Father Ray Month takes place each year in August to commemorate the passing of Father Ray Brennan, the founder of several social projects here in Pattaya. Since his passing on August 16th 2003, the Foundation named after him has continued his work and in his vision and each year’s remembers his life and his work.
On the morning of Saturday 2nd August a convoy of super bikes left the Foundation headquarters on Sukhumvit Road to make the eight kilometre journey to the Father Ray Children’s Home in Nongprue.
Father Peter arrived on top of an elephant.
The bikes were followed by several coaches full of children and students, all of whom are either living at or being educated at the Father Ray Foundation.
Upon arriving at the Children’s Home they met a second parade coming from the opposite direction. Led by a marching band and followed by several elephants, upon which were riding Father Peter and Father Michael, president and vice president of the Father Ray Foundation.
Father Peter lays a new garland on the statue of Father Ray.
Children and students arrived to join in the fun from the Father Ray Children’s Village, Drop-In Center for Street Kids, Mercy Center, Anti-trafficking Center, School for the Blind and the Vocational School for People with Disabilities and they all watched in silence as Father Peter opened the day’s event by laying a new floral garland on a statue of Father Ray.
There was free food and the Pattaya Colour Guard entertained everyone with their fast dance routine which saw flags and rifles being thrown in to the air. There were also several traditional Thai dance performances which were preceded by the flower girls scattering rose petals. Many of the younger children watching scrambled to collect the petals thinking they were a symbol of good luck, and the children screamed in delight as the elephants decided to leave a very large, and smelly, souvenir.
Other events taking place this month include a Memorial Mass at St. Nikolaus Church on Sukhumvit Road on Saturday 16th August at 19:30, all are welcome.
More information can be found at www.fr-ray.org or email [email protected]
The children liked seeing the elephants, but were very impressed when it decided to open its bowels.
The youngest member of the marching band.
Traditional dancers from the Children’s Home.
The flower girls.
The Pattaya Colour Guard.
These superbikes could be heard a long time before they were seen.
