ALiFe

I gate-crashed the Archbishop's residence one evening to attend a gathering with the Archbishop of Bangkok and 30 of his priests. Surprisingly, Archbishop Stephen (of Hue) greeted me personally (he called me by my name...) at the main gate and invited me in. :O)


Welcoming of the Archbishop of Bangkok by Archbishop Stephen (left) and Bishop Francis.

It was an evening of fellowship between the two countries (well, actually three...). One geographical similarity between the two dioceses is that both are smack dab right in the middle of their respective countries. Both are a minority group (Vietnam - 6% and Thailand - 0.7%), but making a big difference where they are.

I had the an amazing time watching the cultural performances of Vietnam by several groups, including three congregations (orders) of Sisters. Two items were put up by the aspirants of DMI, and I was really impressed with the dance called "Beloved Old Capital and Beloved Hue". The Archbishop of Bangkok joked that Hue's diocese is very lucky to have Sisters dancing for them, because in Bangkok, there are no such performances by the Thai Sisters.


"Hello, How do you do?" performed by the Sisters of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.


"Quan Ho Bac Ninh" performed by the Sisters of the Lovers of the Cross.


"The Dance of The Highland People" performed by the Sisters of Mary of the Visitation.


"Beloved Old Capital and Beloved Hue" performed by the Sisters of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.


Two songs performed by the Thai delegation.

After that, it was another fun night bike ride back to the convent.
;p