Message
Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio
Dear Brother in the Episcopate Joseph Sangval Surasarang, I join the priests, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Chiang Mai and of the Church in Thailand, in expressing to You my sincere thanks and those of the Hoy See for your long Episcopal Ministry that you have carried out by guiding “the portion of people of God” in Chiang Mai, with the joy and the enthusiasm that distinguished your personality. It is significant that the passing of the baton to your successor, Msgr. Francis Xavier Vira, takes place on the Feast day dedicated to St. Joseph, the Worker. On one hand, a feast is very dear to you, being St. Joseph your patron Saint, on the other hand, it underlines the greatness of St. Joseph, as the Patron of the Church, the ‘just’ man, who through his silent obedience collaborated completely to the plan of salvation. Let us raise together with you, dear Brother Bishop Joseph Sangval, hymns of thanksgiving to the Lord for the many graces that through you, His humble instrument, bestowed abundantly upon the Church in Chiang Mai. During the past 22 years of your Episcopal Ministry, the local Church was not only reinforced in the faith but also witnessed a steady growth of many catholic communities. Dear Brother Joseph Sangval, as a sign of gratitude for your praiseworthy services as the Bishop of Chiang Mai, I convey to you wholeheartedly the Apostolic Blessing of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI Wish fraternal best wishes, I remain,. Your affectionately in Jesus and Mary, + Salvatore Pennacchio Apostolic Nuncio Given in Bangkok, at the Apostolic Nunciature, on 5th April 2009 Palm Sunday of the Lord ’ s Passion.
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8/4/2552 13:01:52