Gathering of Religious of the Diocese of Udon Thani

February 1st 2011 all religious from the Diocese of Udon Thani, Thailand gathered together in Nong Bua Lamphu - hosted by the SVD (Divine Word Missionaries). The Diocese covers a wide area comprised of 5 Provinces, Udon Thani (Diocese Headquarters), Khon Kaen, Nong Khai on the boarder with Laos, Loei and Nong Bua Lamphu. The day began with the celebration of Mass and renewal of vows as a group. In the Diocese there are 16 different religious groups of nuns, priests and brothers as well as the local Diocesan priests. While many of the religious gather together after Christmas this special day has taken place so that everyone could become more familiar with each other. The day was a great success and enjoyed by everyone.

After Mass everyone gathered together for a meal at our Sala. The meal was prepared by the people of the Thabom parish. In the Diocese there are 16 different religious groups - the most of any Diocese other than Bangkok.

One of the Vietnemese workers from St. Michael's parish and one of the youth dress in traditional Vietnemese attire.

Celebration of Mass in St. Michael's Church, Nong Bua Lamphu.

Group of Philippina nuns entertaining during the meal. In the Diocese are two groups of Dominican nuns - above is one of the Dominican "Singing Nuns", along with Sisters of Mother Teresa and Augustinian Nuns.

About 65 priests, nuns and brothers enjoying their meal. More nuns than priests and brothers. Altogether 16 different religious groups working in the Diocese of Udon Thani.

Above some of the SVD's eating along with the Bishop. Brother Ron has been cut off the picture (sorry), Brother Bernd and our guest from Australia returning to Germany is Brother Herman. The SVD's are the only religious group to have Brothers working in the Udon Thani and many other Diocese's in Thailand.

Father Anthony, SVD as Master of Ceremonies for the day with the Sisters of Mother Teresa giving their introduction and entertaining with a song. The Missionary Sisters of Mother Teresa are looking after the HIV children at Mother of Teresa Children's Home in Nong Bua Lamphu. Once the children become teenagers they are received at Ban Mae Marie under the care of the Divine Word Missionaries.

Vietnemese religious introduction and entertainment along with two SVD's, Fr. Truc and Anthony. Fr. Anthony and Truc celebrate a Mass once a month in Udon Thani for the Vietnemese people living and working there along with Fr. John Tabor, an American Diocesan priest who had worked in Vietnam previously.

Fr. Paul Nathan, CSsR (Redemptorist). Fr. Paul was very helpful in the beginning when the SVD arrived in the Diocese helping us to get funding toward the building of St. Michael's church and very supportive in many ways.