Filipino Marist Arnold Garferio made his final profession in Ranong on July 21.
In what Marist Mission Ranong director, Kevin Medilo called a “simple buy joy-filled celebration” Arnold took his vows in front of his Burmese and Thai friends from Ranong, lay Marists, Marists from the Philippines district and Frs Kevin Stewart (Australia) and Rob Devlin (New Zealand).
Kevin Medilo said that Arnold’s profession was likely to be the first final profession of a Marist Father in mainland Asia.
Just two days later Arnold was ordained a deacon by Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil SDB.
In the course of the festivities, Bishop Sridarunsil, a friend of the Marist Fathers, challenged the Society of Mary to stay forever in Thailand and expand its mission among the Burmese people and to other parts of the country.