I live in a Church and country very different from my own. I do not know any Thai Catholics who would appreciate the importance of St Patrick's Day and all that goes with it for people raised in a Church and culture so strongly influenced by the Irish. Nor would I expect them to appreciate the importance of the Irish connection and influence for a people and Church far from their own sphere of influence. Still we are all part of the same universal Church, while coming from many different cultures and heritages. This is the beauty of the Church.
Tradition or legend gives St Patrick the honour of being the sole person responsible for the conversion of Ireland all way back then. What I like about the story is the simplicity shown in his teaching. Legend has it that he took the three leafed shamrock and used it as a symbol to teach the people about
In the same week as St Patrick's Day when we remember a skilled and committed missionary devoted to a new land, the Thai Church had its annual reception to honour another great man of the Church, Pope Francis. They do it with great pomp and circumstance here, going to a five star hotel to show off the institutuion triumphant to Thailand. This is true Thai style. This is a totally different way and not the way of a simple and true missionary spirit like St Patrick who was able to reinvigorate a land and its people.
As I remember Pope Francis this week with all the grand celebrations around in honour of him, I have just sat with his challenge to us - Be the Church of the poor for the poor.
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