New Divine Mercy Chapel Dedicated in Thailand
The Redemptorists’ new Divine Mercy Chapel in Thailand’s Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province, is being hailed as a landmark of environmentally conscious design that integrates faith and care for creation.
“Rooted in the principles of Laudato si, the chapel is built as an energy-efficient structure that respects and celebrates the natural world,” explained Fr. John Wirach Amornpattana, a Redemptorist priest overseeing the project. He describes the chapel as a tangible manifestation of Pope Francis’ call for ecological conversion.
The chapel’s construction reflects the document’s principles and aligns with broader sustainability efforts, he said. “Beyond just advocating for ecological conversion,” he explained, “Laudato si’ aligns with the global movement toward sustainability, as articulated in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, we must remember that true care for creation springs from our faith in God as the Creator.”
The Divine Mercy Chapel itself exemplifies this commitment. Designed with sustainability in mind, the building features a 12-meter-high ceiling and strategically placed wall panels to optimize light and airflow.
By limiting the use of glass in certain areas, the design reduces heat transmission while maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding natural environment. The open structure allows natural light and breezes to flow through, creating a welcoming space insulated from extreme weather conditions.
Located 50 kilometers east of Bangkok, the chapel has been designed not only as a house of worship but as a hub for community activities in an area lacking such spaces. “The Divine Mercy Chapel addresses this gap by becoming a gathering place, fostering connection and spiritual growth,” Fr. John Wirach said.
The building’s circular design symbolizes unity and offers a versatile venue for Mass, weddings, and other community events. “More than just a venue for worship, the chapel invites all visitors to reflect on their relationship with creation, the Creator, and one another,” he said. “Here, nature serves not merely as a backdrop but as a vital element of the experience— a reminder of the beauty and rhythms of God’s world.”
The blessing and dedication ceremony was held in December 2024 and presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells, and Bishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of the Archdiocese of Bangkok. “As this sacred space receives its blessing, it transforms into more than a mere building,” Father John Wirach said. “It becomes a living testament to Laudato si’ in action – a space where faith, community, and care for creation converge to inspire future generations.”
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