Besides celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Thai-Lao Delegation has celebrated, together with the rest of the Oblate Congregation, the 200th anniversary of our founding. On November 19, 2016, the members of the Delegation gathered at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Din Daeng, Bangkok, to thank God for his unending graciousness to the delegation. The event was highlighted by the celebration of the 50th anniversary of religious profession of Fr. Pricha THAMNIYOM and Bro. Bernard WIRTH; as well as the 25th anniversary of priesthood of Fr. Claudio BERTUCCIO.
Presiding at the Mass was Bishop Phibul Wisitnonthachai of the Diocese of Nakhorn Sawan. Also concelebrating were Archbishop Paul Tschang In-Nam, the Papal Nuncio to Thailand; Fr. Gerry DE LOS REYES, the Delegation Superior; Fr. Lauro DE GUIA, the Provincial of the Province of the Philippines; and about 30 priests from various religious communities, dioceses and the Oblate members of the Delegation.
Before the final blessing, Bishop Phibul delivered a message to the Oblates, encouraging them to continue giving witness to the poor by their example. He emphasized the service the Oblates are providing in their ministry to the Hmong people in his diocese. He asked them to continue their commitment to this work.
