Praise You In The Storm

Mr. & Mrs. Nilo Rafols
San Lorenzo Ruiz Awardees 2011

Nilo and Nimfa’s life in Thailand is very touching and fruitful. They experienced both success and failure, both joy and pain, which gave them a deeper knowledge of our God Almighty. Where there were trials, their faith grew.

They came to Thailand thirty seven years ago as Catholic lay missionaries. They taught at the Intermediate Seminary and school. Their trip was arranged by Rev. Mother Miriam Kitjaroen SPC (now the Mother Superior of the Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres and resides in Italy). At first, they were assigned at Sta. Cruz Convent, with part time work at the Intermediate Seminary in Sampran (St. Joseph Uphatam School), where Rev. Fr. Sangwal was the Father Rector (ordained as Bishop of Chiangmai in 1974-1975).

A few years later, the Council of the Bishop Conference of Thailand decided to transfer the Intermediate Seminary to the Diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima. Luckily, Nilo was assigned at Marie Vithaya School where he helped Rev. Fr. Marius Louise Bray and played electone in the church. As they preferred a quiet life outside of the city, they decided to settle in Korat while working at Marie Vithaya School.

Then in 1978, Rev. Fr. Surin Prasomphol, the first rector of the Holy Family Intermediate Seminary, asked Nimfa to continue her teaching job at the Intermediate Seminary. She agreed and stayed until 2006. Almost all of her former students are now successful in their vocation in life.

Nilo started to work at the seminary when Rev. Fr. Kriangsak Kovitwanit was the rector of the Holy Family Intermediate Seminary, with his assistant Rev. Fr. Chaiyo. During that time, they taught almost 50 seminarians. Both of them stayed for a long time, together with Rev. Fr. Kriangsak, who is now the Archbishop of Bangkok after his appointment as Bishop of Nakhon Sawan Diocese. He taught them how to pray silently in their hearts, which also led to their motto: “In every fervent prayer, there’s always an answer.”

Many people know them, not only in Thailand, but in different countries as well. They are considered as “Padrinos” to some Filipinos, because they are always willing to help. They are also peacemakers to some. They also helped some students who needed to take an examination by teaching them for free. Some of their students, Fr. Chaio, Rector of Intermediate Seminary and Bishop of Nakhon Ratchasima, Rev. Fr. Vera, Bishop of Chiangmai, Fr. Visano, Thailand Ambassador abroad, and many more, are already successful. They also helped some sisters who are reviewing for their doctorate degree. They have offered countless services, which is why a lot of people love and trust them. They have earned people’s respect, and they have made a difference in the lives of the people they have helped.

Recognitions and awards for their great service were given to them by the ministry of education and Cambridge University, where Nimfa Rafols is currently the secretary and examiner of KET, PET, YLE, TKT and FCE, and where Nilo Rafols is an oral examiner, secretary, translator and an evaluator of Mid-term and final test of the students at Saint Mary’s College.

Their willingness to help people in need is a good example to us. They are a kind-hearted couple, that’s why they are also blessed with two sons, and good people around them.

On April 14, 2003, their son, Joseph, was in a terrible car accident. Joseph, who was in Bangkok at that time, had to undergo 3 successive brain surgeries. Nilo and Nimfa thought they have lost him, but God Almighty had been so kind to them, He spared Joseph’s life. Their fervent prayers were answered by His great love and mercy.

While Joseph was confined at Phyathai 1 Hospital in Bangkok, Nilo spent his free time going to all big churches in Bangkok. He went to Ruamrudee Church where he expressed devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help by walking on his knees from the entrance to the altar. We did the same at the Assumption Church in Bangrak and the Convent of the Carmelites Sister. His knees became so painful that he consulted with Dr. Parit in Phayathai hospital and got a knee X-ray. He was informed that his knees were weak and swollen, and was advised not to kneel down for a month. He never told the doctor what had happened to him.

They had to temporarily stop serving at the seminary because they had to look after Joseph at the hospital. But they have promised themselves that as soon as Joseph recovers, they would continue serving at the seminary.

Through all those difficult times, they found love and help. They are very grateful to the late Bishop Monsignor Joacquim Phayao Manisab, and to all the priests of the Diocese of Nakhon Ratchasima, especially Rev. Fr. Prayoon Namwong. They would also like to thank: former Sister Superior Rev. Sr. Kanchana Sudprasert; the Religious Sisters of the Assumption Order from the Philippines who stood beside them in time of pain and sorrow; former Philippine Ambassador Antonio Rodriguez and his wife Madame Janet and Philippine embassy personnel; Philippine Ambassador Linglingay Lacanlale and her husband; Ms. Aurora Wongwiwatana and Edith; and, the family of Mrs. Minerva Tipjariyaudom – for all their help, prayers and financial assistance. Most of all, to Rev. Fr. Peter Surin Prasomphol, their former director of Marie Vithaya School, who was always on their side, giving them strength, fervent prayers and financial support, too.

It is truly unimaginable how Nilo and Nimfa survived the Calvary that they had gone through. It was an amazing miracle that happened to them, and to Joseph. They survived, and will continue their mission for God’s glory.

Joseph is currently at home with his nurse. Nilo and Nimfa are also back at the seminary and school, serving with all their heart, mind and strength. Praise the Lord! Indeed, “God will make a way.”