The 2026 ceremony at Wat Sutthawat honored His Majesty the King, remembered departed members of the AU community and extended support to a local temple and school.
Assumption University of Thailand (AU) marked its 2026 Annual Merit-Making Ceremony at Wat Sutthawat on July 22, bringing about 93 administrators, faculty members, staff and students together for Buddhist observances, remembrance and community service.
Organized by the Student Affairs Division through the Office of Thai Arts and Culture, the annual gathering preserved a respected Thai tradition while strengthening the University’s relationship with the temple, a local school and the surrounding community.
Phra Khru Opas Sarathikhun, Ph.D., Abbot of Wat Sutthawat and Ecclesiastical Chief of Khlong Udom Chonlachon Subdistrict, served as the presiding monk. Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g., Ph.D., President of Assumption University, presided on behalf of the University. Ms. Charinthip Hanprasert, Director of Phaeng Pittayaphum School, joined the ceremony with school administrators, teachers and students.
Participants dedicated merit to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua on the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday anniversary. The ceremony also observed the Buddhist Lent period and honored deceased AU administrators, faculty members and staff whose service helped build the institution.
Buddhist chanting, a Dhamma sermon and meditation gave participants time to step away from daily responsibilities, renew their inner strength and cultivate mindfulness. The observances placed spiritual well-being alongside academic and professional development as part of the University’s wider commitment to educating the whole person.
For Assumption University, a Catholic institution, the gathering also expressed a commitment to interreligious dialogue. Participation in Buddhist practices offered members of the AU community from different faiths and cultural backgrounds an opportunity to learn together with respect and understanding.
The ceremony emphasized values shared across religious traditions: compassion, service, gratitude and generosity. Those values moved beyond the ceremony itself through a community-support initiative led by the University.
Donated items collected from AU administrators, staff and University units were presented to Wat Sutthawat and Phaeng Pittayaphum School. The contributions supported the temple’s work and educational opportunities for students in the local community.
By bringing together prayer, remembrance and service, the 2026 Annual Merit-Making Ceremony connected tradition with present-day responsibility. It also reaffirmed an enduring AU principle: academic excellence carries its greatest value when joined by integrity, respect for others and a willingness to serve.
WRITER: THE AU LIBRARY
More Information about Office of Thai Arts and Culture, please visit:
Website: Office of Thai Arts and Culture
Tel: (+66)-2783-2222 Ext. 2145
