As I recalled, we met some thirty years ago. I was still a seminarian at Sriracha. He was already a self-confident young priest. His hair was curly. Every time he met with a seminarian, he always had a smart remark, such as, “I am the earth and you are flowers” to greet us. They may be just simple phrases or attractive philosophical remarks. The day he left us all behind, these wonderful remarks kept ringing in my ears.

When I was still a young priest, we were all busy with our work and responsibilities. I recognized him as my senior priest. I must admit that I knew him so little. Our lives nardly touched one another. And yet I heard os much of his dedication and devotion, physically as well as spiritually, to follow the teachings of the Redemptorists in which both he and I had been trained to do – to help those who were poor and abandoned. So when he left us into God's arms, I was so sad and I did not want it to happen.

When I was voted to be the superior to all the r4edemptorists in Thailand , I had the chance to visit his projects in Pattaya. I found that he had set up a centre for orphans, he built a school for physically handicapped people, a kindergarten for the deaf, a school for the blind, and a home to care for street children. All these reflected his kindness in response to which I am sure that our Father in Heaven will richly and heavenly reward him abundantly.

He knew and recognized the deterioration of his strength as he grew older. The powerful strength serving God through his generous giving to all mankind had begun to weaken. He needed more medical help and frequent hospitalization. I am honoured that he chose me to administer the work in his place. All through the past 10 months he had always been a good brother to me, helping me, guiding me, and even giving me moral support in my work. I am so sorry that he left so soon.

I thought I was preparing myself for his departure from this world. The last time he admitted himself into hospital in Pattaya, his illness was getting worse. Finally, he transferred to the hospital in Bangkok . Still his health had not been improving. I kept hoping and r\praying for his improvement. I continued to prepare myself, and finally, on Saturday 16 th August 2003, the final agony and sadness was brought upon me. Fafther Ray left us and went straight into the arms of our lord to acdept his reward for all the goodness and kindness he had been giving to others in the form of social welfafre in Pattaya City .

I shall continue to make his dreams come true.

Father Philip Banchong Chaiyara C.Ss.R.

Chairman: Fr. Ray foundation