By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai
The Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, often seen in his formal functions as the Vatican’s envoy, spent Saturday preparing and serving meals with his staff for children at the St. Martin Foundation’s Home for Hope in northern Bangkok.
THAILAND — The gathering was described as a “simple but heartfelt gesture,” intended to remind both the children and volunteers of God’s love made visible through small acts of kindness and the joy of caring for one another.
Archbishop Peter B. Wells, who personally helped prepare food for the children, told LiCAS News that direct service to the poor is essential for the Church.
“Personal service to the poor by Church leaders is vital because it embodies the Gospel’s call to love and serve others, especially the most vulnerable,” he said.
The prelate said preparing food and serving it directly “fosters genuine connection, making our apostolic mission tangible and heartfelt, not just an abstract ideal.”
Archbishop Wells stressed that for the Apostolic Nunciature staff, such moments ground them in the Gospel and remind them that their mission is first and foremost service to those most in need, keeping their work authentic and centered on Christ.
Founded in 1996, the Home for Hope is operated by the St. Martin Foundation within the compound of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Nonthaburi.
The center provides board, lodging, and educational support to children and young people facing abuse, neglect, or life crises.
Its mission is to help them regain strength and dignity, enabling them to stand in society with confidence and hope, in line with the spirit of Christ’s service.
For families in crisis, the home has been a refuge. “My young grandson had been physically abused by his stepfather after his mother was left to raise him alone,” said Kamlai, a 65-year-old grandmother.
“I work as a housemaid and could not care for him properly. The Home for Hope took him in, gave him a safe home, and supported his education. Home for Hope is truly the hope for the hopeless. I am deeply touched and grateful.”
Beyond daily care, the foundation provides holistic experiences for children. Earlier this year, more than 60 youngsters from the Home for Hope joined an eco-friendly camp at the Santiwan Ecological Community, a learning center focused on sustainability and spirituality.
“We grow organic vegetables, use solar cells for energy and water management, and serve as a spiritual training ground,” said Jesuit priest Fr. Wichai Phoktawee, who oversees the project, a collaboration between the Ursulines Foundation for Education and the Media Center for Development Foundation.
At the camp, the children learned hands-on practices such as composting organic waste, identifying local plants, and growing vegetables in pots. They also participated in games and adventures designed to foster respect for nature and an understanding of ecological balance.
The Apostolic Nunciature expressed gratitude to the St. Martin Foundation and its volunteers, praising their mission of light, joy, and hope.
Archbishop Wells’ presence and example, observers said, offered a powerful reminder that acts of compassion—however simple—are a profound witness to the Gospel lived in everyday life.
