The children living at the Fr. Ray Children’s Village welcomed His Excellency the Right Reverend Silvio Siripong Charatsri, Bishop of Chantaburi, who travelled to Pattaya to see for himself the work of the Fr. Ray Foundation.

Upon arriving at the Children’s Village His Excellency was welcomed by Fr. Peter, Fr. Michael, Fr. Worawut, Fr. Gautreau and Brother Denis from the Fr. Ray Foundation. Also present were Fr. Michael Weera, Director of the Pattaya Orphanage and Khun Ronagit, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya.

Whilst at the Village Bishop Silvio visited each house where he sprinkled holy water to protect the children and keep them safe. This was followed by the Bishop individually blessing each child.

There are now ten houses at the Fr. Ray Children’s Village; four opened their doors in August 2008, whilst the six newer houses were officially opened in March this year. Each house, as well as the cost of furnishings and running costs, has been paid for with donations from supporters from Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland, the UK, Korea, Canada, Ireland, Norway and Thailand.

Each house has become a home for up to eight children, boys and girls, and they live together as a family, cared for by a ‘mother’ who will give them the love, care and attention that every growing child needs.

No event would be complete without a performance of traditional Thai songs and dances, and the children put on a wonderful show before everyone was invited to help themselves from the wonderful buffet.

The aim of the Fr. Ray Foundation is to eventually increase the number of houses at the Fr. Ray Children’s Village from ten to twenty two. The children will learn to live as a member of a family, living in a community which will prepare them for living in society as decent independent adults.

You can get more information about the work of the Fr. Ray Foundation at www.fr-ray.org or email info@fr-ray.org