On Monday, 30th March 2026, amidst the solemnity of Holy Week, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, embarked on a Holy Week visit that crossed borders. While celebrating Holy Week with the faithful of the Church of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary, Kota Bharu, Cardinal Sebastian made time to journey to the Church of Saint Monica in Su-Ngai Kolok, Thailand. Nestled in Narathiwat Province, the Church of Saint Monica belongs to the Diocese of Surat Thani.
Cardinal Sebastian was accompanied by Sister Angela Wong, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), who currently is the Parish Administer of the Church of Our Lady of Fatima of the Holy Rosary; Gabrielite Brother Francis Xavier Gasper of Montfort Boy’s Town, Shah Alam; Gerard Yeo, Parish Finance Committee Treasurer; Rosalind Wong, Parish Pastoral Council Deputy Chair; and Christopher Kushi.
Cardinal Sebastian emphasized that the visit was, in essence, to our neighbouring parish in Southern Thailand, which borders the parish of Kota Bahru. Sister Angela expressed her intention to explore opportunities for cross-border visits, fostering fellowship among parishioners from both regions. Meanwhile, Brother Gasper lifted his prayers to Saint Monica, invoking her steadfast spirit of intercession—the same unwavering devotion she showed in praying unceasingly for her son, Saint Augustine.
Born in the 4th century, St. Monica is recognized as the patron saint of mothers. Her faith and dedication to motherhood played a pivotal role in the spiritual formation of one of the most brilliant philosophers and well-known saints of all time – Saint Augustine, her son. Saint Monica is revered as the model of steadfast prayer and maternal devotion. Her life story resonates deeply through years of patient intercession, and she witnessed the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine, who would later become one of the great Doctors of the Church.
The Parish of Saint Monica has been blessed with the dedication of many priests who sowed the seeds of evangelization among the local community. Beginning in 1972, Fr. Sacco and Fr. Terry Tapay visited Christian families in the area, staying and praying with them while nurturing their faith. In 1983, Fr. Henry Danieli, working closely with parishioners in pastoral care, discovered additional Catholic families, and the community grew to around 30 households. During this period, Mass was now celebrated monthly in the homes of the faithful, strengthening bonds of fellowship.
In the early 1990s, recognizing the growth and potential of the parish, Fr. Gustav Rosens purchased 3.5 rai of land along the Su-ngai Kolok–Waeng Road. He cared deeply for the Christian community and succeeded in bring back families who had left their faith. With vision and commitment, he oversaw the construction of the present Church of Saint Monica, complete with a parish house and adjoining facilities. Generous support from benefactors and well-wishers in Germany made this dream possible. In August 1996, the church was solemnly consecrated and officially opened by Bishop Michael Prabhan Chaiyacharoen, marking a milestone in the parish’s journey of faith.
Sadly, the unrest that erupted in 2004–2005 brought challenges to the community. Travel from Yala to celebrate Mass in Su-ngai Kolok became quite dangerous, leading to a decline in the Christian community. Despite these hardships, the parish continues to stand as a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of Saint Monica.
Salesian Father Suksan Chaopaknam became the first Thai priest in charge of the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, and provides pastoral care to six Catholic churches and chapels in the region. Fr. Suksan also noted that the priest currently administering the Parish of Saint Monica is Rev. Fr. Montol Rojanasutthasakul.
This year, the Parish Feast Day of Saint Monica will be joyfully celebrated on Saturday, 22nd August 2026 at Saint Monica Church, Su-Ngai Kolok, Thailand.
By Christopher Kushi
