The installation of Reverend Brother Gabriel Sirichai Fonseka as the new President of Assumption University of Thailand
The installation of Reverend Brother Gabriel Sirichai Fonseka as the new President of Assumption University of Thailand is a moment of spiritual and historical significance. It is deeply rooted in the spirituality of the Annunciation, an event in Catholic teaching, and intimately linked with the teachings of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort. This august event is a living scene of divine intercession, manifesting the mystical interaction between Mary and Saint Gabriel, beautifully reflecting de Montfort’s ideals of true devotion and consecration to Mary. At the Annunciation, the Angel Gabriel, bearer of the heavenly message, revealed to Mary her destined role as the Mother of God, a revelation of celestial magnitude. This divine announcement brought joy imbued with divine favor and a formidable spiritual test. Mary met with exemplary humility and profound submission, mirroring the complete surrender Saint de Montfort so passionately advocated.
Angel Gabriel is a divine intermediary, a radiant bridge connecting the celestial with the terrestrial, reaffirming God’s ongoing engagement and desire to reveal His will to humanity. In the spiritual narrative woven by de Montfort, Gabriel’s role is emphasizing the critical need to convey to mankind God’s messages with absolute clarity and supportive grace, encouraging us to embrace our divine destiny with assurance and dignity. The installation of our new president marks a renewal of commitment within our community, amongst pupils and staff, to embrace high ethical standards and moral integrity, ensuring a future where we continue to uphold the highest standards in all our academic and spiritual pursuits, providing a solid foundation for our future.
The name Gabriel, derived from the Hebrew ‘gabar’, meaning “to be strong” reflects his role as God’s messenger. Gabriel appears in moments of uncertainty or fear throughout the Scriptures, providing strength and reassurance. As this new chapter unfolds, our University is poised to continue exemplifying international excellence and the unique spirit of Saint Gabriel’s educational principles. We are committed to upholding the highest governance standards, promoting participatory leadership, and striving for excellence in every aspect of our collaborative life.
As Reverend Brother Gabriel Sirichai Fonseka accepts his new responsibility, he exemplifies a spirit of modesty and unwavering faith, ready to lead Assumption University with conviction, courage, and a deep spiritual mission. The action of Mary and Saint Gabriel at the Annunciation, through the spiritual lens of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort and symbolized by Mary as the ‘Seat of Wisdom’ provides a powerful model for his leadership approach. By embracing his role with the same spirit of devotion and confidence, he is nominated to inspire our community, creating a legacy of faith, commitment, and outstanding achievement at Assumption University.
“As a member of the religious Congregation of the Brothers of Saint Gabriel, my first obligation to this Congregation is to consecrate and offer myself totally to God Alone for His glory. This consecration to God integrates love of God and love of humanity, to be transformed into the salvation of mankind by means of educational services of students and those disadvantaged. In relation to this, my religious state of life embodies the profession of the evangelical counsels. One of them is the spirit of obedience with fraternal service. With this in mind I pray in simple Latin: Fiat voluntas Dei et soli Deo gloria, which means, may God’s will be done, and for Glory to God alone! So I willingly take up this presidency, at this juncture of life, as another spiritual and professional journey …
I place my trust in God the Almighty, with filial trust in Our Lady of Assumption and with impetus as inspired by Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, that They will assist and accompany me in all my endeavors. I believe in the encouraging words of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort, in his letter no. 27, written in 1715, to his disciples, ‘I know you will have many difficulties to overcome, but an enterprise which is going to do so much for the glory of God and the salvation of men will have its way strewn with thorns and crosses. If you don’t take risks for God, you won’t give anything worthwhile.’ ”
(from Bro. Sirichai’s reflection)
This new era at Assumption University is committed to maintaining the highest levels of excellence and integrity, mirroring the distinguished characteristics of Gabrielite education, and fostering an environment where faith and academic pursuit flourish together with concerted endeavors and efforts.