By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai
BANGKOK, Thailand – Six Thai Catholics were formally invested with papal honors for their long-standing service to the Church and society at the Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok on Nov 30.
The investiture was conducted on behalf of Pope Leo XIV by Archbishop Peter Brian Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, with Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, concelebrating the Mass.
Addressing the congregation at the conclusion of the liturgy, Archbishop Wells said the ceremony recognized “faithful sons and daughters of the Church” whose dedication has borne quiet but enduring fruit.
“These awards are visible signs of the Holy Father’s affection and gratitude,” he said. “For many years, you have lived the words engraved on the cross, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice – for the Church and for the Pontiff – with a love that was often hidden, always demanding, and consistently generous.”
Two recipients – Rev Mother Myriam Kitcharoen, SPC, a former superior general of the Sisters of St Paul de Chartres, and Sr Agnes Boonraksa Sritrakul, SPC, the congregation’s provincial superior – were awarded the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, the highest papal honor that may be bestowed upon religious and clergy for distinguished service to the Church.
Four others were invested into the Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great. Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul was named Dame Commander, the highest rank of the order for laypeople.
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