Thailand: children mark start of Buddhist Lent

The Buddhist Lent has just begun. It is a time when the monks in Thailand return to their temples for three months of prayer, study and meditation.

Prior to the start of the Lenten season, Thai people 'make merit' by visiting the temples and giving alms of food and candles to the monks.

Children and staff from the Fr Ray Day Care Centre in Pattaya, Thailand, established by the Redemptorist Fathers, last week visited their local temple to offer alms to the Abbot. The children sat in silence as the Abbot spoke with them and then gave them a blessing.
The students from the School for the Blind nearby, also took a long walk from the School to the temple to present the Abbot and monks with alms.