The superior general of the Brothers of St. Gabriel has reaffirmed the congregation’s commitment to Catholic education and marginalized communities during visits to its educational institutions across Thailand.
Brother Dionigi Taffarello, who traveled from Rome, visited schools and institutions following celebrations marking the congregation’s 125 years of educational service in the country.
His visit followed the 125th anniversary of Assumption College in Bangkok last month. Founded in 1901, the school marked the beginning of the Montfortian educational mission in Thailand.
The congregation’s presence began with five French missionaries who managed a boys’ school along the Chao Phraya River. Its network has since expanded to 15 educational institutions serving thousands of students from early childhood through higher education.
During his visits, Brother Dionigi emphasized the importance of maintaining academic excellence while strengthening the congregation’s commitment to disadvantaged communities.
In Bangkok and the surrounding metropolitan area, the network includes Saint Gabriel’s College, Assumption College Primary Department, Assumption College Thonburi, Assumption College English Program in Samut Sakhon, and Assumption College Samutprakarn.
The congregation also operates Montfort College in Chiang Mai and Assumption College Lampang in northern Thailand.
In the eastern region, its institutions include Assumption College Sriracha, Assumption College Rayong, and Saint Louis College Chachoengsao.
In the northeast, the network includes Assumption College Ubon Ratchathani, Assumption College Nakhon Ratchasima, and Assumption Technical College Nakhon Phanom.
The Foundation of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel in Thailand now oversees 15 institutions, including Assumption University of Thailand (AUT), which serves as its principal institution of higher education.
The congregation marked 125 years since the arrival of the first French brothers in Siam in October 1901.
Queen Suthida, an alumna of Assumption University, acknowledged the congregation’s contributions to Thai education during the anniversary commemorations.
In her official message, the queen recognized its role in expanding educational opportunities and developing human resources for the country.
Brother Dionigi said the congregation’s educational mission continues to draw inspiration from St. Louis-Marie de Montfort and Father Gabriel Deshayes, who reorganized the congregation in the 19th century.
He emphasized that technological advancement and academic achievement must not overshadow the congregation’s commitment to orphans, underprivileged children, and students from marginalized backgrounds.
Strengthening Montfortian Identity
On Nov. 2, Brother Dionigi met with representatives of the newly established Assumption Catholic Family and Montfortian Collaborators (ACMC) at Assumption College in Bangkok.
The organization, established Sept. 8, seeks to strengthen cooperation among Catholic families and lay collaborators in preserving the school’s religious identity and supporting community outreach.
During the meeting, ACMC representatives presented their plans to bring school families together through faith-based activities and community service.
They described Assumption College as the “spiritual taproot” of the Montfortian presence in Thailand, recognizing its historical role as the congregation’s first educational institution in the country.
The group also presented a letter of appreciation to Brother Dechachai Sripijarn, director of Assumption College, for supporting its inaugural pilgrimage by providing transportation.
Brother Dionigi welcomed the initiative and encouraged parents, school administrators, and lay collaborators to work together in sustaining the congregation’s educational and spiritual mission.
“The success of this work would not be possible without the joint commitment and cooperation of all parties—both parents and the school leadership,” said Brother Dionigi.
He also blessed ACMC members and encouraged them to continue supporting the spiritual formation of families within the school community.
The visit underscored the congregation’s efforts to preserve its Montfortian identity while continuing its educational service and commitment to disadvantaged communities in Thailand.
