COERR in coordination with the Peace Committee implemented pastoral program in 9 refugee camps all year round. In December 2018, variety of activities were organized to celebrate Christmas which falls on 25th of December. Highlight ceremonies were Mass in Churches in the refugee camps and in nearby villages; house visits for support of elderly and the sick; performances and events that bring people gathering in unity and happiness, etc.

   COERR Mae Hong Son celebrated Mass in churces: St. Peter Church in Ban Mai Nal Soi camp, Mauang District, Sacred Heart Church in Ban Mae Surin camp, Khun Yuam District, St. Peter Church and St. Francis Xavier Church in nearby villages.

   COERR Mae Sarieng celebrated Mass in St. Teresa Church, St. John Church, St. Paolo Church and St. Michael Church in Ban Mae La Oon camp and St. Mary Church in Ban Mae Lama Luang Camp, Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province.

   COERR Mae Sod celebrated Christmas Mass in Mae La camp in Tha Song Yang District, Umpiem Camp in Pobpra District and Nupo camp in Umpang District of Tak Province.

   COERR Kanchanaburi celebrated Mass for 150 refugees in Ban Don Yang camp in Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province on 14 December and for 300 refugees in Ban Tham Hin camp in Suan Phueng District of Ratchaburi Province on 30 December 2018.

   Meanwhile, other pastoral activities continued as usual such as masses, maintenance and repair of churches, Sunday school taught by catechists, monthly meeting with the refugee peace committee for consultation about work planning to encourage refugees’ participation as a preparation for eventual repatriation.

   Christmas night at St. Peter Church in Ban Huay Pong La Village, Mae Ki Subdistricdt, Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son Province, organized by COERR Mae Hong Son. There was a VDO show about the birth of Jesus Christ, stage performances by student group and women group.

Christmas at St. Francis Xavier Church in Mae Hong Son

Meetings in Mae Sarieng camps in preparation for Christmas

Christmas at Ban Umpiem Camp, Tak Province

Christmas Activities in Nupo camp, Umpang District, was organized by COERR Mae Sot, on December 19, 2018

   COERR Mae Sot supported snacks for 265 school children attending Christmas ceremony organized in Ban Nong Luang School, Umpang District, for interfaith and peaceful living among schoolchildren of which some are stateless children.