Catholic schools across Thailand opened the 2026 academic year with prayers, blessings, and liturgical celebrations, bringing together predominantly Buddhist student communities in a shared atmosphere of faith, reflection, and hope.
The new school year, which officially opened on May 18 in many Catholic institutions nationwide, is traditionally marked by liturgical celebrations, blessing ceremonies, and daily spiritual reflections aimed at fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth among students, teachers, and staff.
For Catholic educators, the opening of the school year is more than an administrative routine. It is a time for the entire school community, although predominantly Buddhist, to gather in prayer and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the months ahead.
Priests and school administrators often lead morning assemblies, sprinkle holy water, and offer prayers for protection, unity, and peace throughout the campus.
Among the many Catholic schools observing this tradition was Thidanukroh School in southern Thailand, run by the Salesian Sisters.
Last week, the school held a solemn liturgical celebration in honor of Mary Help of Christians to officially open the 2026 academic year.
The ceremony was presided over by Fr. Amornkit Promphakdee, auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Surat Thani.
The celebration drew participation from various sectors of the Catholic community, including Sister Maria Assunta Sumiko Inoue, a senior representative from the congregation’s motherhouse in Rome; Provincial Superior Sister Thongyu Kitsakul; school administrators, board members, teachers, staff, parents, alumni, and students.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony was the grand procession of the statue of Mary Help of Christians around the school grounds.
More than 3,400 students lined the route in reverence and prayer, asking the Blessed Mother, patroness of the school, to continue guiding and protecting the institution and all those entrusted to its care.
The liturgy included the proclamation of the Gospel passage of the Wedding at Cana from the Gospel of Saint John (John 2:1–11), recounting Jesus’ first miracle through the intercession of Mary. Reflections based on the Gospel encouraged students and educators to live with generosity, service, and faith throughout the school year.
At the conclusion of the service, Fr. Amornkit sprinkled holy water on students, teachers, classrooms, buildings, and other areas across the campus as a sign of God’s blessing and protection.
Participants then offered flowers and prayers before the statue of Our Lady in a spirit of deep devotion.
School teachers said the annual liturgical celebrations help students transition from summer break into a more focused and faith-filled environment.
“As we begin this new school year, we gather in prayer as a hope-filled Catholic school community,” one teacher said. “Teachers and staff pray for patience, wisdom, and the strength to guide young minds.”
Another teacher emphasized that Catholic education goes beyond academic achievement.
“These liturgies and blessings help establish a foundation of trust, unity, and grace,” the teacher said. “Education is not only about academics, but also about spiritual and moral growth.”
Students also shared how prayer helps ease anxieties associated with starting a new school year, especially among younger children and newcomers adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings.
“Prayer helps place our fears in the hands of God,” one new student said. “We know that He hears and answers our prayers.”
The Salesian Sisters, officially known as the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, were founded in Italy in 1872 by Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Mazzarello. The congregation is dedicated to the education and evangelization of young people through the Salesian spirit of reason, religion, and loving kindness.
Devotion to Mary Help of Christians remains central to the Salesian identity. Saint John Bosco regarded the Blessed Virgin Mary as the protector and guide of the congregation and described the institute as a “living monument” of gratitude to her.
Today, the Salesian Sisters are considered one of the world’s largest congregations of women religious, with more than 10,500 sisters serving in 97 countries worldwide.
