By THA SC

Phanom, Surat Thani, Thailand, 21 July 2019 -- Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, SDB, Bishop of Surat Thani Diocese, was the main celebrant in the Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary [1969 - 2019] of the Catholic community of Baan Thap Christ on 21 July 2019. The Mary Help of Christians Parish, in Phanom municipality, Surat Thani Province was pioneered and continues to be under the care of the Salesians. At present Fr. Terry Tapay, SDB, is the parish priest. Before the feast proper there was the spiritual preparation of the faithful, where priests and religious sisters visited every family. There was group celebration of the Holy Mass according to clusters of the village. Aside from this, on the morning of 21 July 2019, the pastoral council together with the local government with the cooperation of the village head and many volunteers organized the "Thap Christ Mini-Marathon" which started at 06.00 hrs, and passed through the streets and alleys of the village. There were more than 1,600 participants.

History of Moo Baan Thap Christ, Phanom Municipality, Surat Thani Province

Since the Christian population in Baan Saeng Arun was increasing and the land was not enough for the new generation there was the need to look for a new settlement. Bishop Pietro Caretto, SDB, requested from the government an area of 5000 rai or 500 acres of land located in Tonyuan Phanom. The government granted this request on 29 December 1969. The first batch of Catholics came from our Lady of Fatima Church Saeng Arun under the leadership of Fr. Delfino Crespi, SDB, who celebrated the first mass in a small church on 23 January 1970. Together with Fr. Pietro Jellici, SDB, small houses were built out of bamboo and cogon grass as the roof. Since 1970 many others came to settle in area of 25 rai or 5 acres per family. Life in the beginning was very difficult. They had to build roads and bridges to be able to connect to the main road 17 kilometers away and to market their agricultural products mostly vegetables and fruits. Amidst difficulties and problems Fr. Crespi inculcated in the hearts of the people a strong faith, trust and devotion to Mary Help of Christians.

Together let us be grateful to God who allowed the Salesian missionaries to pioneer and lay the foundation of this Catholic village. Let us pray that this village may grow and may have a strong faith every breath of their lives.

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