Generous donations make life easier for residents
Suchada Tupchai
Father Giovanni Contarin, Camillian Center director,
joined Pattaya’s Sikh community at the Sikh temple for religious
services in which he accepted a donation of food and goods on behalf of
the center.
Amrik
Singh Kalra, leader of Pattaya’s Sikh community, expresses his and his
community’s wishes to help children in need.
Amrik Singh, Sikh community chairman, and members from
the government and private sector donated rice, noodles, clothes and white
goods to the center after learning that it was in need. It was also part
of their tribute to HM Queen during her 6th cycle birthday celebrations.
Funds were raised through various activities and are
specifically targeted at helping Camillian Center residents to live more
comfortably. Activities such as this are well etched in the Sikh
community’s efforts to help society and a total of over 20,000 baht was
raised.
Father
Giovanni Contarin said, “I am happy to be here (at the Sikh temple) and
join in the services. Whatever the religion, the aim is to help our fellow
man.”
Father Giovanni also brought the center’s children, many born HIV
positive, to the Sikh temple in South Pattaya. “I thank you for your
generosity; it has been a wonderful experience. The Camillian Center
receives a great deal of support but there is always something that is
needed. I am happy to be here (at the Sikh temple) and join in the
services. Whatever the religion, the aim is to help our fellow man and
take responsibility in educating and preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS
to others,” said Father Giovanni.
Father
Giovanni Contarin enjoys talking with some of the center’s children.
Father
Giovanni Contarin, Camillian Center director, listens intently as
religious ceremonies take place inside the Sikh temple.
Amrik
Singh and committee members hand over their donation to Father Giovanni
Contarin.
Amrik
Singh Kalra, leader of Pattaya’s Sikh community, Father Giovanni
Contarin, Camillian Center director, members of the Sikh community and
children take a moment to say thanks.
Community gathers to honor Pattaya’s legendary priest
Father
Bunchong Chaiyara, Redemptorist Center director, led the ceremony to
remember Father Ray.
Suchada Tupchai
Pattaya’s community and 700-plus children and adults
from the Pattaya Orphanage and Redemptorist Center for the Disabled
converged on the Redemptorist Vocational College for the Disabled to
remember the man who helped thousands during his lifetime - Father Ray
Brennan, who passed away on August 16, 2003 in a Bangkok Hospital.
A ceremony led by Father Bunchong Chaiyara,
Redemptorist Center director, was held at 10 a.m. on August 16. Local,
regional and national dignitaries attending the ceremonies also paid
homage to the memory of Father Ray who founded the Pattaya Orphanage and
its five other projects.
Suporntham Mongkolsawat, principle of the Vocational
College for the Disabled and Pattaya Redemptorist Foundation secretary
spoke of the development that Father Ray pioneered in Thailand for the
benefit of the disabled community. “The disabled and the underprivileged
are here today to remember a great man. Father Ray passed away on August
16, 2003 and all of us in the Redemptorist Center for the Disabled and the
vocational college, Pattaya Orphanage as well as the other centers are
indebted to Father Ray’s love, kindness and foresight in achieving
independence in society. On the anniversary of his passing we honor his
memory, carry out his work and commit ourselves to the development of the
disabled here in Pattaya,” Suporntham said.
The
young Father Ray
The ceremonies also included merit making or ‘Tak
Baht’ early in the morning, activities designed to proudly display
skills by the disabled and products from the projects. Blood donations
were also given to the Red Cross.
Prof. Viriya Narmsiripongphan, prime ministerial
advisor for disabled affairs was present during the proceedings,
acknowledging the good father.
In the evening a special mass was held at the St. Nikolaus Church where
emotions ran high when the congregation sang hymns and a chorus of the
“Unsung Hero”.
Holy
communion was celebrated in Father Ray’s honor.
Over
700 children and adults from the Pattaya Orphanage and Redemptorist Center
attended the ceremony.
It was
an emotional night for all who attended.
The
gathered mass watched a bittersweet presentation about Father Ray.
Emotions
ran high when the congregation sang hymns and a chorus of the “Unsung
Hero”.
