By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai
THAILAND – In the mountainous regions of northern Thailand, summer marks not just a school break but a time of deep spiritual formation for thousands of Catholic children from hill tribe communities.
Across 20 parishes in the Diocese of Chiang Rai, young participants are attending intensive catechism camps aimed at preparing them for Baptism and First Holy Communion.
“This summer, we have 2,340 children attending catechism classes in 20 parishes,” said Bishop Joseph Vutthilert Haelom, who oversees the northernmost diocese in Thailand. “In our diocese, the number of young children preparing for these sacraments remains fairly consistent each year.”
In a predominantly Buddhist country where Catholics make up less than one percent of the population, the Catholic Church continues to explore new ways to nurture the faith of its members—particularly those in remote areas who have limited access to Catholic education.
While some Catholic schools incorporate catechism into their academic curriculum, many children living in distant villages cannot attend regular religious instruction during the year.
To address this, the Church organizes summer catechism camps that offer a concentrated period of learning and community life.
Continue reading in LiCAS.news.
