Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) - With joy and enthusiasm Catholics in the diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima participated in the Ordination Mass of the new Bishop on February 10. Bishop Joseph Chusak was ordained by his predecessor, emeritus Bishop Joachim Phayao Manisap, with Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio Apostolic nuncio in Thailand and Bishop George Yod Phimphisan of the diocese of Udon Thani, also president of the Bishops’ Conference of Thailand.
The Ordination of the new Bishop was welcomed by the local Catholic community, the Cathedral was filled to capacity with numerous priests and religious and about 3,000 lay people.
Addressing those present Archbishop Pennacchio encouraged them to collaborate with the new Bishop, each according to his or her state of life, to accomplish God’s plan for the diocese. He said he hoped diocesan activities, initiatives and events of diocesan pastoral would take inspiration from the motto Ad Gloriam Dei chosen by the new Bishop. The assembly prayed intensely for the new Bishop who thanked everyone present, asked his people to pray for him and entrusted his new ministry to God.
The diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima in north east Thailand has a population of 5.2 million of whom 5,500 are Catholics. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/2/2007 parole 24 righe 232)
