: devastating! After that we went to the house of the Xaverian sisters and we celebrated together – on the day of the Immaculate Conception – our first Mass in Thailand. It was a meaningful moment, where we entrusted to the Lord our presence here and asked him the grace of witnessing his Good-Beautiful News in this country. Afterwards we had dinner together. Sister Catarina prepared churrasco (barbecue) and I helped her. I never told you but, I´m an expert in preparing barbecue hahaha…MORE>>>>>>