The Archdiocese of Bangkok marked the Day of the Young Missionary on January 24 at the Martyr Shrine of Blessed Fr. Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung in Samphran, west of the capital, calling on young Catholics to see themselves not as spectators, but as active missionaries in the life of the Church.
The choice of venue carried deep meaning for participants. Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung, a diocesan priest born in Samphran, was imprisoned during the Indo-China War on false charges of espionage and died in custody in 1944 after enduring severe illness and mistreatment.
Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000, he remains a powerful witness of faith and courage, especially for young people discerning how to live their faith in challenging times.
Hundreds of young people from parish and diocesan youth groups attended the full-day gathering, which combined prayer, faith formation, fellowship, and missionary engagement. Organizers stressed that young people are not only the future of the Church, but its living present, capable of evangelizing their peers and communities.
“For me, today was a reminder that I don’t have to wait to serve the Church. I can start where I am,” said one youth participant, who attended the event with her parish group.
The program followed a holistic format, with talks, small-group encounters, interactive spaces, and Eucharistic celebrations. The morning focused on the identity of the Young Missionary, while the afternoon invited participants to reflect on vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
Throughout the day, young participants were encouraged to anchor their lives in Christ, rise above discouragement, and become witnesses of peace in a divided world.
“We brought together youth from different groups to help them experience the Church as a community that walks together,” said Nong Fern, one of the event’s coordinators. “We want them to support one another, introduce their friends to Jesus, and bring the Good News to their daily lives, especially in urban settings.”
She added that the program addressed the realities young people face today, including the digital world. “We also guide them on how to use technology wisely, how to find Church resources, ask questions, and seek help, while reminding them that their online presence should also be a witness of faith,” Fern told LiCAS News.
Religious congregations and seminaries hosted information booths, where youth could speak directly with priests, sisters, and seminarians. Many vocation promoters acknowledged, however, that fewer young people today are considering priestly or religious life.
Several congregations told LiCAS News that the decline is linked to fear of lifelong commitment, the influence of secular values, constant digital distractions, and limited personal relationships with clergy and religious role models.
In response, vocation promoters said the focus has shifted toward offering meaningful experiences rather than recruitment. Vocational camps and immersion programs now aim to help young people encounter Christ through joyful activities, service, prayer, and community life, allowing discernment to unfold naturally.
Lay-led movements have also stepped up their efforts. Among them is the Serra Club, which works closely with seminaries and dioceses throughout Thailand to support vocation promotion.
“We have tried many different approaches to help young people discern God’s call,” said Niphon Saengpradab of the Serra Club of St. John. “Our role is to accompany them through prayer, encouragement, and concrete support for seminarians and priests.”
Organizers of the Day of the Young Missionary expressed hope that by listening to young people, walking with them, and offering authentic witness, the Church can help a new generation rediscover the joy of missionary discipleship and openness to vocation.
