WRITER: THE AU LIBRARY
With Heavy Hearts, AU Mourns the Passing of the Great Professor of the Order of Saint Gabriel
Rev. Bro. Simeon Anupatt Petchara-Yuttachai
With profound sadness, Assumption University announces the peaceful passing of Rev. Bro. Simeon Claude Petiteau f.s.g., the Great Professor of the Order of Saint Gabriel, on January 31, 2024.
In a touching gesture of condolence, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of Thailand have bestowed beautiful funeral wreaths in hues of yellow and purple in memory of the late Rev. Bro. Simeon Claude Petiteau f.s.g., the Great Professor of the Order of Saint Gabriel. The revered wreaths were graciously received by Rev. Bro. Dr. Dechachai Sripichan, Chairman of the Assumption University Council and the Provincial Superior of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, Province of Thailand, along with Rev. Bro. Dr. Verayuth Boonpram, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Assumption University.
This royal homage underscores the profound respect and recognition for Rev. Bro. Simeon’s significant contributions to education and his enduring legacy at Assumption University and beyond. The Assumption University community is deeply honored by this gesture, reflecting the strong bonds and mutual respect between the Royal Family and the institution’s mission of excellence in education and service.
The Assumption University community came together in a solemn gathering to bid "Au Revoir" to Rev. Brother Simeon Anupatt Petchara-Yuttachai, a beloved figure whose life and teachings left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many. The ceremony was graced with heartfelt words from Rev. Bro. Dr. Dechachai Sripicharn, who eloquently captured the essence of Brother Simeon's profound impact on education and spirituality.
The chapel and its surroundings were adorned with numerous funeral wreaths, a testament to the deep respect and admiration held for Brother Simeon by students, faculty, alumni, and friends. This gathering was not just a farewell but a celebration of a life well-lived, dedicated to the service of others and the nurturing of countless young minds.
Rev. Bro. Simeon, known as the transformative teacher and consummate mentor, was born on April 10, 1930. He dedicated his life to education and the Montfortian service with a remarkable journey that began at the tender age of nine. His unwavering commitment led him to serve across three continents, profoundly impacting countless lives through his 58 years of teaching.
Celebrated for his punctuality and disciplined approach, Rev. Bro. Simeon instilled in his students not only academic knowledge but also personal ethics and integrity. His teaching philosophy was to transform students from 'raw material' into 'beautiful finished products,' focusing on their overall deportment and development into educated individuals. This philosophy carried through to his "Last Orientation" – a legacy of wisdom imparted in his final class each semester that many graduates treasure as life-enriching guidance.
In 2008, Assumption University was honored to induct Rev. Bro. Simeon as a Professor of the Order of St. Gabriel. His commitment to faith and education was further recognized when H.M. Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana presented him with an honorable pin during the university’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
"Rev. Bro. Simeon was a beacon of knowledge and an exemplar of Montfortian virtues. His life’s work echoed the university’s mission of molding individuals equipped with both intellectual prowess and integrity," said Brother Bancha, President of Assumption University. "His departure is a significant loss to our community, but his legacy will forever be enshrined in the halls of Assumption University."
Rev. Bro. Simeon’s life was a testament to his belief in the transformative power of education and his deep faith. He balanced his academic and administrative excellence with a rich spiritual life, dedicating two hours daily to prayer and always adorning the Crucifix of Christ as a symbol of his beliefs.
Assumption University extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Rev. Bro. Simeon, the Montfortian community, the alumni, faculty, staff, students, and the many lives touched by Rev. Bro. Simeon. We celebrate his life and mourn the loss of a pillar in our community.
Details regarding the memorial service will be shared in due course. The university invites all who wish to pay respects to Rev. Bro. Simeon to join in commemorating a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
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