Photo by Bangkok Post.

 

A remarkably significant occasion unfolded at as Somsak Leeswadtrakul, a Thai philanthropist and entrepreneur, was acknowledged by the Vatican for his unwavering commitment towards promoting peace and unity both nationally and globally.

 

In recognition of his selfless support to socially disadvantaged communities, Leeswadtrakul was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order, the paramount accolade of the Order of St Gregory the Great.

 

Acknowledging this momentous event, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Holy See Embassy, Msgr. Daniel Tumiel divulged that the Order of St Gregory the Great, instituted by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831, remains among the highest honour the Vatican can confer upon laypersons. It is an accolade appreciated for its significance in endorsing the Catholic Church’s mission amongst the common populace.

 

The honour was formally awarded at a ceremony in Bangkok during the Pope’s Day Celebration yesterday, Bangkok Post reported.

 

by Top 

Top Photo by Bangkok Post.

 

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Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-philanthropist-somsak-leeswadtrakul-honoured-with-vaticans-highest-accolade

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-03

 

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Good on him. 

8 hours ago, webfact said:

the Order of St Gregory the Great is an accolade appreciated for its significance in endorsing the Catholic Church’s mission amongst the common populace.

I googled "Catholic Church’s mission" because it wasn't clear to me what it meant:

 

The Catholic Church’s primary mission is to spread the kingdom of God.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB's) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy.

The Mission of the Church and How it is Fulfilled:

The opportunity to celebrate Christ's vision for the world—the opportunity for all of us to live as priestly people.

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference:
The mission of the Church is to proclaim his presence and to serve him where he is to be found. 
What is the Mission of Church? Archdiocese of Brisbane:
Through its liturgical life, the church is drawn into the God-given gift of the fullness of divine worship that is Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God

 

So looks to me that this St Gregory thing is not necessarily awarded for being charitable and helping people, but basically a recognition for doing PR for the church targeting "the common populace" (as the other type of populace won't be bothered)…
 

 

If this is real philanthropy and not just the promotion of Catholicism in Thailand, then good on Somsak Leeswadtrakul, for this recognition. You just do not hear much about philanthropy on the part of wealthy Thais. Nor wealthy Chinese or Russians, for the most part.

I expected a tick in the box statement from Uncle Tu.

5 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

You just do not hear much about philanthropy on the part of wealthy Thais.

Disagree with that. 

Thais are very giving as governments dont meet "needs" of the poor like in NannyLand.

See it daily, in newspapers, TV and FB.

 

Thais dont mind giving, and like to be seen giving. Makes merit for themselves and gives them status socially.

27 minutes ago, Goat said:

Disagree with that. 

Thais are very giving as governments dont meet "needs" of the poor like in NannyLand.

See it daily, in newspapers, TV and FB.

 

Thais dont mind giving, and like to be seen giving. Makes merit for themselves and gives them status socially.

Please feel free to share some links of wealthy Thais giving away significant amounts of money. Not talking about temple donations. 

22 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Please feel free to share some links of wealthy Thais giving away significant amounts of money. Not talking about temple donations. 

Can you read Thai?