Children, youth explore Franciscan values at Thailand mission camp

Children and youth in the Diocese of Surat Thani participated in the Missionary Childhood Association Camp from Oct. 6 to 9. The event used the theme "Heart of Francis" to lead participants through spiritual formation activities based on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Participants visited eight interactive learning stations covering topics such as compassion, forgiveness, environmental stewardship, service, perseverance, generosity, action, and inner peace. The camp opened with a liturgy at Mary Help of Christians Hall at Upatham Wittaya Phanom School in Surat Thani province, presided over by Father Sitthichok Saewaengkan, the assistant bishop for evangelization.

The Missionary Childhood Association originated in France in 1843 after Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson founded the Holy Childhood Association to help starving and abandoned children in China. Working with Pauline Jaricot, the bishop established the "Children Helping Children" movement, which encouraged young people to support others through prayer and small monthly donations. The association now operates in 120 countries.