Bangok: Prominent Buddhist and Catholic figures in Thailand came together at Bangkok’s revered Wat Phra Chetuphon (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) to celebrate the life and work of the late Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

The December 1 ceremony underscored Cardinal Ayuso’s lifelong dedication to fostering understanding between faiths. His Holiness Somdet Phra Maha Thirachan, the temple’s abbot, led a traditional Buddhist merit-making rite, with ten monks chanting prayers to honor the Cardinal’s spirit. Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, followed with a Catholic liturgy, emphasizing the Cardinal’s lasting influence with a reading from the Gospel of St. John about the transformative power of self-sacrifice.

The gathering symbolized the deep bond between Thailand’s Catholic and Buddhist communities, a relationship strengthened by Cardinal Ayuso’s tireless efforts in interfaith dialogue. Known for his global advocacy, the Cardinal participated in key events like the Seventh Buddhist-Christian Colloquium in Thailand, which highlighted compassion and love as solutions to humanity's and the planet’s challenges.

Born in Spain, Cardinal Ayuso’s missionary work in Egypt and Sudan shaped his approach to dialogue, particularly between Christians and Muslims. His leadership at the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue saw landmark achievements, including the 2019 signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmad Al-Tayyeb.

His legacy, marked by historic outreach and a vision of unity, resonated deeply during the Bangkok ceremony, which brought Buddhist monks and Catholic clergy together in mutual respect. As Thailand remembers the Cardinal, his contributions to interfaith harmony continue to inspire hope for a future rooted in empathy and cooperation.