The Redemptorist School for Persons with Disabilities marked 11 years since the death of Rev. Raymond Brennan, the founder of both the school and his namesake Father Ray Foundation.
Surat Mekavarakul, president of the Pattaya Cultural Council, recalled Brennan and his many good deeds in a speech Aug. 16, exactly 11 years since the Catholic priest died.
In his speech, Surat Mekavarakul, president of the Pattaya Cultural Council, recalled Father Brennan and his many good deeds, and waxed lyrical about the good deeds performed by Father Michael Pattarapong Srivorakul (center right) and Father Peter Picharn Jaiseri (center left) to help indigent children and the disabled.
Foundation President Father Peter Pattarapong Srivorakul blessed the students for the occasion and laid roses before a statue of the revered founder as students, staff and teachers sang “Unsung Hero” and “Father Ray in Our Hearts.”
Students then read Bible verses, poems and stories of Brennan’s work before laying garlands on the statue.
The day also marked the second “Life for Life” blood drive during which 47,000cc of blood was collected. This year’s project also offered free health, dental and eye exams, free haircuts from Jutamat Beauty School, along with blood pressure and blood type checks.
Brennan was born Dec. 7, 1932, in Chicago. He came to Thailand in 1961 as a volunteer to assist impoverished and disabled people and from that day until his last he devoted himself to assisting Thailand’s poor.
Jutamat Beauty School provided free haircuts.
He established the Orphanage Foundation in the early 1970s, after a baby was left in his care. In the early 1980s a young deaf boy was left at the orphanage and Brennan was unable to find a local school for him. This led to the opening of the Sotpattana Kindergarten School for the Deaf in 1983.
“Children young and old” undertake painting activities for charity.
This year’s project also offered free health, dental and eye exams.
47,000cc of blood was donated during this year’s “Life for Life” blood drive.
Father Michael Picharn Jaiseri lays roses before a statue of the revered founder.
Students, staff and teachers sing “Unsung Hero” and “Father Ray in Our Hearts.”
