The Pastoral Ministry for the Deaf of Chanthaburi Diocese marked the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23 with a retreat, reflections, and renewed plans to strengthen pastoral care for the Catholic Deaf community across Thailand.
The celebration was led by the St. Jerome Team, a group of 20 trained sign language staff under the direction of Fr. Peter Buravaj Searaariya, the first and only priest in Thailand fluent in Thai Sign Language and currently director of the Pastoral Ministry for the Deaf.
Chanthaburi remains the only diocese in Thailand with a dedicated office for Deaf ministry, now extending support to the Archdiocese of Bangkok and planning to reach three more dioceses in the northeast.
Fr. Peter also serves under the auspices of the Bishops’ Conference of Thailand to promote and coordinate pastoral care for the Deaf nationwide.
“As this Jubilee Year of Hope unfolds, our focus will be on three key events: Thai Sign Language Recognition Day on August 17, World Sign Language Day on September 23, and the Feast of St. Jerome on September 30,” Fr. Peter told LiCAS News.
A highlight of the ministry’s work is the Thai Sign Language Bible Translation Project, officially known as the St. Jerome Team. “We have established a translation team and are promoting the use of Thai Sign Language in Bible translation while respecting the culture of the Deaf,” Fr. Peter explained.
The Pastoral Ministry provides a Deaf-friendly space where Thai Sign Language is used in all activities, including Mass, supported by trained interpreters. Sunday Mass is celebrated by Fr. Peter himself in sign language.
Yet, Fr. Peter stressed that many challenges remain. “People unfamiliar with Deaf individuals or Deaf ministry often do not realize the numerous obstacles they face within the Church,” he said. “The first challenge is language. The Thai language is not a Deaf person’s first language since they have never heard it. This puts them at a disadvantage from the very beginning.”
According to government statistics, Thailand has about 350,000 Deaf people as of February 2025, though the number of Catholic Deaf is not known. Fr. Peter said many struggle to access the sacraments due to the limited number of signing priests and religious.
“Because their disability is invisible, the Church often unintentionally overlooks the Deaf. Many Catholics with hearing issues have not received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for years. Without sign language, they cannot fully participate in the Church’s life. It is no surprise that some stop attending Mass,” he noted.
Despite the difficulties, Fr. Peter praised the resilience of Deaf Catholics. “With so many challenges, it is truly remarkable that many remain faithful. They are grateful for pastoral workers and individuals who continue to support their faith.”
The International Day of Sign Languages, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, highlights the importance of inclusive communication and equal rights for the Deaf. The observance falls on September 23, the anniversary of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), founded in 1951.
Globally, there are an estimated 72 million Deaf people, more than 80 percent of whom live in developing countries. Together, they use over 300 different sign languages.
“Sign language is the natural language of Deaf people,” Fr. Peter emphasized. “With sign language, Deaf people can do anything — pursue education, build families, practice their faith, and live fully in society. It is the key to breaking barriers and ensuring an inclusive world.”
