Bl. Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung
Born: January 31, 1895
Died: January 12, 1944
Feast day: January 12
Patron saint of: Thailand
Bl. Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung was the first martyred priest in Thailand. Born in 1895 as one of six children in a Christian-converted family, Nicholas entered the seminary at age 13. Throughout his years as a priest, he worked as a missionary across Thailand to engage lapsed Catholics. During World War II, Thailand’s Buddhist-majority government was skeptical of Western influence, including that of the Catholic Church. Nicholas was arrested and eventually died in prison of tuberculosis after being refused medical treatment due to his religion. As a fierce advocate for religious freedom, Nicholas helped people find their faith even at the end of his life, converting nearly 70 people while in prison. Today, no matter the circumstances you may find yourself in, Nicholas reminds us that you can always rely on your faith for comfort and support.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
