25 Years of Witnessing to the Word in Thailand 7 Foreword When I arrived at the SVD District community house in Nong Bua Lamphu, Thailand, late last year for a visit, Br Damien Lunders, one of the two founders of the SVD community in Thailand, informed me that he wanted me to be in charge of producing the publication to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the Society of the Divine Word in Thailand. I agreed to take on the project because, within the District, I already have considerable experience in this area as the editor of an academic journal and having also published a number of books. As I contemplated how to proceed with implementing the task, I decided on a simple but appropriate format for the book. It would consist of three types of content: (1) words to us; (2) words by us; and (3) words about us. Firstly, the “words to us” comprise messages from various notable individuals including Fr Paulus Budi Kleden SVD, the Superior General at the time the book was being prepared; Fr I.A. Rass SVD, the Provincial Leader of the Australia Province of which Thailand is a part; Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai, Bishop of Udon Thani Diocese where most SVDs have been serving for the last 25 years; and members of the Provincial Council – Frs Boni Buahendri SVD and Albano Da Costa SVD. These messages convey sentiments of celebration, gratitude, and encouragement. They celebrate the significant milestone of 25 years of dedicated service, express deep gratitude for the hard work and impact of the SVD members in various ministries, especially in HIV/AIDS care, education, and
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