Your journey begins in Bangkok, where you will receive an orientation to Thailand before travelling south to Phanom. There, Bishop Paul Trairong and Fr Joseph will welcome you and introduce you to the local school and community.
The heart of the immersion is spending time with the local students. Over several days, you will participate in activities prepared by Fr Joseph, sharing experiences, conversation, friendship and everyday life with young people from the community. This is an opportunity to step beyond being a visitor, build genuine relationships and gain a deeper understanding of their lives.
Through these shared experiences, participants will discover that, despite differences in language, culture and circumstances, young people everywhere share many of the same hopes, dreams and aspirations. Time together will encourage participants to listen, learn from one another and appreciate a culture different from their own.
Each evening provides time to debrief, pray, journal and reflect on the experiences of the day. These moments help participants connect their experiences with their faith, values and understanding of the wider world. A particularly special experience will be a visit to the Sisters who live in the cloister above the school. This is a rare opportunity to encounter the Sisters, learn about their unique way of life and discover more about their vocation and ministry.
As our time in Phanom comes to an end, we will farewell Fr Joseph and the students before returning to Bangkok. Here, we will visit the Royal Palace and, if energy levels allow, experience the world-famous Chatuchak Market. These experiences provide an opportunity to encounter Thailand’s rich history, culture and vibrant way of life.
Finally, we return to the airport for our flight back to Australia.
This immersion is an opportunity to meet people, build friendships, listen to their stories, experience a different culture and reflect on how faith calls us to live in relationship with others. It is an invitation to see beyond our own experiences, recognise the dignity of others and return home with a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity.
