Chanthaburi, Thailand, Jun 29, 2016 / 05:54 am
Hundreds of sick and physically challenged people marked the Catholic Church's Year of Mercy in Thailand with a special procession through the Holy Door of the cathedral in the Diocese of Chanthaburi.
"As human persons our lives have limitations of sin. Some of our other physical limitations are illnesses, disabilities due to accidents and old age, for we are weak," said Bishop Silvio Siripong Charatsri of Chanthaburi. "God helps us to look beyond our limitations, and the mercy of God will fill us with joy and grace in what we are lacking."
Presiding at the Mass, Bishop Silvio in his homily encouraged the faithful with the theme from St. Paul: "When I am weak I am strong."
Hundreds of sick people, those with physical disabilities, orphaned children and aged persons came from the many parishes of the diocese to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for the June 12 event. The diocese is in the southeastern province of Chanthaburi, about 135 miles from Bangkok.
The jubilee opened with a symposium featuring testimonies and experiences from various persons with physical disabilities, who face challenges in life and gave witness to others.