After eight years of ministry in Ranong, on 19th December we farewelled Fr. Hermes and thanked him for his service with the Marists and the wider community. During his time here, he worked in several key roles: as Manager of the Health Program, Manager of the Australian Catholic University program, and later as the founder and leader of the IRICD ministry, focusing on interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
Several farewell speeches marked the occasion. Sr. Annie spoke on behalf of BMSP. Fr. Fernando reflected on Fr. Hermes’s work with the Health Program. Kru Prasit, representing the Management Team, offered words that were especially moving. A student from BMSP, Chaw Su Thet, also shared a heartfelt farewell.
In his response, Fr. Hermes spoke about humility and how experiences of humiliation can become a path toward this distinctly Christian virtue. He concluded by singing a song he had written himself, a reminder of his musical gifts and the personal way he has shared them throughout his ministry.
We thank Fr. Hermes for his years of commitment to Ranong and wish him well in the next stage of his mission.
