By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, Thailand
ST Joseph Seminary of the Archdiocese of Bangkok marked its 60th anniversary on Mar 16 with a Mass attended by clergy, religious, seminarians, alumni, and laypeople from across Thailand.
The institution was established in 1964, continuing a Catholic presence in Thailand that dates back more than 350 years, beginning with the arrival of French missionary Bishop Lambert de la Motte.
Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok, an alumnus of the seminary, presided over the celebration.
In his homily, he said, “Since its founding six decades ago, St. Joseph Seminary has been a vital center for spiritual and academic formation, producing hundreds of priests and several bishops who have strengthened the Catholic Church in Thailand.”
Cardinals Michael Michai Kitbunchu and Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, both retired Archbishops of Bangkok, were among the attendees.
Cardinal Kitbunchu, a former director of the seminary, recalled its early years. “Before this seminary, we had one in Sriracha, east of Bangkok,” he said. “When the Diocese of Chanthaburi was established, we handed it over to the new diocese and built this one.”
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