Bishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana Calls for Hope in 2025 Jubilee Year
As we embark on the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, Bishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Thailand’s Diocese of Chiang Mai urges Catholics to open their hearts to Jesus Christ. This transformative journey of faith began with a Mass celebrated at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral on Dec. 28, marking the start of a period of reflection, penance, and re-establishing relationships with God. The global theme for this Jubilee is ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ reminding us that hope is not passive but an active virtue that drives positive change.
During the ceremony, Bishop Arpondratana, who is also the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Bangkok, emphasized the importance of believing in Him regardless of our background or social status. Inspired by this call for hope, Sisters Sr. Thanomsri Rachpanya and Sr. Mingkwan Thaseepu from the Lovers of the Holy Cross Congregation have dedicated themselves to becoming “Pilgrims of Hope” for the children at the Ban Phonsawan Children’s Home in Chiang Mai.
Founded in 2000, the Ban Phonsawan Children’s Home provides education and shelter to children from ethnic minority communities facing poverty and educational barriers. The Sisters have taken on the mission of offering hope and care to these vulnerable children, echoing Pope Francis’ message for Jubilee 2025 to spread Christian hope in a world in need of healing and transformation.
Sr. Thanomsri shared the challenges faced by the children at the home, including abuse and trauma. Despite these obstacles, the Sisters remain committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children, offering them education and support to break the cycle of poverty.
As the Sisters continue their mission, they embody the spirit of hope and service encouraged by Pope Francis for the Jubilee year. Through their dedication, they exemplify the potential for positive change through faith and compassion.
This article was originally published on LiCAS News. All rights reserved. Unauthorized republication by third parties is not permitted.
