Thailand – Formation visit for the Montfortian Associates

This Montfortian educational trip between 17-19 January 2022 to Xavier Learning Center in Chiangrai and to Montfort Secondary School Chiangmai for the twofold purposes:

1. To learn from the Jesuit the way they think and run their institute;
2. To gain partnership and cooperation for future Montfortian activities with Montfort School.

We arrived safely at XLC at 21.00 p.m. with a warm welcome by the Superior of the Community FR. Thomas S.J., and his assistant. They led us to the place where we would stay overnight and told us about the Program tomorrow.

The next day we started our day with Mass with the students which are from the hilltribes areas around the Northern Provinces of Thailand. They are altogether 80 in number and receive free quality education from the Jesuit. Three conditions are laid for admitting them:

• They must be from the poor family
• With determination to succeed and
• The Intent to work for the betterment of their society

At 08.30 a.m. we had the meeting for Orientation and discussion. It lasted for two hours followed by the visit of the buildings and surrounding. At noon we left for Montfort school. It took four hours to reach there. On the way we had our own dinner so that when we would not create any trouble when we reached there.

Next morning, we started our new day with Mass at the Bishop House nearby led by Bro. Director of the Scholl, Bro. Surakit.   We then went to the school to have our breakfast followed by visiting the compound. We had meeting with the Teachers-Students who are involved in Montfortian Movement at 08.30 a.m. The meeting as usual greeted by Bro. Surakit, the Director followed by brief introduction of the purpose of this visit by Bro. Phiranant. Then the meeting proper began with an invocation of the Holy Spirit and Marian Prayer led by SG student. The meeting went on smoothly in an atmosphere of active participation and discussion. The meeting ended at 11.30 a.m. with real establishment of friendship and partnership to join hands in moving together towards the greater spreading of Montfortian Charism for the Glory of God.

We left Montfort school at 12.30 a.m. with our heart filled with joy for the warm welcome offered by the school and collaborative effort that we will receive in the future.

Bro. Nicholas Numkanisorn