By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, Thailand
THAILAND – The Catholic Church in Thailand took a significant step on Jan. 12 in its journey toward the canonization of eight martyrs whose lives of heroic faith have inspired generations.
Before the Eucharistic celebration commemorating the Feast of Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kritbamrung in Samphran, west of Bangkok, the Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells, presented relics of the eight martyrs to Archbishop-elect Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bangkok and to six bishops and representatives from its suffragan dioceses: Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Surat Thani.
The ceremony followed a similar event held on Dec. 14, 2024, at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Martyrs of Thailand in Songkhon, where reliquaries were presented to Archbishop Anthony Weradet Chaiseri of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tharae-Nongseng and its three suffragan dioceses: Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The relics, encased in newly crafted reliquaries, symbolize the unity of these eight martyrs, who lived and died for their faith during a time of persecution in the mid-20th century.
In his homily, Archbishop Wells highlighted the martyrs’ courage, saying, “They were baptized into Christ first in water and then in blood.”
He challenged the faithful to draw inspiration from their sacrifices and to live out their baptismal promises with conviction.
Continue reading in LiCAS.news.
