On Sunday, December 8, the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Bangkok, Thailand, marked its 350th anniversary, celebrating its founding in 1674. Established during the “Ayutthaya” era, the parish has stood as a testament to the enduring faith of Portuguese Catholic settlers and their descendants, making it the oldest Catholic parish in Bangkok.
The milestone Eucharistic celebration was presided over by newly ordained Bishop Paul Trairong Multree who was invited from Surat Thani Diocese in southern Thailand (in the absence of the new Bishop of Bangkok after the retirement of Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, Archbishop of Bangkok, early this year).
Reflecting on the parish’s legacy, Bishop Paul remarked, “It must be the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary who intercedes for me to be here among you. This is a wonderful gesture to celebrate the faith rooted in this parish for centuries and to thank God and all the people through the ages who have sustained it.”
A Legacy of Faith and Community
The history of the Church of the Immaculate Conception dates back to 1674 when King Narai granted a plot of land along the Chao Phraya river (which now flows through modern day capital of Thailand, Bangkok) to Portuguese settlers. They built a small chapel, which became a spiritual and cultural center for the community.
Over the centuries, the church was rebuilt several times, with its current structure dating back to 1847, constructed under the guidance of French missionary Monsignor Pallegoix from the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP).
The parish’s history intertwines with that of refugees and migrants. In 1785, during King Rama I’s reign, the church provided refuge to about 500 Cambodian migrants fleeing civil unrest in their homeland.
The contributions of these refugees were instrumental in rebuilding the church, earning it the local nickname “Wat Ban Khamen” or “Cambodian Village Church.”
A Celebration of Heritage
Fr. John Bosco Vichit Saengharn, the parish pastor, highlighted the anniversary as a moment to honor both the past and the future. “What we celebrate today is the fidelity of this family of God to the mission of the Church. Today, we honor our ancestors’ legacy and commit ourselves to passing on the faith as they did,” he said.
Joining the celebration were Fr. Brice Testu, MEP, Regional Superior for Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, and Portuguese Ambassador to Thailand Luís Manuel de Magalhães de Albuquerque Veloso, who paid tribute to the first Portuguese settlers who helped established the church.
A Close-Knit Community
Despite its location in a bustling, historic part of Bangkok with narrow streets and densely packed houses, the parish remains a peaceful sanctuary along the riverbank. Parishioners described the anniversary as a time of reflection and gratitude.
“We are a very close community. We look out for one another and take care of one another,” said one parishioner. Another added, “It’s amazing. I’m glad I was part of it.”
The Bangkok Archdiocese, still awaiting the appointment of a new bishop following Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij’s retirement earlier this year, continues to oversee this historic parish as it embarks on its next chapter of faith and service.
The Journey Ahead
As the Church of the Immaculate Conception celebrates 350 years, it not only honors its rich history but also looks forward to the future.
Rooted in tradition and bolstered by its vibrant community, the parish remains a beacon of faith in the heart of Bangkok, standing as a reminder of the enduring power of belief and the connections it fosters across generations.
