Catholic Churches in Bangkok

            Spending holy week alone in Bangkok, I decided to go for the customary “Visita Iglesia” to two of the oldest Catholic Churches which I read in a Bangkok tour guide book. On my way to the first Church aboard a bus along Ladphrao road, I   saw the signage “Catholic Church” pointing to a street right where our bus was stuck in heavy traffic. So I quickly got off the bus and decided to add another Church to my itinerary. Being new to Bangkok, I would always write down info such as, how to get where, other places nearby and I'd take snapshots. 

                When I thought of blogging my holy week experience in Bangkok, it turned out to be really relevant and helpful since one of my earliest predicament while in this city was finding a catholic church for the Sunday mass while enjoying a weekend day-out. I have therefore included such information as commuters' guide and mass schedules. 

             And now, instead of a holy week experience, I decided to make this even more useful by visiting as many catholic churches as I can and include it here.  I hope that this will somehow help those who are in search of  a Catholic church  for the Sunday mass or to simply visit or  pay homage to while in Bangkok.

 1. Maria Rosa Mystica Church

    Soi 124,  Lat Phrao Road

       Lat Phrao , Bangkok  

    

Maria Rosa Mystica Church is conveniently located about 200 m. from main road Latphrao; close enough for a relaxed walk but keeps a certain distance as a buffer zone from the busy street. Thus, the church is able to maintain a good level of peace and quiet. 

From the exterior, the church  appears higher than it actually is and this is due to the fact that it's first level is half-sunken from ground level which is indiscernible upfront from a few meters away. The sub-level is mainly an open area, which is used for social and other church activities.  The pastoral office is also at the sub-level.

The interior is very well ventilated with natural air and light by large glass windows which line both sides of the church’s length. Design is simple, subdued and almost oriental with its symmetry and clean lines. except for the red carpet that covers the main aisle and the altar floor, even the use of color is subdued.  Such simplicity and subdue gives one a feeling of peace and tranquility. 


Unfortunately, all services are in Thai even on Sundays. 

Some ways to get there via public transportation:  

1. By bus (Nos. 2, 8, 92, 126, 545)
2. Take MRT to Ladphrao then take bus (any of the nos. above) to Ladphrao 124
3. Take KlongTei boat to the Mall Bangkapi,  then take bus (any of the nos. above) to Ladphrao 124

2. The Holy Rosary Church

    Soi Wanit 2, Thanon Charoen Krung

       Sampanthawong , Bangkok  

          Said to be built by by the Portugese on a land gifted to them by King Rama 1 for having defended Ayutthaya from Burma, the original Holy Rosary Church was first built in 1786, thus making it one of the oldest churches in Bangkok. The present structure was built in 1891-1898, and typical of the designs of old churches and cathedral of the 16th -18th century, was influenced by the Gothic revival era. 

From its site along the banks of Chao Phraya (which maybe translated as "River of Kings"), the Holy Rosary Church is truly a sight to behold. It offers a humble and calming respite from the otherwise busy commercial establishments  that surround it. But closer to and on the site itself, the fuss and buzz of commerce and trade takes over the solemnity of the place. Food stalls and vendors surround the area not to mention malls and other commercial establishments. 

3. Chapel of the Annunciation

      Assumption College Campus

           Ramkhamhaeng 24, Huamark

           Bangkapi, Bangkok

     The Assumption Church along Ramkhamhaeng is within the Assumption College compound. It is located on the third floor of the Graduate Studies building. For first-time visits, it is best to ask directions from inside the campus.

The entrance to the chapel is on the third floor, right across a flight of stairs leading to different offices of the graduate studies department. Surprisingly, it is the most solemn church/chapel I have been to in Bangkok.

  While the chapel is very contemporary, the interior abounds with stained glass mosaics depicting religious personalities and events. Besides the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Louis de Monfort appears to be a favored figure in the chapel.

The chapel of the Annunciation is one of the few that has regular English masses which is held daily at 5 in the afternoon. During Sundays, an English celebration is scheduled at 10 in the morning. Special Catholic holidays are also often celebrated in English as Assumption College takes pride as a leading college for International studies that requires the use of the English Language at all times within the campus.





Some ways to get there: 

  1. Take a bus plying Ramkhamhaeng (Nos. 115, 113, 207, 40, 48, ). Get off at   
    Ramkhamhaeng Big C Supermarket. Walk to songthiew terminal along ABAC road  
        across 
        7-eleven. Take songthiew (public jeep/mini truck) ride to ABAC Assumption College 
        (7 Baht). 

   2. Or take Bus 137 which will pass right in front of ABAC Assumption College
       Ramkhamhaeng. 

4. The Holy Redeemer Church

  123/19 Ruam Rudi Lane 5, 

    Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok  

   The Holy Redeemer church grounds exudes a vibrant, friendly and welcoming atmosphere because of several reasons.  First, it has a wide, big gate I have never ever seen closed during the day, which is quite rare for Churches in Thailand. It has a spacious open area around the structure which serves as parking but which allows for informal small group gatherings and chitchats. And Holy Redeemers has a large and busy but nevertheless friendly parish pastoral center in the left rear adjacent structure, complemented by a flower shop, a mini cafe and  well kept toilets.

   

Outside, the church building itself is unmistakably Thai-inspired. The high-pitched, three-level, multi-coloured ceramic tile roof and the ornate roofing accents can be mistaken for a "wat" or temple from afar if not for the cross. Doorways from all sides are adorned with gold spire-shaped architrave.

Inside, the huge free-standing statue of Jesus with hands raised up in utter supplication is commanding and resplendent against the plain white wall sans the usual altar mouldings and trimmings. Ornaments, furniture, side altar niches, and almost everything else are Thai inspired.           The Holy Redeemer Church is the most frequented Catholic Church by most Foreigners. During Sundays, There are four masses celebrated in English:  8:30 , 9:45 and 11:00 in the morning and 5:30 in the afternoon. English masses are also said everyday at 5:30pm including the anticipated mass on Saturdays. Some ways to get there:    1. Take a bus plying Sukhumvit road - Ploenchit (Nos. 40, 44, 48, 2, 25). Get off at Ploenchit         BTS station. 2. Take BTS to Ploenchit station. For 1 and 2: Walk to Ruamrudi lane. Ruamrudi lane is left of Novotel Bldg.in front of Ploenchit BTS station. Walk (about 1.4 km.) or take motorbike (10 baht/person) to Holy Redeemer church 3. Take MRT to Lumpini Station. At Witthayu road, take bus 17 in the direction of Victory Monument. 4. Take bus plying Petchaburi road (113, 60, 93, etc.) and get off at Me Tro Store. Take bus 62 or 76. For 3 and 4: Get off at Ruam rudi road (beside “SMOOTHE” bldg.and across Kian Gwan House) and Walk to Holy Redeemer’s Church (about 400m.)