Breaking the Sound Barrier
Invisible struggle of Thailand's deaf Catholics to find voice in the Church
Chanthaburi Diocese marked the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23 not just with prayers and reflections, but with a renewed commitment to build a Church where Deaf Catholics can fully belong.
At the heart of this mission is Fr. Peter Buravaj Searaariya, the first and only priest in Thailand fluent in Thai Sign Language.
As director of the Pastoral Ministry for the Deaf in Chanthaburi, he leads a team of 20 trained interpreters known as the St. Jerome Team. Together, they provide a bridge between the Deaf and the wider Catholic community.
“People unfamiliar with Deaf individuals or Deaf ministry often do not realize the numerous obstacles they face within the Church,” Fr. Peter told LiCAS News.
The priest said the first challenge is language, adding that the Thai language “is not a Deaf person’s first language since they have never heard it.”
This puts them at a disadvantage from the very beginning,” he added.
Invisible Struggle
Thailand has about 350,000 Deaf people, according to government statistics as of February 2025. How many are Catholic is unknown, but their challenges in faith life are clear. Many struggle to access the sacraments due to the limited number of signing priests and religious.
“Because their disability is invisible, the Church often unintentionally overlooks the Deaf,” said Fr. Peter, adding that “many Catholics with hearing issues have not received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for years.”
Without sign language, the priest said, “they cannot fully participate in the Church’s life. It is no surprise that some stop attending Mass.”
Fr. Peter Buravaj Searaariya, the first and only priest in Thailand fluent in Thai Sign Language. (Photo by PMD - Pastoral Ministry for the Deaf)
Fr. Peter Buravaj Searaariya, the first and only priest in Thailand fluent in Thai Sign Language. (Photo by PMD - Pastoral Ministry for the Deaf)
Solutions through Ministry
Chanthaburi remains the only diocese in Thailand with a dedicated office for Deaf ministry. Its programs now extend to the Archdiocese of Bangkok, with plans to reach three more dioceses in the northeast.
Fr. Peter also works with the Bishops’ Conference of Thailand to promote and coordinate Deaf ministry nationwide.
The diocese provides a Deaf-friendly space where Thai Sign Language is used in all activities, including the celebration of the Eucharist.
Sunday Mass is celebrated by Fr. Peter himself in sign language, supported by trained interpreters.
A major initiative is the Thai Sign Language Bible Translation Project. The priest said they have established a translation team and “are promoting the use of Thai Sign Language in Bible translation while respecting the culture of the Deaf.”
The St. Jerome Team leads this work, ensuring Scripture becomes accessible in a language the Deaf can claim as their own.
Fr. Peter Buravaj Searaariya and the St. Jerome Team. (Photo by PMD - Pastoral Ministry for the Deaf)
Fr. Peter Buravaj Searaariya and the St. Jerome Team. (Photo by PMD - Pastoral Ministry for the Deaf)
Resilience in faith
The ministry for people with hearing issues is not popular within the Catholic Church, especially in Asia.
“With so many challenges, it is truly remarkable that many remain faithful,” Fr. Peter said. “They are grateful for pastoral workers and individuals who continue to support their faith.”
The International Day of Sign Languages, proclaimed by the United Nations, emphasizes exactly this: that inclusion begins with language.
Observed on September 23, the day commemorates the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951 and highlights the use of more than 300 sign languages worldwide.
“Sign language is the natural language of Deaf people,” Fr. Peter emphasized. “With sign language, Deaf people can do anything — pursue education, build families, practice their faith, and live fully in society. It is the key to breaking barriers and ensuring an inclusive world.”
As the Jubilee Year of Hope unfolds, Fr. Peter and his team are focusing on three key events: Thai Sign Language Recognition Day on August 17, World Sign Language Day on September 23, and the Feast of St. Jerome on September 30.
For Deaf Catholics, these milestones are more than dates — they are signs that the Church is listening.
With generous support from
Pontifical Society of the Propagation of the Faith
Text by Chainarong Monthienvichienchai and Mark Saludes
Produced by Peter Monthienvichienchai
Published September 25, 2025
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