Six Thai Catholics were formally invested with papal honors for their long-standing service to the Church and society at the Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok on Nov. 30.
The investiture was conducted on behalf of Pope Leo XIV by Archbishop Peter Brian Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, with Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, concelebrating the Mass.
Addressing the congregation at the conclusion of the liturgy, Archbishop Wells said the ceremony recognized “faithful sons and daughters of the Church” whose dedication has borne quiet but enduring fruit.
“These awards are visible signs of the Holy Father’s affection and gratitude,” he said. “For many years, you have lived the words engraved on the cross, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice – for the Church and for the Pontiff – with a love that was often hidden, always demanding, and consistently generous.”
Two recipients – Rev. Mother Myriam Kitcharoen, SPC, a former superior general of the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres, and Rev. Sr. Agnes Boonraksa Sritrakul, SPC, the congregation’s provincial superior – were awarded the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, the highest papal honor that may be bestowed upon religious and clergy for distinguished service to the Church.
Four others were invested into the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great. Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul was named Dame Commander, the highest rank of the order for laypeople.
Ms. Vanida Angsuphan was appointed Dame, while Mr. Phornthep Phornprapha and Mr. Sompong Dowpiset were installed as Knights.
Referring to the collective contributions of the honorees, Archbishop Wells highlighted their involvement in the apostolic visit of Pope Francis to Thailand in November 2019.
“You were among the quiet architects who ensured every detail was prepared so the Holy Father could feel at home and the Church in Thailand could be strengthened in faith and hope,” he said. “Tonight, the Pope and the Church say to each of you personally: thank you.”
Papal knighthood is a rare distinction granted by the Holy See to individuals of proven integrity and exceptional service to the Church or society, often through charitable work, leadership, or community engagement.
It carries no political authority and is not based on social standing or financial means but on character, faith, and dedication.
In his homily for the First Sunday of Advent, Archbishop Vira urged the faithful to prepare their hearts to welcome Christ throughout the season leading to Christmas.
He described the six honorees as representatives of countless Catholics who serve each day quietly. “Christian discipleship is not about collecting honors,” he said, “but about growing in friendship with God and living the Gospel with unselfish love.”
Among the newly invested is Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, one of Thailand’s most prominent business and philanthropic leaders.
Widely respected for her commitment to social development, she oversees corporate social responsibility initiatives at a major steel company and supports programs in education, health care, culture, sports, and assistance to marginalized communities.
In 2017, Khunying Patama made history as the first Thai woman elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
She serves as chairwoman of the IOC Commission for Culture and Olympic Heritage and is a member of the Olympic Solidarity Commission. She is also president of the Badminton World Federation.
Her contributions to culture include leadership roles as chairwoman of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, chairwoman of advisers to Bangkok Opera, and honorary president and founder of the Thailand Choral Association, where she has promoted music education, including sacred music, particularly among young people.
Her charitable work extends to vocational training programs for visually impaired students run by the Salesian Sisters, enabling graduates to secure stable employment and independence.
She is also a major benefactor to public health, donating hundreds of millions of baht toward medical equipment, hospital construction, research, and training for health care professionals.
The ceremony concluded with group photographs of the newly honored Knights and Dames together with previous recipients of papal knighthood and damehood, whose service, Church leaders said, reflects the enduring commitment of Thai Catholics to faith, charity, and the common good.
