The Diocese of Chiang Mai introduced a newly composed anthem inspired by Bishop-elect Peter Suphot Roeksujarit’s motto, Caritas Omnia Corda Unit (“Love Unites All Hearts”), days ahead of his July 29 episcopal ordination.
The hymn reflects both the bishop-elect’s pastoral vision and the cultural diversity of northern Thailand, where the Catholic community includes numerous Indigenous and ethnic minority groups.
The diocese in Thailand’s mountainous north is known for its Lanna cultural heritage and the presence of many Indigenous and ethnic communities.
To reflect that identity, the anthem’s composer, Lazarus, and musical arranger, Jhonas W., incorporated traditional Lanna musical instruments and acoustic elements into a contemporary arrangement.
The recording features a choir made up of singers from Saengtham Major Seminary and the Hmong Catholic Center, bringing together voices that represent the cultural and ethnic diversity of the diocese.
“The hymn ‘Love Unites All Hearts’ is far more than an ordination song; although it is regarded as a non-liturgical song, nevertheless a vital addition to the sacred music of Thailand. Its lyrics echo the foundational Christian tenets of love, mercy, and communal unity as taught by Jesus Christ,” Lazarus said.
From Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Photo: Archdiocese of Bangkok
The anthem comes as the Church in Thailand prepares for a new chapter in the Diocese of Chiang Mai.
After a period of vacancy, the Apostolic Nunciature in Thailand announced on May 7, 2026, that Pope Leo XIV had appointed Father Peter Suphot Roeksujarit as the new bishop of Chiang Mai.
Before his appointment, Bishop-elect Suphot served in several leadership roles in the Archdiocese of Bangkok, including:
- Parish priest of St. Louis Church in Bangkok;
- Director of the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Center in Sam Phran; and
- Episcopal vicar for staff, overseeing the pastoral care and administrative governance of the archdiocese’s clergy and personnel.
His new ministry will take him from Thailand’s capital to the country’s northern highlands, where he will serve communities that include Indigenous hill tribes and long-established ethnic minority groups.
A collaborative effort
The anthem was completed within a limited preparation period before the July 29 ordination.
“With just over a month to prepare, there’s a certain level of pressure,” Lazarus said.
“But deep down, I’m confident it will turn out well, mainly because I trust the team. We used the same core team before for the opening Mass of the Holy Year, though we streamlined our numbers this time to ensure flawless execution under the shorter timeline.”
Bishop-elect Suphot said he was touched by the initiative.
“I was deeply grateful upon hearing that a song would be composed for this occasion,” he told LiCAS News.
“This is a collaborative effort by so many people who truly gave their hearts to create this for the special occasion. I’m not sure if anything quite like this has ever been done before for an episcopal ordination,” he added.
