This year, Christmas celebrations in the mountainous mission areas of Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai, were joyfully held from December 17 to 27 in several host villages, namely Pong Kanun (Pa Tung Parish), Kun Mae Nai (Din Kao Parish), Pa Fang (Pa Fang Parish), and Mae Toom Tai (Din Kao Parish).
Currently, over 70 remote mountainous villages are under the pastoral care of the Redemptorists in Mae Chaem. Given the vast distances and challenging terrain, the confreres designated four main villages as host centers for the Christmas celebrations. This arrangement enabled faithful from surrounding villages to come together and celebrate the birth of Christ as one community.
Alongside the celebration of the Christmas Mass, the festivities featured a variety of cultural presentations, performances, and communal activities, all intended to share joy, strengthen relationships, and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ’s birth. Although organizing these events presented many challenges—such as difficult travel conditions, limited facilities, and weather quite different from urban settings—the strong spirit of cooperation and unity among the host communities was truly inspiring.
These celebrations brought together families and villagers from neighboring communities, fostering a deep sense of solidarity, hospitality, and faith. Through shared efforts and joyful participation, Christmas was experienced not only as a liturgical celebration, but also as a living expression of communion, hope, and missionary joy.
The celebrations were well attended and warmly appreciated by the local communities. Sincere gratitude is extended to the Redemptorist confreres and parish leaders in Mae Chaem, whose dedication, pastoral commitment, and close collaboration with the villagers made these Christmas celebrations especially meaningful for the people in the mountainous mission areas.
Fr. Peter Jittapol Plangklang, C.Ss.R.
