It is a fine and beautiful morning, September 24, 2007 and the whole Marist Mission Ranong Team is waiting for Bishop Joseph Prattan of Surathani Diocese to arrive at our Center. Today is the blessing of the MMR Center. It is a happy coincidence that this day is also the memorial of the approval of the Society of Mary by the Holy See in 1836. Like the early Marists who were eager to take up the challenge of the Pacific mission, the whole MMR team are eager to present themselves to the public and to take up the challenge of the mission here in Ranong.

At ten o’clock, Bishop Joseph arrived in the company of some priests of the diocese. Fr. John Larsen welcomes them. A few minutes later, other visitors and guests arrive, namely: the Stigmatine Fathers; staff members of Caritas Italy, the National Commission for Migration (NCCM), World Vision, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM); the Camillian Fathers; the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; some parishioners and friends. The children from different Burmese Learning Centers also come, making the Center livelier. Adding to our happiness is the fact that government officials, lead by Mr. Moncol (head of Human Security and Social Resources Department of Ranong) have also come for the occasion. We are lucky enough to have them all fit into our welcoming Center.           

Mr. Ronald Lida, the director of the Center, gives his welcome message to all who came for the celebration. He is delighted to see such great participation and support from the people who help the migrant labourers here in Thailand. His message is followed by a beautiful Burmese native dance by the Burmese students. They also sing songs that reflect their situations here as migrants.

Fr. John gives a brief report about MMR and what we have done so far in responding to the needs here in Ranong. It is translated into Thai and Burmese for our visitors to understand.

Bishop Joseph also gives an inspirational message to all of us. He wants us to be more grounded in faith in our Lord and to help the needy. He wants us to work together and use each others resources for the greater glory of God. Then the moment of blessing comes. The people join in prayer (Catholics and Buddhist alike). To close the celebration the Bishop blesses the people. Refreshments follow.

We are very grateful to those of you who support our mission and have made this day possible.