Bangkok, Thailand, Aug 13, 2013 / 03:18 am
Catholics in Thailand are joining in prayer to celebrate the 81st birthday of Queen Sirikit, respected throughout the country for her various charitable efforts.
Special prayers, programs and Masses are planned for Aug. 12, the queen's birthday, which is celebrated as both a national holiday and Mother's Day in the country.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Thailand issued a special announcement asking every parish in Thailand to mark the celebration and offer prayers in the queen's honor.
Thai Catholics gathered at the Sanam Luang public square in Bangkok for an inter-religious prayer session for the queen.